"Feasible" Controls
Hazard abatement measures required to correct a hazard must be technologically and economically feasible for the employer.
Hazard correction must be feasible.
OSHA uses the following criteria to determine feasibility of engineering and administrative controls:
- Technical Feasibility: Technical feasibility is the existence of technical know-how as to materials and methods available or adaptable to specific circumstances which can be applied to cited violations with a reasonable possibility that employee exposure to occupational health hazards will be reduced.
- Economic Feasibility: Economic feasibility means that the employer is financially able to undertake the measures necessary to abate identified hazards. Economic feasibility is a major issue to be considered when imposing hazard controls.
OSHA may allow the use of PPE to abate a hazard, at least until such time as engineering controls become a less significant economic burden for the company when the following conditions are met:
- If significant reconstruction of a single establishment involving a capital expenditure which would seriously jeopardize the financial condition of the company is the only method whereby the employer could achieve effective engineering controls;
- If there are no feasible administrative or work practice controls; and
- If adequate personal protective equipment or devices are available.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-2. _____ means the employer is financially able to undertake the measures necessary to abate identified hazards.
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