Risk Control
Hierarchy of
Control
You
will need to introduce preventative and protective measures to control the
risks you have identified by your risk assessment. Further guidance on carrying out risk
assessments can be found by clicking here
, Which will take you to the
core section of this part of the model.
To help you to identify the best way to control the risk, a ‘hierarchy
of control measures’ has been developed. You
need to adopt solutions from the top of the hierarchy before considering those
lower down. The hierarchy begins with
‘elimination’, as eliminating the risk altogether will always be preferable to
risk reduction.
1.
Elimination – if possible, avoid the
risk altogether- For example do the work in a different way, taking care not to
introduce new hazards; use mechanical pile cropping techniques to avoid piling;
2.
Substitution - you could substitute a
dangerous product or tool for one, which is less dangerous.
3.
Control the risk at source - For example using manual
handling aids when lifting heavy objects; fitting local exhaust ventilation to
dusty processes; mechanising the process so the person is separated from the
hazard; changing the system of work to one which involves less manual handling
4.
Education and Training – ensure that workers and
others understand the risk and know what they must do, for example by giving
toolbox talks on health issues, or running through the method statement during
induction training.
5.
Personal Protective
Equipment –
this should only be used as a last resort as it is the least reliable form of
protection. Where PPE is provided, it
should be made available free of charge; suitable for the individual; provided
with suitable storage and cleaning arrangements and regularly checked to make
sure it is in good condition.
You
should always give priority to those measures which protect the whole of the
workplace and everyone who works there, i.e. give collective protective
measures priority over individual protection).
Some control measures, such as choosing a safer alternative substance,
will provide a high degree of control and are reliable. Physical safeguards such as enclosing a
hazardous process or providing local exhaust ventilation will need to be
checked and maintained, and this imposes a longer-term cost.
You
should develop a coherent approach to your risk reduction programme which will
progressively reduce those risks which cannot be eliminated. Where necessary, you should adopt a mix of
the above protective measures in order to provide the best protection.
Managing Risk Control
Systems:
The
purpose of a ‘risk control system’ is to make sure that work place precautions
are implemented and kept in place. The
greater the hazard or risk, the more robust and reliable the control system
should be.
You
will need to decide what control systems are necessary. Further advice on managing risk control
systems can be found in the HSE publication HSG 65- Successful health and
safety management, available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk
CO100 6FS, Tel. 01787 881165.