Identify and implement appropriate control

Measures to hazards and risks

Introduction
This learning outcome focuses on addressing prevention and control measures to hazards
including the use of PPEs, taking appropriate risk controls as well as contingency measures
recognized and re-established in accordance to the workplace procedures.
Definition of key terms
Hazard prevention and control:
These are efforts geared towards protecting workers from the work place hazards i.e. help avoid
injuries, illness, and incidents, minimize or
eliminate safety and health risk and help provide workers with safe and healthful working
conditions.
Personal protective equipment: It is one of the importance means to protect the wearer
from hazards in the work place. It is the last frontier of the wearer from worksite hazards
and should be selected based on the job scope and intended protection.
Content/Procedures/Methods/Illustrations
2.1 Prevention and control measures for specific hazards identified and implemented
There are six major control measures to hazards. They include:
i. personal protective equipment
ii. Elimination
iii. Substitution
iv. Isolation
v. Engineering controls
vi. Administrative controls
vii. Elimination
It is often cheaper and more practical to eliminate hazards at the design or planning stage of a
product, process or place used for work. In these early phases, there is greater scope to design out
hazards or incorporate risk control measures that are compatible with the original design and
functional requirements. For example, remove trip hazards on the floor or dispose of unwanted
chemicals. This involves getting rid of dangerous machine, tool and equipment away from the
work environment.
Substitution
If it is not reasonably practical to eliminate the hazards and associated risks, you should
minimize the risk. For example, today the dangers associated with asbestos are well known
and there are numerous alternatives to asbestos products currently on the market including
cellulose fiber, thermoset plastic flour or polyethane foams. Replacing solvent- based paints
with water-based ones is also a better alternative. In this case, the faulty machine
is/tool/equipment is replaced by safe ones.
Isolate the hazard from people
This involves physically separating the source of harm from people by distance or using
barriers. For example, introducing a strict work area, using guard rails around exposed
edges and holes in the floors, using remote control systems to operate machinery, enclosing
a noisy process from a person and storing chemicals in a fume cabinet.
Engineering control
An engineering control is a control measure that is physical in nature, including a mechanical
device or process. For example, this can be done through the use of machine guards, effective
ventilation systems and setting work rates on a roster to reduce fatigue.
Involves incorporating engineering design to reduce accidents and hazards e.g. having guards.
Administrative control
Administrative controls are work methods or procedures that are designed to minimize exposure
to a hazard. Establish appropriate procedures and safe work practices such as; limit exposure
time to a hazardous task so that fewer employees are exposed, routine maintenance and
housekeeping procedures, training on hazards and correct work methods and use signs to warn
people of a hazard. This involves training and proper sensitization on how to use equipment
safely, OSH related topics. Issue warming signs and ensure work operation shift.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Provide suitable and properly maintained PPE and ensure employees are trained in its proper use.
Examples include gloves, earplugs, face masks, hard hats, gloves, aprons and protective eyewear.
PPE limits exposure to harmful effects of a hazard but only if workers wear and use the PPE
correctly.
2.2 Appropriate risk controls based on result of OSH hazard evaluation is recommended.
Risk control is the set of methods by which firms evaluate potential losses and take action to
reduce or eliminate such threats. It is a technique that utilizes findings from risk assessments,
which involve identifying potential risk factors in a company's operations, such as technical and
non-technical aspects of the business, financial policies and other issues that may affect the well-
being of the firm. It also implements proactive changes to reduce risk in these areas. Risk control
thus helps companies limit lost assets and income.
The following aspects can be considered in risk control:
Isolate the hazard from anyone who could be harmed i.e. keep the machine in a
closed room and operate it remotely.
Use design control to eliminate the risk.
Use personal protective equipment to control the risk.
Prevention and control measures outlined previously are the methods used in risk control.
1.3.1 Contingency measures during workplace incidents and emergencies are
recognized and established in accordance with organization procedures
Contingency measures
In relation to occupational health and safety, contingency measures refer to plans involving
suitable immediate action for responding to accidental hazards and emergencies. It refers
to security measure put forward for emergence response to reduce the effects of system
disruption and increase system efficiency. The contingency measures include:
i. Evacuation: This involves removal of operatives from the scene of hazard/accident
to prevent the situation worsening. It also involves further medical attention i.e.
evacuation to a medical facility.
ii. Isolation: The affected victims can be isolated to give a secrecy and more attention
to prevent spread.
iii. Decontamination: In the event of exposure to chemical hazards, where the level of
contamination can be controlled then it can be done.
iv. Engage emergence personnel: This involves getting an expert where possible to
address situation.
Emergence procedures
The following procedures can be used to address hazards:
Fire drill
First aid
Use of fire extinguishers
Basic life support
Earth quakes drill where applicable
Disaster management/preparedness
Incidences and emergencies
The following incidents and emergencies should be addressed and identified where
applicable:
Fire
Leaks
Equipment/machine accidents
Explosion
Injury of personnel
Structural support
Toxic emission
Conclusion
In summary, this learning outcome addressed hazards, prevention and control measures,
appropriate risk controls, contingency measures, emergency procedures as well as incidents
in the work place in accordance with the workplace procedures.
Further Reading
Occupational safety and health safety guidelines
OSHA 2007
8.3.3.3 Self-Assessment
Written assessment
1. Which of the following is not a hazard control measure?
a) First aid
b) Evacuation
c) Substitution
2. Which one of the following is not a contingency measure in controlling hazards?
a) Engage personnel
b) Decontamination
c) Explosions
d) Isolation
3. Identify which one is not a risk or incidence
a) Toxic emissions
b) Leaks
c) Design control
d) Structural collapse
4. Describe the term hazard prevention citing relevant example as used in OSH
5. Describe briefly the following hazard control measures
a) Engineering controls
b) Elimination
c) Substitution
6. Explain citing relevant examples the contingency measure to address hazards
7. Outline any five incidents and emergencies that can arise in a work place
8. Describe briefly any five emerging measures to address safety standards.
Oral Assessment
1. Mention any four personal safety equipment
2. Mention any five hazards in a work environment
3. Mention any two contingency measures to be taken into consideration to be able to
prevent and control hazards
8.3.3.4 Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials
Standard operating and/or other workplace procedures manuals
Specific job procedures manuals
Machine/equipment manufacturer s specifications and instructions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
1.3.3.5 References
Government of Kenya (2007). Occupational Safety and Health Act. Government Press.
Nairobi. Kenya
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/risk-control.asp
http://phnews.org.au/six-steps-to-control-workplace-hazards/