Controlling Hazards and Exposure
Controlling hazards and exposure to hazards while working on scaffolds are fundamental controls for protecting workers. The ANSI/ASSP "Hierarchy of Controls" has been developed as a systematic strategy to implement feasible and effective controls. The idea behind the hierarchy is that the controls at the top of the list are potentially more effective and protective than those at the bottom.
Hazard Controls
The first three controls change or eliminate a hazard to reduce risk to an acceptable level. Consider these controls first.
- Elimination – doing the work at ground level if possible eliminates any fall-from-elevation hazard
- Substitution – replacing an old scaffold with a new one
- Engineering controls – redesigning the scaffold to provide more protection
Exposure Controls
When elimination, substitution, or engineering controls do not reduce risk to an acceptable level, include one or more of the following exposure controls to reduce risk to an acceptable level.
- Warnings - signs, placards, plates, signals, markings, and barriers to improve awareness of hazards
- Administrative controls – training, policies, procedures, rules, and safe work practices that help to control behaviors
- Personal protective equipment – masks, hearing protection, gloves, harnesses, lifelines, etc.
Following the hierarchy normally leads to the implementation of inherently safe work. The risk of illness or injury should be substantially reduced.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-11. Using the Hierarchy of Controls, which hazard control method should be considered first to reduce or eliminate risk?
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