The Different Methods of Risk Control

According to the Hazwoper training courses, risk control may be defined as the process of implementing certain procedures and measures, in order to reduce any form of risk that is associated with a hazard. This risk control process must always follow a certain hierarchy that is primarily prescribed by the safety and health legislation. One must also keep in mind that at any point of time, the control measures should not introduce new hazards. Hence, here too, constant monitoring is an absolute must.

The main methods of risk control are mentioned below:

• Elimination - Sometimes hazardous equipments, substances or work practices, can be completely avoided. For example, a worker can always clean high windows from the ground with an extendable pole cleaner, rather than by climbing a ladder and thus risking a major fall.

• Substitution – Sometimes if the practice itself cannot be eliminated, then a less hazardous thing, substance or work practice can be used. For example, the use of a non-toxic glue instead of a toxic glue.

• Safeguards – When elimination and substitution cannot work, then Safeguards can be added by modifying equipment or tools or fitting guards to machinery.

• Instructing employees to carry out their work in the safest way possible - This means enforcing and developing safe work procedures. Trainees on work experience must be given instruction and information and must follow agreed procedures to ensure their safety.

• Finally, the Hazwoper training courses, emphasize the importance of using personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) – The appropriate PPE equipment must be made mandatory in every organization, such as safety glasses, gloves, helmets and ear muffs.