Hazard Control Systems
August 18, 2008
Once your assessment determines (either potential or actual) hazards, hazard control systems and/or equipment to minimize the risk must be implemented. Because of the temporary nature of the work that is required, you will need interim hazard control systems (remedies) to protect your workers.
Too often we improvise or omit these systems because we haven’t planned the job. But this approach isn’t a good thing. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires us to plan and organize the work to ensure the hazards are minimized. Confined spaces will require planning to develop temporary safeguards. Temporary safeguards selected must balance:
- Portability - being able to easily move in and out,
- Capability - being able to do the job required, and
- Price - being able to afford it.
These interim remedies need to be formalized into a system that will enable your workers to enter and re-enter these areas as often as they need to to get the job done injury free. In other words “written instructions” are needed to guide the worker in the set up and operation of these temporary hazard control systems. Written instructions must be provided for each piece of equipment used and if the equipment is part of a system, the system’s operating instructions must also be supplied. The instructions should detail;
- The equipment and tools necessary,
- Details on where/how to set up the system,
- Operating parameters (what should happen), and
- Troubleshooting information.
Photos and drawings should be included were possible. In addition, the information provided must be concise, readable and detailed.
Hazard Control Plan
*One or more of the following systems, tools and equipment will be required to control the hazards at a site.
|
System |
Description |
|
Atmospheric Monitoring |
Testing equipment used to determine the air quality inside the space (eg. oxygen, toxic gases, temperature, humidity, noise etc.) |
|
Attendant |
A trained individual who can evaluate and monitor hazards, operate hazard control equipment (fans, testers, etc.), complete paperwork, as well as initiate and assist in the emergency response system. |
|
Chemical Management |
The engineering efforts used to control exposure to a hazardous substance (eg. purging, proper storage, etc.) |
|
Communication System |
Equipment that allows the Attendant to talk to the Entrant, Emergency Dispatcher and Rescuers. |
|
Decontamination |
A cleaning system to prevent the spread of any material from the space by the Entrant and/or tools that were used in the space. |
|
Guarding |
The physical devices or systems added to equipment to prevent possible injury during their use. |
|
Hot Work Controls |
The system, devices and work processes designed to prevent fires. |
|
Lighting |
Portable lights that provides 5 watts/m2 or .46 watts/ft2 in the work area and the travel path. |
|
Lockout |
Locks and attachment devices that ensure switches, valve handles and doors remains in specific position. (eg. off) |
|
PPE |
Personal protective equipment that a worker wears to minimize the impact of a hazard. |
|
Procedures |
Written instructions for equipment operation or how to operate a system. |
|
Performance Auditing |
A formalized system of measuring compliance to a standard. |
|
Signage |
Warning, directional or informational signs posted at a site. |
|
Temperature Management |
Actions and tools to increase or decrease core body temperature as required. |
|
Training |
Classroom, practical or on the job instruction to enable someone to complete a task. |
|
Ventilation |
Fans, ductwork and filters that either supply fresh air into the space or that exhaust gases, smoke, dust, fumes and/or mists from the space. |