Controlling exposures to hazards in the workplace is vital to protecting workers. The hierarchy of controls is a way of determining which actions will best control exposures. The hierarchy of controls has five levels of actions to reduce or remove hazards. The preferred order of action based on general effectiveness is: Show
Using this hierarchy can lower worker exposures and reduce risk of illness or injury. EliminationElimination removes the hazard at the source. This could include changing the work process to stop using a toxic chemical, heavy object, or sharp tool. It is the preferred solution to protect workers because no exposure can occur. SubstitutionSubstitution is using a safer alternative to the source of the hazard. An example is using plant-based printing inks as a substitute for solvent-based inks. When considering a substitute, it’s important to compare the potential new risks of the substitute to the original risks. This review should consider how the substitute will combine with other agents in the workplace. Effective substitutes reduce the potential for harmful effects and do not create new risks. Elimination and substitution can be the most difficult actions to adopt into an existing process. These methods are best used at the design or development stage of a work process, place, or tool. At the development stage, elimination and substitution may be the simplest and cheapest option. Another good opportunity to use elimination and substitution is when selecting new equipment or procedures. Prevention through Design is an approach to proactively include prevention when designing work equipment, tools, operations, and spaces. Engineering ControlsEngineering controls reduce or prevent hazards from coming into contact with workers. Engineering controls can include modifying equipment or the workspace, using protective barriers, ventilation, and more. The NIOSH Engineering Controls Database has examples of published engineering control research findings. The most effective engineering controls:
Engineering controls can cost more upfront than administrative controls or PPE. However, long-term operating costs tend to be lower, especially when protecting multiple workers. In addition, engineering controls can save money in other areas of the work process or facility operation. Administrative ControlsAdministrative controls establish work practices that reduce the duration, frequency, or intensity of exposure to hazards. This may include:
PPEPPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards. Examples of PPE include gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, and respirators. When employees use PPE, employers should implement a PPE program. While elements of the PPE program depend on the work process and the identified PPE, the program should address:
Employers should not rely on PPE alone to control hazards when other effective control options are available. PPE can be effective, but only when workers use it correctly and consistently. PPE might seem to be less expensive than other controls, but can be costly over time. This is especially true when used for multiple workers on a daily basis. When other control methods are unable to reduce the hazardous exposure to safe levels, employers must provide PPE. This includes:
Administrative controls and PPE require significant and ongoing effort by workers and their supervisors. They are useful when employers are in the process of implementing other control methods from the hierarchy. Additionally, administrative controls and PPE are often applied to existing processes where hazards are not well controlled. Training and evaluation can help ensure selected controls are successful. Employers should correctly train workers and supervisors on how to use controls. Workers and their supervisors should evaluate controls on a regular basis. Regular evaluation can check whether controls are effective in reducing workers’ exposures and identify potential improvements. What is the purpose of control self assessment?Control Self Assessment
CSA provides a framework for helping organisations to manage their risks to achieve their business objectives. In simple terms, CSA involves a structured approach to documenting business objectives, risks and controls and having operational management and staff assess the adequacy of controls.
Which of the following best describes Control Self Assessment CSA )?Which phrase best describes the control-based approach of the control self-assessment process? Examining how well controls are working in managing key risks.
What is the difference between self assessment and an audit?While the quality audit examines the compliance of a quality system with ISO 9000 standards and its suitability to achieve stated objectives, the self‐assessment measures organizational performance against a selected business excellence model.
Which one of the following statements is true with regard to due professional care according to the standards?Which of the following statements is true with respect to due professional care? Due professional care implies reasonable care and competence, not infallibility or extraordinary performance.
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