12 May. 2021

Elimination

Elimination is the highest form of risk control. Physical removal of the hazard is the most effective hazard control. By removing all hazards from a work area, employees can safely perform their work. An example includes workers performing maintenance on an overhead light run the risk of a fall hazard. To eliminate this hazard, the light must be lowered to the ground for maintenance.

Substitution

Substitution, the second most effective risk control, involves replacing something that produces a hazard with something that does not produce a hazard or produces a lesser hazard—for example, replacing lead-based paint with titanium white. To be an effective control, the new product must not produce unintended consequences. Because airborne dust can be hazardous, if a product can be purchased with a larger particle size, the smaller product may effectively be substituted with the larger product.

Engineering controls

The third most effective means of controlling risk is engineered controls. These do not eliminate hazards, but rather isolate people from hazards. Capital costs of engineered controls tend to be higher than less effective controls in the hierarchy, however they may reduce future costs. For example, a crew might build a work platform rather than purchase, replace, and maintain fall arrest equipment. “Enclosure and isolation” create a physical barrier between personnel and hazards, such as using remotely controlled equipment. Fume hoods can remove airborne contaminants as a means of engineered control.

Administrative controls

Administrative controls are changes to the way people work. Administrative controls do not remove hazards, but limit or prevent people’s exposure to the hazards, Examples of administrative controls include procedure changes, employee training, and installation of signs and warning labels (such as those in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes safety Helmets, safety shoes, hand gloves, coveralls, respirators, safety glasses and high-visibility clothing . While these do help lower the hazard risks, they are the least effective means of control as there is always the potential for the items to become damaged and ineffective. Proper maintenance and replacement of old PPE are necessary.