Hierarchy of FactSheet Controls he “Hierarchy of Controls” specifies the order in which controls are implemented in the workplace. They are the means for reducing employee exposures to occupational hazards. Control measures are established to T maintain employee exposures below permissible and recommended limits. It is usually more cost-effective to implement safety • Personal Protective Equipment – PPE (e.g., measures before facilities or processes are built. By using respirators, fall protection, ear plugs, lab coat) is used this proactive approach, controls are implemented in the when engineering controls are not available and/or to early stages of a project, resulting in the prevention of enhance existing engineering controls. injuries, environmental incidents, and property damage. What I need to do... • Elimination – Remove the hazard from the workplace. It is the most effective way to control a risk because • Employ engineering controls routinely such the hazard is no longer present. as a chemical fume hood, biosafety cabinet, • Substitution – Use a chemical that is less hazardous machine guarding, and guard rails to isolate or less toxic than a principal ingredient in a synthesis, the hazards. for instance. This may add more steps to the process, • Read and comprehend administrative but may be safer in the long run. Conduct a hazard controls such as protocols, standard operating assessment to verify. procedures, and warning signs. Complete • Engineering Controls – Enclose or isolate the hazard safety training to understand occupational with local exhaust ventilation, machine guarding, hazards and risks. guardrails, or other safety equipment. • Wear the appropriate personal protective • Administrative Controls – Require workers to do equipment for the hazard. Additional training things that reduce their exposure to a risk (e.g., and medical surveillance may be necessary for standard operating procedures, safe work practices, certain PPE (e.g., air purifying respirators). safety training, warning signs, lockout/tagout, alarms, etc.). References Most Centers for Disease Control and Effective Hierarchy of Controls Prevention (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ Elimination Physically remove the hazard hierarchy/ Occupational Safety and Health Substitution Replace the hazard Administration - General Hazard Awareness Engineering Controls Isolate people from the hazard https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_ materials/fy10/sh-20839-10/basic_ Administrative hazard_awareness.pptx Controls Change the way people work For more information about the PPE Protect the worker with Hierarchy of Controls, please Personal Protective Equipment contact the Office of EH&S at Least [email protected] or Effective (323) 442-2200. University Park Campus Health Sciences Campus 323.442.2200 3434 South Grand Ave, CAL 120 2001 N Soto St, SBA 329 [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90089-2815 Los Angeles, CA 90032 http://adminopsnet.usc.edu 06/2015.