Hierarchy of Hazard Controls
Controlling exposures to occupational hazards is the fundamental method of protecting workers.
Traditionally, a prioritized "Hierarchy of Controls" (HOC) has been used to implement feasible and effective exposure controls to protect workers. We encourage the use of the HOC as described within the ANSI/ASSP Z10, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, to control hazards. The six strategies are discussed below.
- Elimination: By eliminating the hazard you prevent exposure to the hazard, and prevent the possibility of an accident. This is your first priority, if feasible.
- Substitution: Replace materials, equipment, etc., with something that reduces the hazard to acceptable limits.
- Engineering controls: Design the environment, materials, tools, equipment and machines so that they do not present hazards.
- Warnings: Place OSHA signs (Danger, warning, caution, or safety instruction), audible alarms (klaxon, whistles, buzzers), or tactile warnings (vibration or fans) that alert employees about the presence of hazards.
- Work Practice Controls: Develop mandatory procedures and rules that reduce the possibility of exposure to hazards.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE helps to prevent contact with hazards and is used in conjunction with other controls.
The idea behind this hierarchy is the strategies and methods at the top of the graphic are potentially more effective and protective than those at the bottom. Following this hierarchy normally leads to inherently safer systems, where the risk of illness or injury has been substantially reduced.
Interim Measures
Using a lower priority hazard control method over another higher priority control strategy may be appropriate for providing interim (temporary) protection until the hazard is abated permanently. If you can't eliminate the hazard entirely, the interim control measures will likely be a combination of control methods used together. OSHA believes that feasible interim measures are always available if higher-level control methods are not possible.
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1-9. What is the most effective strategy for controlling hazards?
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