Hazard control with the elimination method is the most effective method compared with other hazard control methods; substitution, engineering control, administrative control, or PPE.
With the elimination method, hazards are removed completely from their sources.
As the result, there will be no remaining hazard after implementing this method.
However, if we use this method on an existing facility, equipment, or system, it will require high investment costs.
But …
The high investment cost will be no issue if the accident record in your company is not zero. It means the investment creates a safer workplace for business survival.
Hazard Elimination Examples
On the other hand, due to its effectiveness in removing hazards from the source, the investment you put in is worthwhile in stopping work accidents or achieve the zero accident target.
I know it is not an easy task to start the process of eliminating existing hazards. You need to deeply consider every aspect related to the facility, system, equipment, or machine, including the associated cost.
So, to get started with the process, I will show you some real hazard elimination examples that I took from my own experiences.
Here are the examples.
- Using membrane separation technology instead of ion exchange for producing demineralized water. Chemical hazards removed.
- Procuring steam from other companies through a pipeline and stopping high-pressure boiler operation.
- Installing a CCTV for monitoring liquid interface level inside an 18 m height tower to prevent falling hazards.
- Procuring production material in a ready to use size, to eliminate the cutting process.
- Modifying the connection to bolt-nut to avoid hot work at the plant site during the installation.
- Using non-combustible or non-flammable material instead of combustible or flammable material.
- Relocating hot work for fabrication from the plant site to the contractor site.
- Installing pipelines with fewer flange connections to avoid hazardous material leaking.
- Using an air balancer for moving 30 kg-polyethylene can (PE Can) instead of using manual lifting.
- Rounding the sharp edge of equipment and facilities to prevent workers injury by the sharp edge.
To get more idea, you can watch a presentation from Ahmed Assad below. It also outlines the fundamental aspect of hazard control.
Further Reading
To learn more about hazard control, I recommend you to read a book from Frank R Spellman and Revonna M Beiber, titled “Physical Hazard Control : Preventing Injuries in the Workplace“.
This book explains ways how to control various kind of physical hazards in the workplace.
You can check the book here.
