Hazard Controls
The "Hierarchy of Controls" is a framework used to prioritize and implement hazard control methods in the workplace.
The highest priority in controlling hazards in confined spaces is to eliminate the hazard.
The hierarchy ranks control measures based on their effectiveness in reducing or eliminating hazards. Here's a brief list of the hazard control methods, starting from the most effective to the least effective:
- Elimination: The highest priority in controlling hazards in confined spaces is to eliminate the hazard so that entry will be completely safe. That's not possible in many situations, but the attempt should still be considered. For example:
- if there is a hazardous atmosphere in the confined space, forced-air ventilation of the space might be the answer to eliminate the hazard.
- Completely decontaminating the space. This should be the preferred method of eliminating or reducing exposure to hazardous materials.
- Substitution: If elimination is not possible, it may be acceptable to replace toxic substances with less toxic or non-toxic substances so that hazardous atmospheres are not created. Examples include:
- keeping less of the product at the site
- keeping containers closed inside the confined space
- Engineering Controls: Engineering controls may be employed to design or redesign a confined space so that hazardous atmospheres and substances do not develop in the workspace. Examples of engineering controls include:
- installing automatic ventilation systems,
- redesigning the entrance so that unlimited access is possible, and
- redesigning an old confined space with a safer confined space configuration.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-2. Which of the following "Hierarchy of Controls" is considered the highest priority?
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