Different OSH control measures

Control measures include actions that can be taken to reduce the potential of exposure to the hazard, or the control measure could be to remove the hazard or to reduce the likelihood of the risk of the exposure to that hazard being realized. A simple control measure would be the secure guarding of moving parts of machinery eliminating the potential for contact. When we look at control measures we often refer to the hierarchy of control measures.

1. Eliminate the hazard

Whenever possible, the best way to eliminate the risk is to completely remove the hazardous item or substance or work practice.

Elimination of the hazard is not always achievable though it does totally remove the hazard and thereby eliminates the risk of exposure. An example of this would be that petrol station attendants in Ireland are no longer exposed to the risk of chronic lead poisoning following the removal of lead from petrol products sold at forecourts.

2. Substitute the hazard with a lesser risk

If it is not possible to get rid of a hazard completely, the most effective control option to minimize the risk is to substitute the hazardous processes or substance or work practice with a safer, harmless alternative.

Substituting the hazard may not remove all of the hazards associated with the process or activity and may introduce different hazards but the overall harm or health effects will be lessened. In laboratory research, toluene is now often used as a substitute for benzene. The solvent-properties of the two are similar but toluene is less toxic and is not categorized as a carcinogen although toluene can cause severe neurological harm.

3. Isolate the hazard

Where the elimination or substitution of hazardous substances is not practicable, technical measures should be applied to control the hazard or risk by enclosing it completely to prevent the hazard from reaching the worker.

Isolating the hazard is achieved by restricting access to plant and equipment or in the case of substances locking them away under strict controls. When using certain chemicals then a fume cupboard can isolate the hazard from the person, similarly placing noisy equipment in a non-accessible enclosure or room isolates the hazard from the person(s).

4. Use engineering controls

Protect the area or the way in which hazard could reach and harm the worker.

Engineering Controls involve redesigning a process to place a barrier between the person and the hazard or remove the hazard from the person, such as machinery guarding, proximity guarding, extraction systems or removing the operator to a remote location away from the hazard.

5. Use administrative controls

Developing and enforcing safe work methods and practices to minimize exposure to a hazard and hence to reduce the risk of injury or harm

Administrative controls include adopting standard operating procedures or safe work practices or providing appropriate training, instruction or information to reduce the potential for harm and/or adverse health effects to person(s). Isolation and permit to work procedures are examples of administrative controls.

6. Use personal protective equipment

Covering and protecting a worker's body from hazards. When none of the above approaches is feasible, or when the degree of safety achieved is considered inadequate.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) include gloves, glasses, earmuffs, aprons, safety footwear, dust masks which are designed to reduce exposure to the hazard. PPE is usually seen as the last line of defence and is usually used in conjunction with one or more of the other control measures.