Control Measures of Hazards PDF

Control Measures of Hazards Work Health & Safety HSC- Learning Outcome 3.1 1123  2 Control Measures of Hazards: Control measures include actions that can be taken...

Control Measures of Hazards Work Health & Safety HSC- Learning Outcome 3.1 1123  2 Control Measures of Hazards: Control measures include actions that can be taken to reduce the potential of exposure to the hazard, or the control measure could be to remove the hazard or to reduce the likelihood of the risk of the exposure to that hazard being realized. The SIX (6) main steps of controlling a hazard are: 1. Eliminate the hazard 2. Substitute the hazard with a lesser risk 3. Isolate the hazard 4. Use engineering controls 5. Use administrative controls 6. Use personal protective equipment  3 Control Measures of Hazards: 1) Eliminate the hazard: Elimination of the hazard is not always achievable. However, the process totally removes the hazard and thereby eliminates the risk of exposure. Example 1: Petrol station attendants in Ireland are no longer exposed to the risk of chronic lead poisoning following the removal of lead from petrol. Example 2: Powdered gloves were banned by the FDA during surgery.  4 Control Measures of Hazards: 2) Substitute the hazard with a lesser risk: Substituting the hazard may not remove all of the hazards associated with the process or activity and may introduce different hazards but the overall harm or health effects will be lessened. Example: In laboratory research, Toluene is now often used as a substitute for Benzene. The solvent- properties of the two are similar but Toluene is less toxic and does not cause cancer.  5 Control Measures of Hazards: 3) Isolate the hazard: Examples: Restricting access to equipment. Locking substances away under strict controls. Placing noisy equipment in a non- accessible enclosure or room isolates the hazard from the person(s). When using certain chemicals then a fume cupboard can isolate the hazard from the person.  6 Control Measures of Hazards: 4) Use of Engineering Controls: It is the FIRST line of control to prevent work hazards. Redesigning a process to place a barrier between the person and the hazard. Removing the hazard from the person, such as machinery guarding, proximity guarding, extraction systems. Removing the operator to a remote location away from the hazard. Provides the most effective hazard control. Examples: (1) Ventilation system in hospitals, (2) wet methods for dust and (3) mechanical guards.  7 Control Measures of Hazards: 5) Use of Administrative Controls: Adopting standard operating procedures. Providing appropriate training, instruction or information with the goal of reducing the duration, frequency and severity of exposure to hazards. Changes in work procedures such as: Written safety policies/rules Schedule changes, such as Lengthened or Additional Rest Breaks Job Rotation Adjusting the Work Pace  8 5) Use of Administrative Controls: Examples: Rotate workers among different tasks to rest the various muscle groups of the body, reduce repetition, and ease mental demands. Improve work scheduling to minimize excessive overtime or shift work which can cause fatigue. Increase staffing to reduce individual workloads. Provide sufficient breaks, since adequate recovery time can reduce fatigue. Assign more staff to lifts of heavy objects. Encourage proper body mechanics and use of safe lifting techniques. Require all loads to be labeled with their weight. Store heavy objects at waist height. Follow good housekeeping practices. Provide workers with training on safe working postures, lifting techniques, ergonomics policies and procedures, and the safe use of lifting and carrying devices.  9 Control Measures of Hazards: 6) Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a method that prevents a worker from being exposed to the hazard by having the worker wear special clothing (e.g., gloves, hardhat, of safety glasses). If the PPE fails, immediate exposure to the hazard occurs. Examples: Gloves Glasses Earmuff Aprons Safety footwear Dust masks  Control Measures for a Physical Hazard: 10 SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS Controlling Hazards: When a hazard has been identified, employers must provide information, instruction and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety. Examples of Engineering controls during Slips, Trips and Falls: Consider the following when establishing safe work practices for slip-resistant flooring and slip-resistant your workplace: mats - characteristics of physical work area slope of surface (ramps, handrails) - weather conditions (snow, ice, surface free of obstructions/holes rain, etc…) - tasks performed appropriate drainage - workers’ work practices adequate lighting (minimize glare and Control measures for slip, trip and fall contrast) hazards may include: - Engineering - Administrative 11 12 13 14  Thank You 800 MyHCT (800 www.hct.ac.ae 69428)