Elimination
The most protective and effective hazard control strategy is elimination. Elimination involves physically removing the hazard from the workplace so that exposure is no longer possible. The underlying principle is simple: if a hazard does not exist, it cannot cause injury, illness, or damage.
Because elimination completely removes the risk, it provides the highest level of protection for workers and does not rely on employee behavior, training, or the consistent use of personal protective equipment. However, while elimination is the most effective method of hazard control, it is often the most difficult to implement in existing operations, processes, or facilities.
Elimination is often most feasible during the planning, design, or development stages of an oil and gas project. At these early stages, hazardous conditions can be designed out of the process, and hazardous substances can be avoided altogether. When incorporated early, elimination measures are typically less expensive and more practical to implement.
In contrast, eliminating hazards in an existing process may require significant changes to equipment, materials, or work methods. These changes can involve major capital investments, operational downtime, and extensive retraining, making elimination more challenging and costly to achieve once a process is already in place.
Substitution
Substitution is the next most effective control measure in the hierarchy of controls. This strategy involves replacing a hazardous material, equipment, process, or work practice with one that is less hazardous or presents a lower risk to workers.
For example, a non-toxic or less toxic chemical may be substituted for a more hazardous chemical, or a quieter piece of equipment may replace one that produces excessive noise. While substitution does not remove the hazard entirely, it can significantly reduce the severity of potential exposures and consequences.
When implementing substitution, it is important to carefully evaluate the replacement to ensure that it does not introduce new or unforeseen hazards. Effective substitution requires a thorough assessment of health, safety, environmental, and operational impacts before changes are made.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-2. When is it less expensive and more feasible to eliminate hazardous conditions at the wellsite?
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