Hierarchy of hazard control is a system used in industry to minimise or eliminate exposure to hazards. It is a widely accepted system promoted by numerous safety organisations. This concept is taught to managers in industry, to be promoted as standard practice in the workplace. 

The hazard controls in the hierarchy are, in order of decreasing effectiveness:

• Elimination

• Substitution

• Engineering controls (Isolatoion)

• Administrative controls

• Personal protective equipment

The most effective control measure is the physically removed the hazard. For example, if employees must work high above the ground, the hazard can be eliminated by moving the piece they are working on to ground level to eliminate the need to work at heights. This could include lowering a lighting rig to fix a light rather than fixing while still at height.

Substitution, the second most effective hazard control, involves replacing something that produces a hazard (similar to elimination) with something that does not produce a hazard—for example, replacing lead-based paint with titanium white. Be careful that the replacement does not, in turn, creating any additional hazards. You may also be able to modify something to reduce it's risk of causing harm.

The third most effective means of controlling hazards is engineered controls. These do not eliminate hazards, but rather isolate people from hazards. Capital costs of engineered controls tend to be higher than less effective controls in the hierarchy, however they may reduce future costs. For example, a crew might build a work platform rather than purchase, replace, and maintain fall arrest equipment. "Enclosure and isolation" creates a physical barrier between personnel and hazards, such as using remotely controlled equipment. Fume hoods can remove airborne contaminants as a means of engineered control. 

Administrative controls are changes to the way people work. Examples of administrative controls include procedure changes, employee training, and installation of signs and warning labels (such as those in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System). Administrative controls do not remove hazards, but limit or prevent people's exposure to the hazards, such as completing road construction at night when fewer people are driving. As always, adhearing to the safe work practices in place will reduce the risk of something going wrong.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes gloves, Nomex/Uniform, respirators, hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear. PPE is the least effective means of controlling hazards because of the high potential for damage to render PPE ineffective. Additionally, some PPE, such as respirators, increase physiological effort to complete a task and, therefore, may require medical examinations to ensure workers can use the PPE without risking their health. It is still, however, an important part of engaging in some jobs.

Watch the video (left) which further outlines these saftey measures. There are 6 catagories because it separates Administrive Controls and warning signs, but other than that, is the same.

The worksheet (right) is an editable PDF. Download and save to your Drive. Complete the worksheet using what you have learnt this lesson.

Complete the section on 'Risk Management' in your workbook (pages 71-83).