Recognizing and Controlling Hazards
Industrial hygienists recognize several primary hazard control strategies to eliminate or reduce hazards and employee exposure.
These basic control strategies are further organized into a "Hierarchy of Controls" as follows:
Elimination
Elimination entirely removes the hazard. This strategy totally eliminates the hazard from the workplace. This should be the top priority for all safety professionals including industrial hygienists. An example of this strategy includes replacing a hazardous chemical with a totally non-toxic, safe, chemical.
Substitution
This control strategy reduces the severity of the hazard. This strategy should be used if it is not feasible to eliminate the hazard. The idea is to replace the hazard with a less hazardous substitute. An example would be to replace a hazardous chemical with a less hazardous one. There would still be a need for protection like personal protective equipment, but the hazards of exposure would be less serious.
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls remove or reduce the severity of the hazard through design. This strategy involves the design or redesign of tools, equipment, machinery and facilities so that hazardous chemicals are not needed or that exposure to those hazardous chemicals are not possible. Examples include using equipment that does not require the use of hazardous chemicals in a process or for cleaning. Enclosing work processes or installing general and local ventilation systems might also be used.
It's important to understand that these three strategies are the most effective and primary means to control hazards in the workplace. The next strategies discussed focus in on controlling exposures not hazards.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. Industrial hygienists recognize several primary hazard control strategies to eliminate or reduce hazards and employee exposure. These basic control strategies are organized _____.
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