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Hazard Control Methods

Your employer uses several methods to eliminate or otherwise control hazards in your workplace. These methods include engineering controls, administrative controls, work practice controls, and use of personal protective equipment.

Engineering controls

Engineering controls are mechanisms designed to safeguard employees and the work environment. Examples include elimination or substitution of a chemical, ventilation systems, automatic detection systems, barriers to prevent entry into certain areas, direct-reading monitoring instrumentation, and emergency systems such as alarms, sprinklers, and exhaust systems.

Scheduling tasks

Administrative controls reduce exposure by scheduling production and tasks in ways that minimize exposure levels.

For example, your employer might schedule operations with the highest exposure potential during periods when the fewest employees are present.

Work practice controls

Work practice controls reduce exposure by changing how work gets done. Examples of work practice controls include changing existing work practices to follow procedures that minimize exposure, regularly inspecting and maintaining process and control equipment, implementing good housekeeping procedures, and providing good supervision.

Consider this fact. Ingestion of chemicals is most often the result of poor hygiene. Therefore, work practice controls also include prohibiting eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco or gum, or applying cosmetics in regulated areas.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is worn on the body to protect hands, face, skin, eyes, head, and feet. Examples include protective clothing, hard hats, respirators, safety glasses, and earplugs. Properly selected PPE provides a last line of defense between you and the hazard. PPE should be relied upon only after engineering, administrative, and work practice controls have been tried, or while engineering controls are being implemented.

Inspecting your personal protective equipment

The safety data sheet, or SDS, specifies the required PPE. You're responsible for using it appropriately and for inspecting the condition of your PPE for holes, tears, or missing parts that may compromise your safety. Because many hazardous chemicals can be airborne as vapors, mists, dust, or fumes, inhalation is the most common route of entry. As a result, respiratory protection is often necessary when working with hazardous materials. If you're required to wear respiratory protection, you will receive additional training.

Right to know

You have a right to know and a right to understand the hazardous materials used in your work area and the potential effects of these materials upon your health and safety.

Always review SDSs, wear the proper PPE, and follow appropriate control measures to minimize exposure.