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The hierarchy of control is a structured approach to workplace safety that organizes protective measures into five distinct categories, ranked from most effective to least effective. This system helps companies identify and implement the best strategies to mitigate or eliminate hazards in their environments.
Each level of the hierarchy represents a different type of intervention that can be used to manage risks. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and illnesses by addressing hazards at the source.
In order of decreasing effectiveness, the five types of controls are:
1. **Elimination**: Physically removing a hazard from the workplace. This is the most effective method as it completely eliminates the risk.
2. **Substitution**: Replacing a hazardous material or process with a less dangerous alternative. This reduces the overall risk without necessarily removing the activity entirely.
3. **Engineering Controls**: Implementing physical changes to separate workers from hazards. Examples include installing guardrails, ventilation systems, or ergonomic equipment.
4. **Administrative Controls**: Changing work practices, policies, or procedures to reduce exposure to hazards. These might involve training, signage, or scheduling changes.
5. **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: Providing gear such as helmets, gloves, and respirators to protect workers from direct exposure to hazards. While essential, this is the least effective form of control as it relies on worker compliance.
The hierarchy is often visualized as an inverted triangle, with elimination at the top and PPE at the bottom. It's a fundamental concept in workplace safety, endorsed by regulatory bodies like OSHA and the CDC. By focusing on prevention through design and proactive planning, businesses can significantly reduce the number of workplace incidents.
Here’s a menu for this guide to help you navigate easily:
- What Is the Hierarchy of Control?
- Hierarchy of Control: The Five Types of Hazard Control
- How to Implement the Hierarchy of Control
- Examples of the Hierarchy of Control
- Hazard Controls for Indoor Inspections
- How Drones Fit into the Hierarchy of Control
**What Is the Hierarchy of Control?**
The concept of the hierarchy of control was first introduced by the National Safety Council (NSC) in the 1950s. The NSC recognized that eliminating hazards was more effective than relying on personal protective equipment or training. Since then, the idea has been adopted globally by safety organizations and regulatory agencies.
OSHA and NIOSH both emphasize the importance of the hierarchy in reducing occupational hazards. The NSC continues to promote the method through articles and guides, highlighting its effectiveness in preventing workplace injuries.
**Hierarchy of Control: The Five Types of Hazard Control**
Each level of the hierarchy serves as a line of defense against workplace accidents. Although the higher levels are more effective, they are not always feasible. Therefore, implementing all parts of the hierarchy is important, even if some methods are less effective.
**1. Elimination**
Eliminating a hazard means removing it entirely from the workplace. For example, lowering equipment to the floor instead of requiring workers to access it from above. This is the most effective method because it removes the risk completely.
**2. Substitution**
Replacing a hazardous material or process with a safer alternative. For instance, using eco-friendly pesticides instead of those containing DDT. However, it's important to ensure that substitutions don't introduce new risks.
**3. Engineering Controls**
These involve physical changes to isolate workers from hazards. Examples include installing guardrails, improving ventilation, or using ergonomic tools.
**4. Administrative Controls**
Changing work practices, such as limiting working hours, providing training, or implementing safety protocols. These controls rely on human behavior and are therefore less effective than other methods.
**5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**
PPE includes items like helmets, gloves, and respirators. While necessary, it is the least effective method as it does not remove the hazard itself.
**Prevention Through Design**
This concept involves identifying and eliminating hazards during the planning phase of a project. It is a key part of the hierarchy, especially at the top levels of elimination and substitution.
**How to Implement the Hierarchy of Control**
OSHA outlines a six-step process for implementing the hierarchy of control:
1. **Identify Hazards**
2. **Select Hazards to Control**
3. **Make a Hazard Control Plan**
4. **Establish Emergency Controls**
5. **Implement Hazard Controls**
6. **Confirm That Controls Are Effective**
Each step is crucial in ensuring that hazards are managed effectively and safely.
**Examples of the Hierarchy of Control**
Let's look at how the hierarchy is applied in real-world scenarios:
**Falls**
- **Elimination**: Removing the need for scaffolding.
- **Substitution**: Using fixed ladders instead of temporary ones.
- **Engineering Controls**: Installing handrails and non-slip surfaces.
- **Administrative Controls**: Limiting access to high areas.
- **PPE**: Using harnesses and helmets.
**Toxic Materials**
- **Elimination**: Avoiding the use of dangerous chemicals.
- **Substitution**: Using safer alternatives.
- **Engineering Controls**: Improving ventilation.
- **Administrative Controls**: Training workers on safe handling.
- **PPE**: Wearing respirators and protective clothing.
**Pandemics**
- **Elimination**: Vaccines and cures.
- **Substitution**: Shifting to remote work.
- **Engineering Controls**: Social distancing markers and plexiglass dividers.
- **Administrative Controls**: Mandatory hand washing and mask-wearing.
- **PPE**: Masks and gloves.
**Hazard Controls for Indoor Inspections**
Traditional indoor inspections often only allow for PPE and administrative controls. However, drones can replace the need for manual entry, eliminating the risk of confined space exposure.
**How Drones Fit into the Hierarchy of Control**
Drones can completely eliminate the need for inspectors to enter hazardous areas. For example, the Elios 2 drone allows for safe and efficient inspections of pressure vessels and chimneys without risking human safety.
By integrating drones into the hierarchy of control, businesses can move up the ladder of effectiveness, prioritizing elimination over PPE. This not only enhances safety but also improves efficiency and reduces costs.