Exposure Control Strategies
The Hierarchy of Controls (HOC)
Occupational safety and health professionals use a "hierarchy of controls" (HOC) to select strategies for controlling hazards at school facilities.
Traditionally, a prioritized "Hierarchy of Controls" (HOC) has been used to implement feasible and effective exposure controls to protect workers. We encourage the use of the HOC as described within the ANSI/ASSP Z10, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, to control hazards. The six strategies are discussed below.
During a COVID-19 outbreak, when it may not be possible to eliminate the hazard, the most effective protection measures are (listed from most-to-least effective): engineering controls, warnings, administrative controls, safe work practices, and PPE.
Elimination and Substitution
Elimination or substitution means completely eliminating or replacing a hazard to reduce risk. Reduce the risk of COVID-19 by having teachers, staff, and students stay home when sick or if they have been in close contact with a person with COVID-19. Monitor COVID-19 transmission rates in the immediate community and the communities in which students, teachers, and staff live. Work collaboratively with local health officials to determine if temporary school closure is necessary.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. What do safety professionals use to select ways of controlling hazards in school facilities?
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