COSH-Module 4 Control Measures
Learner Notes
Elimination controls
Elimination and substitution represent the most effective methods for controlling hazards
in the workplace, as they aim to completely remove or replace the source of the hazard.
Elimination involves physically removing the hazardous material, process, or condition from
the work environment. This could involve discontinuing the use of a toxic substance,
redesigning a process to eliminate hazardous steps, or decommissioning outdated and
dangerous equipment. Elimination is the preferred control method, as it completely
eliminates the risk associated with the hazard.
An example of hazard elimination
• Original situation: Manually lifting heavy boxes can cause muscle strain and back
injuries.
• Hazard elimination: Instead of manual lifting, equip the workplace with a
mechanical lifting device like a forklift or hoist to completely remove the need for
workers to handle heavy objects directly.
This eliminates the risk of injury from lifting altogether.
Hazard elimination is the most effective way to control hazards according to the hierarchy
of controls, a widely used framework for prioritizing safety measures. It’s not always
possible, but it's a good goal to strive for whenever possible.
Eliminating Ladder Hazard in Warehouse
Setting: A busy warehouse with high shelving units. Order pickers use step ladders to reach
high shelves, posing a risk of falls.
Hazard: Falls from ladders are a leading cause of injury in warehouses.
Elimination Approach
1. Identify the hazard: Frequent use of ladders for picking items creates a fall risk for
warehouse staff.
2. Brainstorm solutions for elimination: Instead of relying on ladders entirely,
consider alternative methods to reach high shelves.
3. Implement solution: Install a mechanical order picking system. This could involve a
platform that lifts workers to the desired shelf height or a conveyor belt system that
brings shelved items down to a reachable level.
Substitution controls
When elimination is not feasible or practical, substitution can be an effective
alternative. Substitution involves replacing the hazardous material, process, or equipment
with a less hazardous option.
For example, substituting a highly toxic chemical with a less toxic alternative, replacing a
manual handling process with an automated system, or using a less hazardous cleaning
solvent.
Both elimination and substitution address the root cause of the hazard and can effectively
mitigate the associated risks. However, these methods may not always be possible due to
technological limitations, operational requirements, or cost considerations.
Substituting Hazardous Chemicals in a School Art Room
Setting: A middle school art room where students use various paints, solvents, and cleaning
products for their projects.
Hazard: Exposure to harsh chemicals can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and
even accidental poisoning if ingested.
Substitution Approach (if elimination not feasible)
1. Identify the hazard: As before, exposure to harsh chemicals poses a health risk.
2. Identify limitations of elimination: Complete replacement with non-toxic options
might be cost-prohibitive or some art techniques might require specific chemical
properties.
3. Brainstorm substitution solutions: Find safer alternatives for the most hazardous
chemicals.
4. Implement solution: Replace specific high-risk chemicals - for example, strong
solvents - with less hazardous substitutes. Additionally, consider using tempera
paints instead of oil paints due to their lower toxicity levels.
Benefits of Substitution
• Reduces the overall level of risk associated with chemical exposure.
• Allows for continued use of some essential art techniques with safer materials.
Remember: Even with substitution, it's important to maintain proper safety protocols.
Ensure students wear appropriate gloves and eye protection when handling any chemicals
and prioritize good ventilation in the art room.
Engineering controls (ventilation, machine guarding)
Engineering controls are physical or mechanical measures implemented to isolate or
remove hazards from the workplace. These controls aim to create a safer work environment
by modifying the source of the hazard or placing barriers between workers and potential
exposure.
Ventilation systems are a common engineering control used to remove air contaminants,
such as dust, fumes, or vapors, from the work environment. Examples include local exhaust
ventilation systems, general dilution ventilation, and specialized systems like fume hoods
or biosafety cabinets.
Ventilation systems are designed to control the quality of air in a space. They typically work
by removing stale, indoor air and replacing it with fresh, outdoor air. This helps to maintain
a healthy and comfortable environment for occupants.
There are five main types of ventilation systems:
1. Natural ventilation: This is the most basic type of ventilation
and relies on natural forces, such as wind and temperature
differences, to move air through space. Natural ventilation can
be achieved by opening windows and doors or by using design
features that encourage air circulation, such as cross-
ventilation.
2. Mechanical ventilation: This type of ventilation uses fans and ducts to move air
through a space. Mechanical ventilation systems can be used to supplement natural
ventilation or to provide ventilation in spaces where natural ventilation is not
possible. There are two main types of mechanical ventilation
systems:
• Exhaust ventilation: Exhaust ventilation systems remove stale,
indoor air from a space. They are typically used in rooms that
generate moisture or contaminants, such as kitchens and
bathrooms.
• Supply ventilation: Supply ventilation systems introduce
fresh, outdoor air into a space. They are typically used in
rooms that do not have a good source of natural ventilation,
such as bedrooms.
3. Balanced ventilation: Balanced ventilation systems
combine exhaust ventilation and supply ventilation to
provide a continuous flow of fresh air through space.
Balanced ventilation systems are the most efficient type of
ventilation system and can help to improve indoor air quality.
4. Spot ventilation: Spot ventilation systems are used to
remove contaminants from a specific source, such as a
welding station or a paint booth. Spot ventilation systems
typically use a small exhaust fan to remove contaminants at
the source.
5. Task-ambient conditioning (TAC): TAC systems are a type of
ventilation system that is designed to provide both ventilation
and thermal comfort. TAC systems use a combination of
fans, filters, and heating and cooling coils to control the
temperature, humidity, and air quality in a space.
The best type of ventilation system for a particular space will depend on a number of factors,
such as the size and occupancy of the space, the climate, and the types of contaminants
that are present.
Machine Guarding
Machine guarding refers to physical barriers or devices that are used to protect operators
from the hazards of machinery. These hazards can include moving parts, sharp edges, hot
surfaces, and electrical components. By preventing contact with these hazards, machine
guards can help to prevent serious injuries and even death.
There are four main types of machine guards
1. Fixed Guards: These are permanent fixtures attached directly to the machine,
completely enclosing the danger zone, and preventing any access during operation.
They are ideal for areas that don't require frequent access and are generally the
simplest and most reliable type of guard. Fixed guards are typically made from strong
materials like sheet metal, wire mesh, or plexiglass.
2. Adjustable Guards: These guards can be moved or repositioned by the operator to
allow access to the machine for setup, maintenance, or feeding materials. However,
they must be positioned correctly before the machine can be operated. Adjustable
guards often incorporate interlocks that prevent the machine from starting if the
guard is not in the proper position.
3. Interlocked Guards: These guards use a switch or other mechanism that is linked to
the machine's power supply. When the guard is opened or removed, the machine
automatically shuts down, preventing accidental contact with hazards while the
machine is running. Interlocked guards are particularly important for machines with
pinch points or shearing hazards.
4. Self-Adjusting Guards: These are a more advanced type of guard that automatically
adjusts its position to maintain a barrier around the danger zone as material is fed
into or out of the machine. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually
adjust the guard, reducing the risk of bypassing the safety feature.
The specific type of machine guard that is best suited for a particular application will depend
on the specific hazards of the machine, the tasks that need to be performed by the operator,
and the level of access that is required.
Other examples of engineering controls include ergonomic workstation design, radiation
shielding, and safety interlocks or failsafe systems.
Engineering controls are generally preferred over administrative controls or personal
protective equipment (PPE) because they provide a more reliable and permanent solution
by addressing the hazard at its source.
Administrative controls
Administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) represent the lower levels
of the hierarchy of control measures and are typically implemented when engineering
controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection.
Administrative controls involve policies, procedures, training, and work practices designed
to minimize exposure to hazards and reduce the risk of injury or illness. Examples include:
Safe work procedures and job safety analyses
Hazard communication and labeling
Job rotation and rest breaks
Restricted access to hazardous areas
Emergency response and evacuation plans
Training and awareness programs
While administrative controls are important for establishing safe work practices and raising
awareness, they rely heavily on human behavior and compliance, which can be less
consistent or reliable than engineering controls.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
It is specialized clothing or equipment worn by workers to create a barrier against hazards.
PPE is considered the last line of defense and should be used in conjunction with other
control measures, as it does not eliminate or reduce the hazard itself. Examples of PPE
include:
Respirators and breathing apparatus
Hard hats and safety helmets
Protective eyewear and face shields
Hearing protection devices
Gloves, coveralls, and protective footwear
Fall protection equipment
PPE must be carefully selected, maintained, and properly used to ensure its effectiveness.
It is important to consider factors such as comfort, fitness, and durability to encourage
worker compliance and prevent interference with job tasks.
While administrative controls and PPE play a vital role in hazard mitigation, they are
generally less effective and reliable than higher-level controls, such as elimination,
substitution, or engineering controls. Therefore, they should be implemented as a
complement to more permanent and reliable control measures, rather than as the primary
means of risk reduction.