With Steps 1 & 2 concluded, step 3 starts the process of Controlling the Hazard, with an aim of eliminating where possible the risk. In many instances Elimination will not be possible and therefore reduction of the Risk to it’s most controlled state becomes the objective.

Step 3.

1. Before designing any new Control measures MINC Risk Services shall spend time with the client and their staff to ensure that sufficient measures do not already exist and are just not being applied correctly. Depending on the number of hazards and severity of the risk this process may take some time.

2. On conclusion of the above activity, MINC Risk Services shall prepare a report which details all existing control measures and the reason for the failure. Together with the client the MINC auditor shall discuss the best approach for rectifying this inadequacy.

3. For all remaining hazards, it is now time to work on introducing the correct Control Measures to eliminate the hazard or reduce the risk it poses. For this we apply a seven step Control Hierarchy process. These measures are listed in order of priority for adoption and are as follows:

• Design

• Elimination

• Substitute

• Re-design

• Seperate

• Administrate

• Personal Protective Equipment

a). Preferred Option - Design and Elimination

The ideal solution is to get rid of a hazard completely. This is the most effective control and should always be attempted in the first instance. This may mean discontinuing dangerous work practices or removing dangerous substances or equipment. For example, using a machine to do a repetitive manual activity or completely removing asbestos from a workplace.

b). Substitute, Redesign & Separation

If a hazard cannot be eliminated, there are a number of control options that can be used alone, or in combination, to prevent or minimise exposure to the risk.

Substitution involves replacing the hazard with one that presents a lower (and more manageable) risk. For example, a hazardous work practice or substance is replaced with a less hazardous one.

Examples of substitution include:

• using less dangerous chemicals, such as, substituting a flammable solvent with a water-based solvent or replacing a toxic solvent with a detergent. (It may also be possible to use less of a dangerous substance.)
• replacing glass with plastic
• replacing an existing machine with one that has better guarding to make the same product

Redesign involves changing the design of the workplace, equipment or work process. It involves thinking about ways the work could be done differently to make the workplace safer, such as rearranging aspects of the workplace, modifying equipment, combining tasks, changing procedures to eliminate hazardous steps, changing the sequence of tasks in a job and/or reducing the frequency of performing a dangerous task.

Examples of redesign include:

• installing lifting equipment to reduce manual handling
• fitting a frame to a tractor for rollover protection
• modifying exhaust systems to reduce noise

Separate refers to isolating or separating the hazard from the person, or the person from the hazard.

Examples of isolation include:

• installing screens or barriers around hazardous areas
• enclosing or guarding dangerous equipment
• using remote handling equipment for hazardous substances or procedures

c). Administration and PPE

Administration and the use of personal protective equipment are lowest on the list of control priorities. These controls are not relied on as the primary means of risk control until the options higher in the list of control hierarchy have been exhausted. These controls require management enforcement and commitment, together with behaviour modification. They are dependent on appropriate human behaviour to work properly and, therefore, tend to be less effective.

In general, administration and personal protective equipment should only be used:

• when there are no other practical control measures available (that is, as a last resort)
• as temporary measures while a more permanent solution is found
• to supplement other controls (that is, as backup controls)

Administrative controls involve minimising exposure to a risk through the use of procedures or instruction. It is often necessary to use these controls in conjunction with other measures. For example, if a mechanical device is introduced to reduce manual handling, the operators will also need to be trained how to use it.

Examples of administrative controls include:

• limited entry or limited time in hazardous areas
• instruction and training in safe work procedures
• preventive maintenance and housekeeping procedures
• warning signs

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn by people as a final barrier between themselves and the hazard. This measure does not control the hazard at the source and relies on behaviour modification for its success.

The success of this control is dependent on the protective equipment being:

• chosen correctly
• worn
• worn correctly
• used correctly
• maintained in good condition

Personal protective equipment is often an expensive option in the long term when the costs of maintenance, supervision and (potentially more) injuries are taken into account.

Examples of personal protective equipment include:

• hearing protective devices, such as ear muffs and ear plugs
• respirators
• protective eyewear, such as goggles
• safety helmets and wide brim sun hats

4. After the Control Hierarchy is decided MINC Risk Services shall re-assess all risks based on the new methods of control to confirm that the Rating now achieved is acceptable. On completion of this assessment a final discussion shall be concluded with the client to ensure they are still agreeable to the measures.

5. The final stage is our quality control point – or “HOLD POINT”. This identifies the need for the actions to be reviewed and closed out before moving onto the next Step.

The list and combination are extensive. With each combined service receive a minimum 10% discount off the total services fee.

MINC Risk Services look forward to helping answer your questions and developing your business to the new highs in the area of Health & Safety.