ELIMINATION:
The first priority for control of any significant risk to health is to try to eliminate completely the agent responsible in the first place. For each of the agents we have examined, the option usually exists to eliminate the hazard at source by replacement with materials which do the same job but present no risk to health. Improvements in technology often present the opportunity to replace older hazardous processes or activities with those involving no risk to health; for example, the use of new water-based materials such as paints or adhesives can eliminate completely the risk to health of exposure to solvents.
Elimination requires a careful examination of the work activity and process, and demands a good understanding of the properties and behaviour of alternative substances and materials. It may also be the most costly method of risk control, since it may involve a radical change in the way in which the work is carried out. However, the elimination of hazards is the key objective of the health and safety programme and the opportunities available should be re- examined every time an assessment is reviewed.
SUBSTITUTION:
Although elimination of risk is the ideal it is often not practicable. The next option then becomes reducing the risk by substituting the hazard with a different one with less potential for harm; for example:
Since the risk is not completely eliminated but only reduced, it is essential to ensure that the potentially harmful properties of any proposed replacement are fully taken into account to ensure substitution does not introduce different but equally unacceptable risks.
Safety Courses in Chennai | Nebosh Courses in Chennai | OHSAS 18001 | Apply Now !
The first priority for control of any significant risk to health is to try to eliminate completely the agent responsible in the first place. For each of the agents we have examined, the option usually exists to eliminate the hazard at source by replacement with materials which do the same job but present no risk to health. Improvements in technology often present the opportunity to replace older hazardous processes or activities with those involving no risk to health; for example, the use of new water-based materials such as paints or adhesives can eliminate completely the risk to health of exposure to solvents.
Elimination requires a careful examination of the work activity and process, and demands a good understanding of the properties and behaviour of alternative substances and materials. It may also be the most costly method of risk control, since it may involve a radical change in the way in which the work is carried out. However, the elimination of hazards is the key objective of the health and safety programme and the opportunities available should be re- examined every time an assessment is reviewed.
SUBSTITUTION:
Although elimination of risk is the ideal it is often not practicable. The next option then becomes reducing the risk by substituting the hazard with a different one with less potential for harm; for example:
- Using the same material but in a different physical form, such as using granulated pottery glazes rather than powders to reduce the risk of dust inhalation.
- Using a similar, but different substance altogether, such as one with a lower volatility and/or higher WEL.
Since the risk is not completely eliminated but only reduced, it is essential to ensure that the potentially harmful properties of any proposed replacement are fully taken into account to ensure substitution does not introduce different but equally unacceptable risks.
Safety Courses in Chennai | Nebosh Courses in Chennai | OHSAS 18001 | Apply Now !
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