ISO and quality management

Eliminating Hazards and Reducing OH&S Risks under ISO 45001

2018-08-26 07:33:42 | Lượt xem: 11142 | ISO and quality management

Use the hierarchy of controls to prioritise elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Selection should be based on risk assessment and verification of effectiveness.

1. The hierarchy of controls

Start by eliminating the hazard wherever possible. Where it cannot be eliminated, reduce exposure and risk using the most effective feasible controls, considering the following options:

Substitute a process or substance with a safer alternative, after assessing any new risks.
Design workplaces, buildings and equipment to be safer to use.
Apply engineering controls, such as modifying tools, equipment or work systems, guarding or isolating the hazard.
Apply administrative controls, such as safe-work training, suitable maintenance and hygiene practices, job rotation or changes to work organisation.
Use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing protection, respiratory protection, aprons and gloves.

Hierarchy of controls, from elimination to personal protective equipment

These options form a hierarchy because controls higher in the hierarchy should be prioritised where feasible. Safer design and isolation are normally engineering controls, rather than separate universal levels.

To choose appropriate controls, consider:

Can the hazard be eliminated during design?
Can the hazard be removed from the activity?
Can equipment or working methods be substituted to reduce risk?
Can workers be separated from the hazard, or the hazard isolated from workers?
Can safer work practices be developed and implemented?
What PPE is needed for remaining exposure? PPE protects the user but does not remove the hazard.

2. Selecting hazard controls and understanding PPE

English hazard-control selection diagram

Text version of the hazard-control diagram:

Eliminate the hazard. The original example proposes discontinuing a harmful chemical and using a biological agent; any alternative needs its own risk assessment.
If elimination is not feasible, substitute a safer substance or working method.
Use engineering controls, such as redesign, ventilation or isolation. The original example refers to ventilation when handling chemicals.
Use administrative controls, such as safe-work instructions and rules.
Use appropriate PPE, such as gloves, protective clothing and chemical-resistant respiratory protection.

The ‘No’ arrows move to the next option. These options may also be combined; chemical ventilation and respiratory protection must be selected for the assessed exposure.

Several controls may be needed together. PPE is generally the least effective level in the hierarchy because it depends on correct selection and consistent use. Use it when higher-level controls are being developed, cannot sufficiently reduce exposure, or are not feasible; do not rely on PPE alone when more effective controls are available.

Respiratory protection, for example, can be ineffective if unsuitable for the hazard, clogged or poorly fitted. Leakage around the face can allow exposure. PPE may also be hot, awkward or uncomfortable, affecting consistent use. Provide adequate resources, training, maintenance and supervision to ensure controls remain effective. A lower initial cost does not necessarily mean a lower long-term cost.

3. Risk-control flowchart

English risk-control flowchart

Text version of the risk-control flowchart:

Is the task or activity necessary? If not, cancel it.
If it is necessary, consider substitution or isolation. If suitable, list the feasible controls and implementation timeframes.
If those options are insufficient, consider engineering measures such as redesign, ventilation or isolation.
If further measures are needed, consider administrative arrangements, safe-work procedures and PPE. If adequate control cannot be achieved, do not proceed with the activity.
List feasible controls and implementation timeframes; prioritise them and prepare an action plan.

The original arrows label the decisions ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. Controls may need to be combined and reviewed; this diagram is not a substitute for task-specific risk assessment.

Monitor implemented controls to confirm that risk is adequately controlled and that new hazards have not been introduced. Workers’ feedback is an important part of checking whether the controls achieve their intended purpose.

English table of control options

Accessible version of the control-options table:

Option	Intended result	Examples in the original table
Elimination	Remove the hazard and its associated risk permanently where feasible.	Use pre-mixed chemicals in purpose-designed containers to avoid an on-site mixing task.
Substitution	Change the process or perform the task in a safer way.	Use lifting equipment instead of manual lifting.
Isolation	Place a barrier between people and the hazard.	Partitions between work areas; barriers around a chemical spill; separation from radiation work.
Engineering controls	Physically change equipment or the work environment.	Anti-glare screens; brakes or foot brakes on trolleys.
Administrative controls	Use management decisions and documented arrangements.	Safe operating procedures; warning signs, markings and lights; training; job rotation; maintenance logs.
Personal protective equipment	Wear equipment or clothing to reduce exposure and injury risk.	Eye protection, aprons, hair nets, protective boots, safety harnesses, face and hearing protection, gloves and protective clothing.

Classification depends on the specific hazard. Pre-mixed chemicals can remove a mixing task without eliminating the chemical hazard; lifting aids and isolation are usually engineering controls. The table’s categories are illustrative, while the standard five-level hierarchy is shown above.

This article explains how the hierarchy of controls supports eliminating hazards and reducing occupational health and safety risks within an ISO 45001 management system.