Control of Hazards

Course lecturer: Dr. Musamali

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Control of Hazards

Definition: Control is the elimination or inactivation of a

hazard such that the hazard does not pose a risk to
workers who have to enter into an area or work on
equipment in the course of scheduled work.

Types of control of hazards

(i) Eliminate/substitute hazard at the source;

(ii) Engineering Controls;

(iii) Administrative Controls; and

(iv) Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),

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(a) At the Source of the Hazard
• Elimination - Getting rid of a hazardous job, tool,
process, machine or substance.
– For example, a salvage firm might decide to stop
buying and cutting up scrapped bulk fuel tanks due
to explosion hazards.

• Substitution - Doing the same work but in a less

hazardous way.
– For example, a hazardous chemical can be replaced
with a less hazardous one.

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(b) Engineering Control
• Redesign - Jobs and processes can be reworked to
make them safer.
 For example, containers can be made easier to hold
and lift.

• Isolation - If a hazard cannot be eliminated or replaced,

it can sometimes be isolated, contained or otherwise
kept away from workers.
 For example, an insulated and air-conditioned control
room can protect operators from a toxic chemical.

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• Automation - Dangerous processes can be automated or
mechanized.
– For example, computer-controlled robots can handle
spot welding operations in car plants.

• Barriers - A hazard can be blocked before it reaches

workers.
– For example, special curtains can prevent eye injuries
from welding arc radiation.

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• Dilution - Some hazards can be diluted or dissipated.

 For example, ventilation systems can dilute toxic

gasses before they reach operators.

• Absorption - Baffles can block or absorb noise. Lockout

systems can isolate energy sources during repair and
maintenance.

 Usually, the further a control keeps a hazard away

from workers, the more effective it is.

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(c) Administrative Controls

• Safe Work Procedures (SWP) - Workers can be

required to use standardized safety practices.

 SWP are step by step instructions that allow

workers to conduct their work safely when hazards
are present.

• Training and Supervision

 Training: Initial training on safe work procedures

and refresher training should be offered. 8
 Supervision: Appropriate supervision to assist workers
in identifying possible hazards and evaluating work
procedures.

 Job rotations and other procedures can reduce the time

that workers are exposed to a hazard.

 For example, workers can be rotated through jobs

requiring repetitive tendon and muscle movements to
prevent cumulative trauma injuries.

 Noisy processes can be scheduled when no one is in

the workplace.

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Housekeeping, repair and maintenance programs

 Housekeeping includes cleaning, waste disposal and

spill clean-up.

 Tools, equipment and machinery are less likely to

cause injury if they are well maintained.

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Hygiene - can reduce the risk of toxic materials being
absorbed by workers or carried home to their families.

 Street clothing should be kept in separate lockers to

avoid being contaminated by work clothing.

 Eating areas must be segregated from toxic hazards.

 Eating should be forbidden in toxic work areas. Where

applicable, workers should be required to shower and
change clothes at the end of the shift. 11
(d) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Definition “Personal Protective Equipment” means

equipment or clothing worn by a worker for protection
from health or safety hazards associated with working
conditions at a workplace. Examples of personal
protective equipments are as follow;

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PPE signs

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• PPE is used when other controls measures are not
feasible and where additional protection is needed.

• Workers must be trained to use and maintain equipment

properly.

• The employer and workers must understand the

limitations of the personal protective equipment.

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The employer is expected to require workers to use their
PPE whenever it is needed.

 Care must be taken to ensure that PPE is working

properly or else it may endanger a workers health by
providing an illusion of protection.

 PPE is usually chosen to provide protection

appropriate to each of type of hazard present.

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Flow Chart – How to Control Hazard

Flow chart for control of Hazard:

The identification of hazards in the workplace is

achieved by the use of the following flow chart.

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 Identify and assess
hazard

Can the source of hazard be removed?

1.At the source

NO of hazard
YES
(Eliminate/substitute)
Remove the Can worker be separated from
hazard the source of hazard?

YES NO
2. Engineering
Separate the Is a non-hazardous substitute available or can
the hazard be controlled by engineering change? control
worker

YES NO

Substitute to Would Administrative Procedures 3. Admin . control

Guard the hazard control the hazard?

YES NO

For example write safe working Discontinue 4. PPE

procedures ( PPE may be task
required)
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Selecting a Suitable Hazard Control

Selection of a control often involve:

• Evaluating and selecting short and long term controls.

• Implementing short-term measures to protect workers

until permanent controls can be put in place.

• Implementing long term controls when reasonably

practicable.
 For example, suppose a noise hazard is
identified. Short-term controls might require
workers to use hearing protection. Long term,
permanent controls might remove or isolate the
noise source.

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Monitoring Controls

• The effectiveness of controls must be checked

regularly.

• Evaluate and monitor hazard controls during

inspections, routine maintenance, and other
activities. Ask the following questions:

1. Have the controls solved the problem?

2. Are all new hazards being identified?

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 3. Is any risk to workers posed by the controls
contained?

4. Are significant and or new hazards appropriately

controlled?

5. Are accident reports being analysed?

6. Are any other measures required?

Document control activities to track their effectiveness,

if necessary re-evaluate hazards and implement new control
measures.

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Table. Example: Sample Hazard Control Form
(to be completed by Departmental Head, Manager, or
Designate)

Identified Task New Control To be

Current Control Target Date for
or Job or Method completed by
Method corrections
Hazard Required (name)

Date: __...................___________________Signature: …………….

Completed Hazard Forms must be forwarded to the …… (Copy 1)

and Safety Services (Copy 2). Documented follow up on all
recommended action and controls is required and is subject to
internal and external environmental health and safety audits.

Safety Services - File Number ………………….________________ 22

Hazard Reporting

• The individual who identified the hazard must ensure

proper communication of the hazard to appropriate
authority (e.g. Manager of the department or his
designate, or safety service).

 The appropriate authority is responsible for

ensuring that effective and timely controls are
applied to the hazard and communicate the results
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back to the originator.
•Table. Sample: Hazard Identification Form
•(to be completed by individual who identified hazard)
•
•Name:_______________________________________________________ (please
print)
•Phone Number:_______________________________________________
•Department:__________________________________________________
•Hazard Location:______________________________________________
– Hazard Observed: What hazard has been seen or identified? What were you doing
when you noticed the hazard?
– Action Taken: What did you do to prevent the hazard from resulting in an
incident? If an incident did occur what happened?
– Recommended Action: What do you think management could or should do to
ensure that this hazard does not result in an incident? If an incident did occur
what do you think would prevent another incident from occurring?
•Place an X in the most appropriate column pertaining to the hazard observed.

HIGH RISK Hazard may result in serious injury (possibly death),

serious environmental impact, or significant damage
to property
MEDIUM RISK Hazard may result in sustained injury, moderate
environmental impact, and / or demage to
equipment
LOW RISK Hazard may result in negligible to minor injury or
environmenta impact

• High Risk hazards must be reported immediately to Security at Tel ….

• Date: ________________________________
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Signature:______________________________
• Forward completed form to Department Head / Manager or Designate
Safe Work Procedures

What re safe working procedures?

SWP are step by step instructions that allow workers to

conduct their work safely when hazards are present.
 A SWP identifies the materials and equipment
needed, and how and when to use them safely.

SWP are generally prepared for:

1. Critical high risk jobs where accidents have or
could result in severe injuries.

2. Hazardous work where accidents occur frequently.

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3. New or altered tasks have been introduced.

4. New equipment has been added to a process.

5. A job that requires many detailed tasks.

6. Where two or more workers are required for a job, and

each must perform specific tasks simultaneously.

7. Specific tasks are done infrequently.

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Safe work procedures (SWP) must include:
i. Regulatory requirements.

ii. Necessary PPE.

iii. Required training.

iv. Worker responsibilities.

v. Specific sequence of steps to follow to complete the

work safely.

vi. Required permits.

vii. Emergency procedures. 27

• An example of a task that requires the development of a
Safe Work Procedure is Confined Space Entry. Individuals
who must work within confined spaces must ensure that
SWP are developed and followed to maximize life safety.

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Sample Safe Work Procedure Sheet

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End of lecture

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