Occupational Safety and Health- Control Methods 1

OSH Control Method - 2

1. C HAPTER 2 : CONTROL METHODS 2.1 PRINCIPLES OF CONTROL 2.2 CHEMICAL CONTROL 2.3 EMERGENCY PLANNING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

2. TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOME

3. DEFINITION Definition: Control is the elimination or inactivation of a hazard in a manner 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.

4. Principle of control The principles of control can be applied to both health risks and safety risks The control of risks is essential to secure and maintain a healthy and safe workplace which complies with the relevant legal requirements . In industry today safety is controlled through a combination of : engineered measures (e.g. guarding and warning systems) operational measures in training, safe work practices,operating procedures and method statements, management supervision .

5. Substitution or substitute (replace) hazardous materials or machines with less hazardous ones. Elimination remove the hazard from the workplace Engineering Controls includes designs or modifications to plants, equipment, ventilation systems, and processes that reduce the source of exposure. Administrative Controls controls that alter the way the work is done, including timing of work, policies and other rules, and work practices such as standards and operating procedures (including training, housekeeping, and equipment maintenance, and personal hygiene practices). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) equipment worn by individuals to reduce exposure such as contact with chemicals or exposure to noise.

6. Hierarchy of Control Specific recommendations on effective control measures to mitigate risks via the Hierarchy of Controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment) are made .

7. Selecting a suitable control Selecting a control often involves: a. evaluating and selecting short and long term controls b. implementing short-term measures to protect workers until permanent controls can be put in place c. implementing long term controls when reasonably practicable. For example: suppose a noise hazard is identified. Short-term: controls might requireworkers to use hearing protection. Long term: permanent controls might remove or isolate the noise source.