Hierarchy of Hazard Control

Five levels make up the hierarchy of hazard control, with the upper levels being the most successful. They are as follows, in brief:

1. Eliminate the hazard
2. Substitute a less hazardous material or process
3. Engineering controls
4. Administration controls
5. Personal protective equipment

Eliminate the Hazard

The best method of hazard control is to remove the threat entirely. A circumstance where workers are operating at a height above the ground level is a typical illustration of eliminating a hazard. The risk of a fall is eliminated by lowering the task to the ground.

Hazards may be eliminated by altering the location or method of the work. For instance, by removing a stage from a process that uses a hazardous substance. They can also be eliminated by restructuring a process to stop using risky tools, machines, materials, or equipment.

Substitution

On some hierarchies of hazard control lists, substitution and hazard removal may be coupled. Substitution is the process of replacing something dangerous with something safe. A common illustration is switching from solvent-based to water-based paint. By doing this, you can get rid of the dangerous fumes and combustible vapours that come from using and cleaning up solvent-based paint.

When switching out one material for another, it is important to take precautions to prevent the introduction of new risks in the workplace.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are the next best thing to eliminating a hazard when it cannot be done through replacement or elimination. In this instance, the risk is reduced yet the workers are still safeguarded. The fundamental concept is to create a work environment and tasks that minimize or completely eliminate exposure to dangers. For instance, a guard may be installed to a machine with moving parts to prevent unauthorized physical access to the moving parts.

Enclosure and isolation are terms frequently used to describe protecting moving parts. Other instances of seclusion and confinement include:

1. A separate room for MCCs keeps workers away from arc flash risks.
2. The use of curtains around areas where welding is occurring shields workers from the bright light.
3. By erecting barriers around fans and other noisy machinery, noise levels are reduced.
4. The electrical switch gear is surrounded by fencing to restrict access to high-voltage equipment.
5. Engineering controls are another method for getting rid of a risk. Using a fume hood to contain and eliminate airborne dangers is a typical illustration of this.

Administrative Controls

To encourage individuals to work safely, administrative measures are utilized. They consist of protocols, labels and warning signs, and training. Administrative controls utilize procedures and policies to limit access to dangers rather than removing them entirely.

OSHA divides these kinds of controls into two groups: administrative controls and safe work practices. Safe work practices are those that:

The overall workplace policies of your organization as well as other operation-specific rules are examples of safe work practices. For instance, exposure might happen even when a hazard is contained when maintenance is required. Employee exposure to risks can be further decreased by standardized safe work practices.

OSHA defines administrative controls as those additional steps taken to lessen employee exposure to risks in addition to work practices. This includes steps like adding more relief employees, taking breaks for exercise, and rotating staff. The "administrative controls," as OSHA defines it, are typically employed in concert with other safeguards that less indirectly prevent or limit exposure to the hazard.

Administrative controls typically consist of:

• Reducing the time that someone is exposed to risks.
• Written operational guidelines.
• Guidelines for safe labor procedures.
• Employee safety and health regulations.
• Signs, labels, and alarms.
• Buddy system.
• Training (and refresher training) (and refresher training).
• Warm-up and stretching exercises
• Break Policies

OSHA mandates the use of signs and labelling to alert people to potential dangers in addition to being a standard administrative control. Our OSHA Safety Signs Guide has more information about OSHA compliance.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protection equipment (PPE) is utilized when there is no other choice. This type of worker protection is regarded as the last line of defence against risks because it is both the least acceptable and least effective. The worker will be exposed to the risk if the PPE is damaged or fails.

• Gloves
• Hard hats
• Safety shoes and boots
• Safety glasses/face shields
• High visibility clothing
• Respirators
• Summary

A safer workplace will be the consequence of knowledge, understanding, and application of the hierarchy of hazard control. Always choose the approach that is listed first. The optimal course of action is usually to eliminate the risk, making PPE the least preferable choice.