Hierarchy of Risk Control

When assessing the adequacy of existing controls or introducing new controls, a hierarchy of risk controls should be considered. A more comprehensive approach than ‘ERICPD’ is outlined below:

·    Elimination
·    Substitution
·    Changing work methods/patterns
·    Reduced or limited time exposure
·    Engineering controls (i.e. isolation, insulation and ventilation)
·    Good housekeeping
·    Safe systems of work
·    Training and information
·    Personal protective equipment
·    Welfare
·    Monitoring and supervision
·    Review

1.    Elimination or Substitution
Elimination is the most effective way of avoiding a severe hazard and its associated risks. If there is a risk of electric shock during the routine servicing if a machine then isolating the machine effectively, from all sources of electrical energy, eliminates the risk shock. Elimination can mean the abandonment of a process because the associated risk is too high. Substitution describes the use of a less hazardous form of the substance. Care should be taken not to introduce additional hazards and risks as a result of a substitution.

2.    Changing work methods/patterns
In some cases it is possible to change the method of working so that exposures are reduced.

3.    Reduced time exposure
This involves reducing the time during the working day that an employee is exposed to the hazard. It is only suitable for the control of health hazards associated with, for example, noise, vibration, display screens and fumes/mists hazardous substances.

4.    Engineering controls
This describes the control of risks by means of engineering design rather than reliance on preventive actions by employee. There are several ways of achieving such controls:
·    Control the risk at the source
·    Control the exposure by:
-    Isolating the equipment by use of an enclosure, barrier or guard
-    Insulating any electrical or temperature hazard
-    Ventilate away any hazardous fumes or gases
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5.    Housekeeping
Housekeeping involves keeping the workplace clean and tidy at all times and maintaining good storage systems for hazardous substances and other potentially dangerous items.

6.    System of work
A safe system of work is a legal requirement. The system of work describes the safe method of performing the job activity. If the risk involved are potentially high or medium, the details of the system should be in writing and should be communicated to the employee formally. Systems for low risk activities may be conveyed verbally. There should be records that the employee ( or contractor) has been trained or instructed in the safe system of work and that he or she understands it and will abide by it.

7.    Training  and information
Information includes such items as signs, posters, systems of work and general health and safety arrangements.

8.    Personal Protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used as a last resort. There are many reasons for this. The most important limitations are that PPE:
o    Only protects the person wearing the equipment not others nearby
o    Relies on people wearing the equipment at all times
o    Must be used properly
o    Must be replaced when it no longer offers the correct level of protection

9.    Welfare
Welfare facilities include general workplace ventilation, lighting and heating and the provision of drinking  water, sanitation and washing facilities. There is also a requirement to provide eating and rest rooms. Welfare facilities include the requirement to provide adequate fist aid and in some instances health surveillance.

10.    Monitoring and supervision
All risk control measures must be monitored for their effectiveness and supervised to ensure that they have been applied correctly. The effectiveness  and relevance of any training or instruction given should be monitored.

11.    Review
Periodically the risk control measures should be reviewed. Reviews often take place at safety committee and/or at management meetings. A serious accident or incident should lead to an immediate review of the risk control measures in place.