Controlling Hazards
To control hazards, a hierarchy of controls is used to identify and rank feasible and effective controls. They are arranged in the most to least effective hierarchy and each control may be used independently or combined with other controls in the hierarchy.
To control hazards, a hierarchy of controls is used as a model to implement feasible and effective controls.
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering
- Administration
- Personal Protective Equipment
Elimination: This strategy is considered first because it has the potential to eliminate the hazard at the source, thus greatly reducing the probability of an accident. Removing equipment, machinery, materials, and substances may be expensive, but according to the National Safety Council, the average direct and indirect cost of a lost work time injury is estimated to be around $42,000 and over $1,340,000 to close a fatality claim.
- Removing Trip Hazards: Eliminating trip hazards by removing cables that must be strewn across walkways.
- Avoiding High-Risk Tasks: Eliminating the need to work at elevation by using prefabricated materials that can be assembled on the ground.
- Discontinuing the Use of Hazardous Chemicals: Eliminating the use of toxic chemicals in cleaning processes by switching to environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning agents.
- Removing High-Ladder Work: Installing permanent access equipment or using telescopic tools to perform tasks that were previously done using ladders.
Substitution: When elimination isn't feasible, substitution can be a viable alternative. This method involves replacing something that poses a hazard with a less dangerous option. For instance, changing out a toxic paint with a water-based alternative that releases fewer harmful vapors reduces health risks to workers. It is critical that the substitute is genuinely less hazardous and does not introduce new risks.
- Replacing Solvents: In industrial cleaning processes, substituting harsh chemical solvents with biodegradable and less toxic detergents reduces the risks associated with chemical burns and inhalation hazards.
- Switching to Low-Dust Products: In construction and renovation projects, using pre-mixed cement or other low-dust alternatives instead of traditional powdered products can significantly decrease respiratory risks for workers.
- Adopting Electric Equipment: Substituting gasoline-powered equipment with electric alternatives in indoor environments eliminates the exposure to carbon monoxide and other harmful exhaust emissions.
Engineering Controls: Workplace hazards are corrected through the design of machinery, equipment, materials, and tools. When elimination or substitution is not possible, implementing engineering controls is the "first line of defense" against injury/illness, because they also have the potential to eliminate exposure to a hazard.
The major advantage elimination, substitution, and engineering controls have is that they do not rely on human behavior to be effective. For instance, rather than requiring employees to wear respiratory protection that must be monitored, inspected, trained, and managed, it's much more effective to install a ventilation system that removes hazardous atmospheres.- Machine Guarding: Installing physical barriers that prevent access to moving parts of machinery, such as conveyor belts or mechanical arms. This prevents worker injuries such as cuts, amputations, or being caught in machinery.
- Local Exhaust Ventilation: Implementing a ventilation system that captures and removes airborne contaminants directly at their source, such as fumes from welding or solvents. This reduces the risk of respiratory issues and exposure to harmful substances.
- Automated Safety Features: Equipping machinery with automatic shut-off features that activate in response to specific hazardous conditions. For example, pressure-sensitive safety mats that stop machine operation when a person steps onto them, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Administrative Controls: Administrative controls include work practices and can be accomplished with the stroke of the pen. They change the way work is done or give workers more information by providing relevant procedures, training, or warnings. The goal is to cut down on how often and how long workers are exposed to hazards.
Although administrative controls can reduce exposure to hazards, they do not remove or alter hazards at their origin. Moreover, administrative controls depend heavily on individuals consistently following rules, requiring ongoing management.- Procedures: Procedures include equipment inspections, planned preventive maintenance, checklists, lockout/tagout/tryout, infection prevention and control practices, changing work schedules, pre- and post-task reviews, and rotation of workers.
- Training: Training is conducted on topics such as personal protective equipment, hazard communication, permit-required confined space entry, lockout/tagout/tryout, and safe work procedures.
- Warnings: Include signs, backup alarms, smoke detectors, computer messages, mirrors, horns, labels, and instructions.
Personal Protective Equipment: PPE includes protective equipment and clothing. PPE, alone, should not be relied on to provide protection against hazards. PPE should be used in conjunction with administrative and other controls.
- Construction: Workers wear hard hats to protect against head injuries from falling objects and steel-toe boots to protect feet from heavy falling or rolling objects.
- Healthcare: Medical professionals use gloves, masks, and eye protection to prevent exposure to infectious diseases when treating patients.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Employees handle hazardous chemicals while wearing chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, and full-face respirators to shield against chemical splashes and vapors.
For more information on the Hierarchy of Controls, take Course 704, Hazard Analysis and Control.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-10. Personal protective equipment should be used _____ administrative and other controls.
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