The hierarchy of controls is a method for gradually getting rid of or minimizing workplace risks. From the most effective level of protection to the least effective level of protection, it ranks controls. Starting at the top of the inverted pyramid will help you choose the best control approach. Before implementing the second layer of controls, evaluate the viability of the first layer of controls (elimination) (substitution). Continue doing this process until you have found all necessary measures to sufficiently safeguard the worker from the hazard and have reached the bottom of the pyramid. The diagram below illustrates the hierarchy of controls. Figure 1: Control hierarchy A different version of this hierarchy of controls may be used by some sources. As an illustration, consider CSA Standard 1002-12 (R2022): Systems that raise awareness of potential dangers is a layer under occupational health and safety, which also covers risk assessment and control and hazard identification and removal. For instance, alarms or warning indicators that are visible or audible. Between technical controls and administrative controls lies a systems layer. No matter how many layers are there, the hierarchy should be seen in the order given (it is always best to try to eliminate the hazard first, etc.).
What does elimination mean?
Elimination is the process of getting rid of the risk at work. Because the risk is no longer existing, it is the most effective technique to manage a risk. It is the preferred method of danger control and ought to be applied whenever practical. Examples of elimination control techniques are as follows: Investing in noise-reducing devices Whenever possible, use a reach pole when cleaning windows to avoid working at heights. removing and properly discarding items that are kept in the office but are no longer being used avoiding the road when there is a severe winter storm
Describe substitution.
The next control strategy to be thought of is substitution if eliminating a hazard is not attainable. In this instance, a risk is replaced with a less risky one. Substitution is the act of replacing one thing with another. To decide if an alternative is a suitable replacement, it must be carefully evaluated for its risks and hazards. To avoid replacing one risk with one that is equally detrimental or more dangerous, care must be taken to ensure that the new risk is genuinely lower. Substitution controls include the following examples: use water-based paints in place of solvent-based ones using a product in a bigger granule form rather than a tiny powder to lessen the production of dust diesel exhaust pollutants can be eliminated by switching to electric motors. When workers are exposed to dangerous goods, substitution is frequently used. Some instances are provided in Table 1 below: Sample Chemical Substitutions, Table 1 in place of Consider: Tetra chlorocarbon (causes liver damage, cancer) Benzene, dichloromethane, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (causes cancer) cyclohexane, toluene, and ketones pesticides (causes different impacts on body) (causes various effects on body) insecticides that are ""natural,"" like pyrethrins organic cleaners (causes various effects on body) detergents for use in water Leaded paints, glazes, and pigments (causes various effects on body) variants without lead-free sandstone grinding wheels (causes severe respiratory illness due to silica) artificial grinding wheels made of aluminum oxide However, keep in mind that you must ensure that the replacement product won't have any negative impacts and that exposures are under control and being monitored to ensure that the replacement product is below occupational exposure limits. The usage of the same chemical but in a different form is a different type of substitution. For example, a dry, dusty powder may be a significant inhalation hazard but if this material can be purchased and used as pellets or crystals, there may be less dust in the air and therefore less exposure. Table 2 See the OSH Answers document Substitution of Chemicals: Considerations for Selection for more information.
What are some illustrations of engineering control techniques?
Engineering controls are methods that will remove the hazard at the source, before it comes in contact with the worker. Engineering controls can be built into the design of a plant, equipment, or process to minimize the hazard. Engineering controls are a very reliable way to control worker exposures as long as the controls are designed, used, and maintained properly. Examples of engineering controls are: Isolation – separating workers from the hazard by distance or the use of barriers Enclosures – placing the material or process in a closed system (e.g., enclosed machines, booths, etc.) Guarding and shielding – using guards around moving parts of machinery Ventilation – using local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to remove or reduce airborne products Mechanical lifting devices– using mechanical methods to lift or move objects instead of manual lifting Guardrails – using guardrails to prevent a fall More information on engineering controls include the following: Process Control Process control involves changing the way a job activity or process is done to reduce the risk. Monitoring should be done before and as well as after the change is implemented to make sure the changes did, in fact, control the hazard. Examples of process changes include to: Use wet methods rather than dry when drilling or grinding. """"Wet method"""" means that water is sprayed over a dusty surface to keep dust levels down or material is mixed with water to prevent dust from being created. Use steam cleaning instead of solvent degreasing (but be sure to evaluate the potential high temperature hazard being introduced such as heat stress). Float """"balls"""" on open-surface tanks that contain solvents (e.g., degreasing operations) to reduce solvent surface area and to lower solvent loss. Instead of conventional spray painting, try to dip, paint with a brush, or use """"airless"""" spray paint methods. These methods will reduce the amount of paint that is released into the air. Decrease the temperature of a process so that less vapour is released. Use automation - the less workers have to handle or use the materials, the less potential there is for exposure. Use mechanical transportation rather than manual methods. Enclosure and Isolation These methods aim to keep the chemical """"in"""" and the worker """"out"""" (or vice versa). An enclosure keeps a selected hazard """"physically"""" away from the worker. Enclosed equipment, for example, is tightly sealed and it is typically only opened for cleaning or maintenance. Other examples include """"glove boxes"""" (where a chemical is in a ventilated and enclosed space and the employee works with the material by using gloves that are built in), abrasive blasting cabinets, or remote control devices. Care must be taken when the enclosure is opened for maintenance as exposure could occur if adequate precautions are not taken. The enclosure itself must be well maintained to prevent leaks. Isolation places the hazardous process """"geographically"""" away from the majority of the workers. Common isolation techniques are to create a contaminant-free or noise-free booth either around the equipment or around the employee workstations. Ventilation Ventilation is a method of control that """"adds"""" and """"removes"""" air in the work environment. General or dilution ventilation can remove or dilute an air contaminant if designed properly. Local exhaust ventilation is designed to remove the contaminant at the source so it cannot disperse into the work space and it generally uses lower exhaust rates than general ventilation (general ventilation usually exchanges air in the entire room). Local exhaust ventilation is an effective means of controlling hazardous exposures but should be used when other methods (such as elimination or substitution) are not possible. Figure 3 Example of Local Exhaust Ventilation The design of a ventilation system is very important and must match the particular process and product in use. Expert guidance should be sought. It is a very effective control measure but only if it is designed, tested, and maintained properly. Because products are exhausted to the outdoors, you should also check with your local environment ministry or municipality for any environmental air regulations or bylaws that may apply in your area.
What are examples of administrative controls?
Administrative controls involve developing procedures to ensure the work conducted in a way that minimizes the hazard. Examples include developing or changing policies, implementing or improving training and education, and developing or enhancing work practices and procedures. Administrative controls are ranked lower than elimination, substitution, and engineering controls because this method does not necessarily remove or reduce the hazard from the workplace. For example, administrative controls limit workers' exposures by scheduling shorter work times in contaminant areas or by implementing other """"rules"""". These control measures have many limitations because the hazard itself is not actually removed or reduced. Administrative controls should be used in combination with other control measures where possible. Methods of administrative control include: Using job-rotation schedules or a work-rest schedule that limit the amount of time an individual worker is exposed to a substance. Implementing a preventative maintenance program to keep equipment in proper working order Scheduling maintenance and other high exposure operations for times when few workers are present (such as evenings, weekends). Restricting access to a work area. Restricting the task to only those competent or qualified to perform the work. Using signs to warn workers of a hazard. More information about types of administrative controls is provided below: Work Practices Elements of safe work practices include: Developing and implementing safe work procedures or standard operating procedures. Training and education of employees about the operating procedures as well as other necessary workplace training (including WHMIS). Establishing and maintaining good housekeeping programs. Keeping equipment well maintained. Preparing and training for emergency response for incidents such as spills, fire, or employee injury. Education and TrainingEmployee education and training on how to conduct their work safely is a critical element of any complete workplace health and safety program. Training must cover not only how to do the job safely but it must also ensure that workers understand the hazards and risks of their job, and the controls in place to protect them. It must also provide them with information on how to protect themselves and co-workers. Good Housekeeping Good housekeeping is essential to prevent the accumulation of hazardous or toxic materials (e.g., build-up of dust or contaminant on ledges, or beams), or hazardous conditions (e.g., poor stockpiling). For more information about workplace housekeeping, please see the OSH Answers document Workplace Housekeeping - Basic Guide. For more information about combustible dust, please see the OSH Answers document Combustible Dusts. Figure 4 Emergency Preparedness Being prepare for emergencies means making sure that the necessary equipment and supplies are readily available and that employees know what to do when something unplanned happens such as a release, spill, fire, or injury. These procedures should be written and employees should have the opportunity to practice their emergency response skills regularly. Please see the OSH Answers document on emergency planning for more information. Personal Hygiene Practices and Facilities Personal hygiene practices are another effective way to reduce the amount of a hazardous material absorbed, ingested, or inhaled by a worker. Examples of personal hygiene practices include: Washing hands after handling material and before eating, drinking or smoking. Avoiding touching lips, nose, and eyes with contaminated hands. No smoking, drinking, chewing gum or eating in the work areas - these activities should be permitted only in a """"clean"""" area. Not storing hazardous products in the same refrigerator as food items. Please see the OSH Answers documents on Workplace Housekeeping , Hand Washing: Reducing the Risk of Common Infections and Good Hygiene Practices - Reducing the Spread of Infections and Viruses for more information.
What should I know about personal protective equipment (PPE) as a hazard control method?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to anything workers wear to help protect them from a workplace hazard. The use of PPE as the main method to control exposures should be limited to situations where elimination, substitution, engineering, or administrative controls are not practicable, or when: Additional protection is required because other control methods are not sufficient to reduce the hazard The hazard is a result of a temporary or emergency condition PPE limits exposure to the harmful effects of a hazard but only if the PPE is worn and used correctly. Examples of PPE include: Respiratory protection Skin protection (e.g., coveralls, aprons, full body suits) Gloves Eye protection (e.g., face shield, goggles) Foot protection Hearing protective devices (e.g., ear plugs, ear muffs) The choice of what type of PPE is required must be based on the specific hazard found at the workplace. No matter which type of PPE is used, it is essential to have a complete PPE program in place. For more information about PPE programs, please see the following document Designing an Effective PPE Program.
Can more than one control method be used or followed?
Yes. Sometimes a hazard cannot be controlled using a single type of control method. If a hazard cannot be eliminated, a combination of controls may be required. For example: Using a scissor lift instead of a ladder (substitution). Workers should be trained on the safe use of the equipment and follow safe work procedures (administrative controls). When working at heights, workers should also use PPE, including a full body harness and lanyard attached to an anchor point, there is a risk of injury from falling. Driving in the winter for work. Controls may include not driving during extreme winter weather (elimination), determining if there are any other options to driving such as public transit (substation), use of winter tires (engineering), and driver training (administrative).
Should the adequacy of controls be reviewed or evaluated?
Yes. It is important to determine the effectiveness of the control methods implemented and adjust as required. Controls must not create new hazards. For example, if wearing PPE contributes to other hazards (e.g., heat stress), then it is important to review if other controls methods are possible or if additional precautions are needed. Monitor both the hazard and the control method to make sure that the control is working effectively and that exposure to the hazard is reduced or eliminated. Consider the following questions: Have the controls effectively eliminated or reduced worker exposure? Have any new hazards been created? Are new hazards appropriately controlled? Are any other methods required? Are workers trained on the control methods? What else can be done to eliminate or reduce exposure? If there is a change at the workplace, does this impact the hazard or the control methods?""" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/
