The document discusses methods for controlling hazards in the workplace. There are five main categories of hazard control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. Engineering controls are built directly into equipment and include enclosure, isolation, and ventilation systems. Administrative controls alter work procedures through policies, scheduling, and training rather than removing the hazard. Substitution replaces a hazardous material with a less hazardous one.

1. Hazard Control Program
Chapter
10
Md. Abdullah-Al-Mahbub
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Disaster Management
Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur
Course code: 5203
Title: Disaster and Climate Resilience,
Occupational Health and Safety
3.1 Hazard control program
3.2 Elimination & Substitution
3.3 Engineering Controls
3.4 Administrative controls
3.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE)
3.1 Hazard control program
What is a hazard control program?
A hazard control program consists of all steps necessary to protect workers
from exposure to a substance or system, the training and the procedures
required to monitor worker exposure and their health to hazards such as
chemicals, materials or substance, or other types of hazards such as noise
and vibration. A written workplace hazard control program should outline
which methods are being used to control the exposure and how these
controls will be monitored for effectiveness.
How do you know what kind of hazard control is needed?
Selecting an appropriate control is not always easy. It often involves doing
a risk assessment to evaluate and prioritize the hazards and risks. In
addition, both "normal" and any potential or unusual situations must be

2. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 2
studied. Each program should be specially designed to suit the needs of the
individual workplace. Hence, no two programs will be exactly alike.
Choosing a control method may involve:
o Evaluating and selecting temporary and permanent controls.
o Implementing temporary measures until permanent (engineering)
controls can be put in place.
o Implementing permanent controls when reasonably practicable.
For example, in the case of a noise hazard, temporary measures might
require workers to use hearing protection. Long term, permanent controls
might use engineering methods to remove or isolate the noise source.
What are the methods of hazard control? or,
What are the main ways to control a hazard?
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS
OSHA considers this hierarchy a way to determine what controls would be
feasible and most effective. Once you have established the priorities, the
organization can decide on ways to control each specific hazard. Hazard
control methods (the main ways to control a hazard) are often grouped into
the following categories:
1. Eliminate – This is the preferred method and most effective solution. It
is controlling the hazard at the source. It remove the hazard from the
workplace.
2. Substitute – If elimination is not possible, consider substituting or
replacing the known hazard with a material, process, or equipment that
is less hazardous. It substitute (replace) hazardous materials or
machines with less hazardous ones.

3. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 3
3. Engineer – A strategy involving denying access to the hazard by
installing physical barriers. This could be a redesign or modifications of
equipment, ventilation systems, and work processes to reduce the
frequency of performing dangerous tasks. Or the isolation of the hazard
by installing screens or barriers around hazardous areas.
4. Administrative – When exposure to the risk is not, or cannot, be
minimized by other means, you should introduce safe work practices to
reduce the risk. Controls that alter the way the work is done, including
timing of work, policies and other rules, and work practices such as
standards and operating procedures (including training, housekeeping,
and equipment maintenance, and personal hygiene practices).
5. Personal Protective Equipment – Introduce PPE to increase protection
and when other measures are not practical. It is the equipment worn by
individuals to reduce exposure such as contact with chemicals or
exposure to noise.
3.2 Elimination & Substitution
What is meant by elimination?
Elimination is the process of removing the hazard from the workplace. It is
the most effective way to control a risk because the hazard is no longer
present. It is the preferred way to control a hazard and should be used
whenever possible.
What is substitution?
Substitution occurs when a new chemical or substance that is less
hazardous is used instead of another chemical. It is sometimes grouped
with elimination because, in effect, you are removing the first substance or

4. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 4
hazard from the workplace. The goal, obviously, is to choose a new
chemical that is less hazardous than the original.
The table below provides some examples:
Instead Of: Consider:
carbon tetrachloride (causes liver
damage, cancer)
1,1,1-trichloroethane, dichloromethane
benzene (causes cancer) toluene, cyclohexane, ketones
pesticides (causes various effects on
body)
"natural" pesticides such as pyrethrins
organic solvents (causes various
effects on body)
water-detergent solutions
leaded glazes, paints, pigments (causes
various effects on body)
versions that do not contain lead
sandstone grinding wheels (causes
severe respiratory illness due to silica)
synthetic grinding wheels such as
aluminium oxide
Remember, however, that you need to make sure the substitute
chemical or substance is not causing any harmful effects, and to control
and monitor exposures to make sure that the replacement chemical or
substance is below occupational exposure limits.
Another type of substitution includes using the same chemical but to
use it in a different form. For example, a dry, dusty powder may be a
significant inhalation hazard but if this material can be purchased and used
as pellets or crystals, there may be less dust in the air and therefore less
exposure.
Figure 3
Remember!
When substituting, be very careful that one hazard is not being traded for
another. Before deciding to replace a chemical/substance with another,
consider all the implications and potential risks of the new material.

5. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 5
Why is substitution important to control hazard in workplace?
Substitution of currently-used materials with less hazardous materials is
one of the most effective ways of eliminating or reducing exposure to
materials that are toxic or pose other hazards. A hazard is the source of
danger or injury. A hazard includes any chemical or material that has the
ability or a property that can cause an adverse health effect or harm to a
person under certain conditions. Risk, on the other hand, is the probability
or chance that exposure to a chemical hazard will actually cause harm to a
person or cause an adverse effect.
Other occupational hygiene methods for controlling employee
exposure to chemicals include elimination, isolation, enclosure, local
exhaust ventilation, process or equipment modification, good
housekeeping, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.
All these methods reduce or eliminate the risk of injury or harm by
interrupting the path of exposure between the hazardous material and the
worker. Substitution removes the hazard at the source.
Why should the substitute product be chosen very carefully?
Extreme care must be taken to ensure that one hazard is not being
exchanged for another, especially one that could even be a more serious
hazard. Before deciding to replace a chemical, one must know what risks
the chemical poses to the employees, the environment, the equipment and
facilities. If the risks are serious, then alternatives should be considered. A
thorough understanding of the potential risks associated to the alternative
solution is necessary.
The selection of a substitute can be a very complex process. In large
organizations the selection process may involve a committee with
representatives from engineering, purchasing, industrial hygiene, safety,
maintenance, research and development, environmental control, waste
management, shipping, and the supervisors and workers who directly work
with the product. In smaller organizations, one person may carry out many
of these functions.
Describe the steps when investigating a new product? or,
Describe the steps or process when considering substitution
methods of hazard control?

6. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 6
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the United Kingdom
recommends a seven step process when considering substitution. These
steps include:
1. Identifying hazards and assessing risks. This step involves deciding
whether the current substance or process is a hazard. Is there a
significant risk involved in storing, using or disposing of a substance?
A hazard is defined as "the potential a substance or process has to harm
someone or damage the environment." Risk is "how likely this is to
happen."
2. Identifying alternatives. Investigate a wide range of options. Compare
all of the hazard assessment information as previously mentioned in
this document. Compare the different states of a chemical (e.g., will a
granular form create less dust than a powder form?) Also consider
whether the job is necessary or not (e.g., can the part be replaced rather
than cleaned). If you are a supplier, you may need to select options
according to your customers' needs as well as those of your own
employees.
3. Think about what could happen if you use the alternatives. It is
important that you have gathered all available information before this
step so that you can make a realistic comparison of both the good and
bad points. Remember that you must also consider the way employees
use it and how likely it is that they may be exposed. Choosing an
alternative chemical may require changes in:
o the way the work is done,
o the kind of equipment or parts (e.g., O-rings, gaskets or hose
materials) needed to be compatible with the substitute chemical,
o the ventilation system that may be required,
o the disposal methods, and
o regulatory requirements that may apply.
4. Comparing alternatives. In this step, compare the alternatives with
each other, and with the substance or process currently being used. HSE
recognizes that it is hard to compare the risks of one chemical that is
very flammable with one that is very toxic. They recommend thinking
of the effects in simple terms such as "Is the substitute going to
explode, or poison people? Will it only affect people who work with it,
or could it affect other people in the area?" Remember to consider how
and where the alternative will be used.
5. Decide whether to substitute. This step is the most difficult.
Remember that a change in one step of a process can affect many

7. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 7
others. Consult with the workers who will be handling the material
directly for their input. It is a good practice to introduce the substitute
on a trial or small quantity basis at first.
6. Introducing the substitute. Plan the change in material or process
carefully. Remember to train and educate the workers involved.
7. Assessing the change. Check to see if the substitution has produced the
intended results. You may find monitoring the health of the workers,
monitoring the level of contaminants in the air, or fulfilling legal
requirements useful parameters to measure.
3.3 Engineering Controls
What is meant by Engineering Controls?
Engineering Controls: includes designs or modifications to plants, equipment,
ventilation systems, and processes that reduce the source of exposure.
What are methods of engineering controls in workplace
hazard
Engineering controls are methods that are built into the design of a plant,
equipment or process to minimize the hazard. Engineering controls are a
very reliable way to control worker exposures as long as the controls are
designed, used and maintained properly. The basic types of engineering
controls are: 1) Process control; 2) Enclosure and/or isolation of emission
source; and 3) Ventilation. These are described below:
1. Process Control
Process control involves changing the way a job activity or process is done
to reduce the risk. Monitoring should be done before and as well as after
the change is implemented to make sure the changes did, in fact, control
the hazard.
Examples of process changes include to:
a. Use wet methods rather than dry when drilling or grinding. "Wet
method" means that water is sprayed over a dusty surface to keep dust
levels down or material is mixed with water to prevent dust from being
created.
b. Use an appropriate vacuum or "wet method" instead of dry sweeping
(e.g. with a broom) to control dust and reduce the inhalation hazard.

8. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 8
o Note: Never use a regular "household" vacuum cleaner, especially
when cleaning toxic material such as lead, or asbestos. Use a
vacuum specifically designed for industrial workplaces and be sure
to use appropriate filters, etc.
c. Use steam cleaning instead of solvent degreasing (but be sure to
evaluate the potential high temperature hazard being introduced such as
heat stress).
d. Use electric motors rather than diesel ones to eliminate diesel exhaust
emissions.
e. Float "balls" on open-surface tanks that contain solvents (e.g.
degreasing operations) to reduce solvent surface area and to lower
solvent loss.
f. Instead of conventional spray painting, try to dip, paint with a brush, or
use "airless" spray paint methods. These methods will reduce the
amount of paint that is released into the air.
g. Decrease the temperature of a process so that less vapour is released.
h. Use automation - the less workers have to handle or use the materials,
the less potential there is for exposure.
i. Use mechanical transportation rather than manual methods.
2. Enclosure and Isolation
These methods aim to keep the chemical "in" and the worker "out" (or vice
versa).
An enclosure keeps a selected hazard "physically" away from the worker.
Enclosed equipment, for example, is tightly sealed and it is typically only
opened for cleaning or maintenance. Other examples include "glove
boxes" (where a chemical is in a ventilated and enclosed space and the
employee works with the material by using gloves that are built in),
abrasive blasting cabinets, or remote control devices. Care must be taken
when the enclosure is opened for maintenance as exposure could occur if
adequate precautions are not taken. The enclosure itself must be well
maintained to prevent leaks.
Isolation places the hazardous process "geographically" away from the
majority of the workers. Common isolation techniques are to create a
contaminant-free or noise-free booth either around the equipment or
around the employee workstations.
3. Ventilation

9. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 9
Ventilation is a method of control that strategically "adds" and "removes"
air in the work environment. Ventilation can remove or dilute an air
contaminant if designed properly. Local exhaust ventilation is very
adaptable to almost all chemicals and operations. It removes the
contaminant at the source so it cannot disperse into the work space and it
generally uses lower exhaust rates than general ventilation (general
ventilation usually exchanges air in the entire room).
Local exhaust ventilation is an effective means of controlling hazardous
exposures but should be used when other methods (such as elimination or
substitution) are not possible.
A local exhaust ventilation system consists of these basic parts:
a) A hood that captures the contaminants generated in the air (at the
source).
b) Ductwork (exhaust stack and/or recirculation duct) that carries the
contaminated air to the air cleaning device, if present or to the fan
(away from the source).
c) A fan which draws the air from the hood into the ducts and removes
the air from the workspace. The fan must overcome all the losses due
to friction, hood entry, and fittings in the system while producing the
intended flow rate.
d) Air cleaning devices may also be present that can remove
contaminants such as dust (particulates), gases and vapours from the
air stream before it is discharged or exhausted into the environment
(outside air), depending on the material(s) being used in the hood.
3.4 Administrative controls
What are methods of administrative controls in workplace
hazard?
Administrative controls limit workers' exposures by scheduling shorter
work times in contaminant areas or by implementing other "rules". These
control measures have many limitations because the hazard itself is not
actually removed or reduced. Administrative controls are not generally
favoured because they can be difficult to implement, maintain and are not
a reliable way to reduce exposure. When necessary, methods of
administrative control include:
• Restricting access to a work area.

10. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 10
• Restricting the task to only those competent or qualified to perform
the work.
• Scheduling maintenance and other high exposure operations for
times when few workers are present (such as evenings, weekends).
• Using job-rotation schedules that limit the amount of time an
individual worker is exposed to a substance.
• Using a work-rest schedule that limits the length of time a worker is
exposure to a hazard.
What are forms of administrative controls in workplace
hazard?
1. Safe Work Practices
Work practices are a form of administrative controls. In most workplaces,
even if there are well designed and well maintained engineering controls
present, safe work practices are very important. Some elements of safe
work practices include:
• Developing and implementing safe work procedures or standard
operating procedures.
• Training and education of employees about the operating
procedures as well as other necessary workplace training
(including WHMIS).
• Keeping equipment well maintained.
• Preparing and training for emergency response for incidents such as
spills, fire or employee injury.
2. Education and Training
Employee education and training on how to conduct their work safely
helps to minimize the risk of exposure and is a critical element of any
complete workplace health and safety program. Training must cover not
only how to do the job safely but it must also ensure that workers
understand the hazards and risks of their job. It must also provide them
with information on how to protect themselves and co-workers.
3. Good Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential to prevent the accumulation of hazardous
or toxic materials (e.g., build-up of dust or contaminant on ledges, or
beams), or hazardous conditions (e.g., poor stockpiling).
4. Emergency Preparedness

11. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 11
Being prepare for emergencies means making sure that the necessary equipment
and supplies are readily available and that employees know what to do when
something unplanned happens such as a release, spill, fire or injury. These
procedures should be written and employees should have the opportunity to
practice their emergency response skills regularly.
5. Personal Hygiene Practices and Facilities
Personal hygiene practices are another effective way to reduce the amount
of a hazardous material absorbed, ingested or inhaled by a worker. They
are particularly effective if the contaminant(s) can accumulate on the skin,
clothing or hair.
Examples of personal hygiene practices include:
• Washing hands after handling material and before eating, drinking or
smoking.
• Avoiding touching lips, nose and eyes with contaminated hands.
• No smoking, drinking, chewing gum or eating in the work areas -
these activities should be permitted only in a "clean" area.
• Not storing hazardous materials in the same refrigerator as food items.
The design of a ventilation system is very important and must match
the particular process and chemical or contaminant in use. Expert guidance
should be sought. It is a very effective control measure but only if it is
designed, tested, and maintained properly.
Because contaminants are exhausted to the outdoors, you should also
check with your local environment ministry or municipality for any
environmental air regulations or bylaws that may apply in your area.
3.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE)

12. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 12
What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?
PPE is equipment worn by a worker to minimize exposure to specific
hazards.
Examples of PPE include respirators, gloves, aprons, fall protection, and
full body suits, as well as head, eye and foot protection. Using PPE is only
one element in a complete hazard control program that would use a variety
of strategies to maintain a safe and healthy environment. PPE does not
reduce the hazard itself nor does it guarantee permanent or total protection.
When should personal protective equipment (PPE) be used?
PPE is used to reduce or minimize the exposure or contact to injurious
physical, chemical, ergonomic, or biological agents. Remember, a hazard
is not “gone” when PPE is used, but the risk of injury may be reduced.
For example, wearing hearing protection reduces the likelihood of hearing
damage when the ear plugs or muffs are appropriate for the kind of noise
exposure and when the PPE is used properly. However, using hearing
protection does not eliminate the noise.
PPE should only be used:
• as an interim (short term) measure before controls are implemented;
• where other controls are not available or adequate;
• during activities such as maintenance, clean up, and repair where pre-
contact controls are not feasible or effective;
• during emergency situations.
What steps are involved in the selection of PPE in worksite?
Once the need for PPE has been established, the next task is to select the
proper type. Two criteria need to be determined:
• the degree of protection required, and
• the appropriateness of the equipment to the situation (including the
practicality of the equipment being used and kept in good repair).
The degree of protection and the design of PPE must be integrated
because both affect its overall efficiency, wearability, and acceptance.
The following are guidelines for selection:
1. Match PPE to the hazard
There are no shortcuts to PPE selection. Choose the right PPE to match the
hazard. On some jobs, the same task is performed throughout the entire job

13. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 13
cycle, so it is easy to select proper PPE. In other instances, workers may be
exposed to two or more different hazards.
A welder may require protection against welding gases, harmful light rays,
molten metal and flying chips. In such instances, multiple protection is
needed: a welding helmet, welders goggles and the appropriate respirator,
or an air-supplied welding hood.
2. Obtain advice
Make decisions based on thorough risk assessment, worker acceptance,
and types of PPE available. Once you have determined your PPE needs, do
research and shop around. Discuss your needs with trained sales
representatives and ask for their recommendations. Always ask for
alternatives and check into product claims and test data. Try out PPE and
test it to see that the equipment meets all of your criteria before it is
approved.
3. Involve workers in evaluations
It is extremely important to have the individual worker involved in the
selection of specific models. This assistance in selection can be achieved
by introducing approved models into the workplace for trials in which
workers have the opportunity to evaluate various models. In this way,
much information regarding fit, comfort, and worker acceptability will be
gained. When choosing PPE, workers should select among two or three
models, allowing for personal preferences. PPE should be individually
assigned.
4. Consider physical comfort of PPE (ergonomics)
If a PPE device is unnecessarily heavy or poorly fitted it is unlikely that it
will be worn. Note also that if a PPE device is unattractive or
uncomfortable, or there is no ability for workers to choose among models,
compliance is likely to be poor. When several forms of PPE are worn
together, interactions must be kept in mind (e.g., will wearing eye wear
interfere with the seal provided by ear muffs?). Use every opportunity to
provide flexibility in the choice of PPE as long as it meets required
legislation and standards.
5. Evaluate cost considerations
The cost of PPE is often a concern. Some programs use disposable
respirators because they appear to be inexpensive. However when the use
is evaluated over time, it is possible that a dual cartridge respirator would
be more economical. Engineering controls might prove an even more cost
effective solution in the long term and should be considered before PPE.

14. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 14
6. Review standards
Performance requirements of all standards must be reviewed to ensure that
exposure to injury will be minimized or eliminated by using PPE. If PPE is
exposed to hazards greater than those for which it is designed, it will not
deliver adequate protection.
In Canada, various standards exist and the most recent should be used
for guidance in the selection process. For example, the CSA Standard
Z94.3-15 “Eye and Face Protectors” outlines types of eye wear protectors
recommended for particular work hazards. The OSH Answers on eye and
face protection has more information on this topic.
7. Check the fit
When the selection has been made, the “fitting” component should be put
in place. The key is to fit each worker with PPE on an individual basis.
At the time of fitting, show each worker how to wear and maintain PPE
properly.
In some cases, individual fitting programs should be carried out by
qualified personnel. For example, for eye protection this qualified person
could be an optometrist, an optician, a manufacturers' representative or a
specially trained staff member, such as a nurse.
Eye wear should cover from the eyebrow to the cheekbone, and across
from the nose to the boney area on the outside of the face and eyes. When
eye wear/glasses sit halfway down the nose, protection from the hazard of
flying particles is reduced, sometimes to the point where no protection is
given. The calculated degree of protection will not be achieved in practice
unless the PPE is worn properly at all times when the worker is at risk.
8. Perform regular maintenance and inspections
Without proper maintenance, the effectiveness of PPE cannot be assured.
Maintenance should include inspection, care, cleaning, repair, and proper
storage.
Probably the most important part of maintenance is the need for
continuing inspection of the PPE. If carefully performed, inspections will
identify damaged or malfunctioning PPE before it is used. PPE that is not
performing up to manufacturers specifications, such as eye wear with
scratched lenses that have lost their ability to withstand impact should be
discarded.
Procedures should be set up to allow workers to get new PPE or
replacement parts for damaged PPE, and help them to keep the PPE clean.

15. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 15
For example, respiratory protection devices require a program of repair,
cleaning, storage and periodic testing.
Wearing poorly maintained or malfunctioning PPE could be more
dangerous than not wearing any form of protection at all. The workers
have a false sense of security and think they are protected when, in reality,
they are not.
9. Conduct education and training
No program can be complete without education and training to make sure
PPE is used effectively. Education and training should cover why it is
important, how to fit and wear PPE, how to adjust it for maximum
protection, and how to care for it.
Emphasize the major goals of the program and reinforce the fact that
engineering controls have been considered as the primary prevention
strategy. It is not good enough to tell someone to wear a respirator just
because management and/or legislation requires it. If the respirator is
intended to prevent lung disorders, the workers must be informed of the
hazards.
Workers and their supervisors will require education and training in
when, where, why, and how to use the equipment to achieve the necessary
level of protection. Include workers who are exposed on a regular basis as
well as others who might be exposed on an occasional basis, for example,
in emergencies or when temporary work is performed in dangerous areas.
10. Get support from all departments
Once the program is under way there will be a continuing need for
involvement from management, safety and medical personnel, supervisors,
the health and safety committee, individual workers, and even the
suppliers of the chosen PPE.
Education and training programs should continue on a regular basis.
11. Audit the program
As with any program or procedure implemented in an organization, the
effectiveness of the PPE program should be monitored by inspection of the
equipment and auditing of procedures.
Annual audits are common but it may be advisable to review critical
areas more frequently.
It would be useful to compare the safety performance to data before
the program began. This comparison would help determine the success or
failure of a program.

16. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 16
Why should you identify hazards and conduct a risk
assessment first?
The first step in the development of a PPE program is to identify the
hazards at the worksite. Work practices, processes, job procedures,
equipment, products, workplace layout, and individual factors should be
examined.
Particular attention should be paid to job requirements as some types
of hazards require more than one piece of PPE. For example, working with
chlorine may require respiratory, skin, and eye protection because chlorine
irritates both the respiratory system and the mucous membranes of the
eyes. It is important to continually review Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) as
they indicate the hazards associated with specific products and make PPE
recommendations.
A hazard identification and risk assessment should involve the health
and safety committee as an integral part of the team.
Why is it important to monitor and review your hazard
control program and methods?
It is important to monitor both the hazard and the control method to make
sure that the control is working effectively and that exposure to the hazard
is reduced or eliminated.
Some tools include physical inspection, testing, exposure assessment,
observations, injury and illness tracking, accident/incident investigations
reports, employee feedback/input, occupational health assessment and
other methods.
Be sure to answer the following questions:
• Have the controls solved the problem?
• Is the risk posed by the original hazard contained?
• Have any new hazards been created?
• Are new hazards appropriately controlled?
• Are monitoring processes adequate?
• Have workers been adequately informed about the situation?
• Have orientation and training programs been modified to deal with
the new situation?
• Are any other measures required?

17. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 17
• Has the effectiveness of hazard controls been documented in your
committee minutes?
• What else can be done?
Why are there so many precautions about using PPE?
PPE programs are often plagued by the belief that once a piece of
equipment is put on, the worker is totally protected. This is a false sense of
security. Basic safety principles, such as housekeeping and engineering
controls, must not be ignored.
PPE is designed to meet criteria which is only an approximation of
real working conditions. PPE should not be used when hazards are greater
than those for which that specific piece of equipment is designed. When it
comes to the evaluation of potential hazards, uncertainties need to be taken
into account. Unfortunately, PPE design criteria cannot cover all
eventualities.
Wearing PPE should not in itself create a greater danger. For example,
gloves prevent skin damage while working with moving equipment, but
can create an entanglement hazard when working with a drill press or
metal lathe.
Most regulatory agencies require that PPE not be used unless the
employer has taken all the necessary measures in terms of engineering
controls, work practices, administrative controls, and hygiene to control
the hazard.
Since the goal of an occupational health and safety program is to
prevent occupational injury and illness, PPE cannot be the first protection
option. The use of PPE does not prevent an incident from happening. It
does not eliminate the hazard. It only minimizes the exposure or may
reduce the severity of injury or illness. For these reasons, PPE is often
described as “the last line of defence”.
What is an example of a PPE program checklist?
The PPE program co-ordinator should consider the following:
Design a PPE Program:
• Make sure the “hierarchy of controls” methods such as elimination,
substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls, are
considered first. PPE is the last line of defence.
• Secure the active participation of all parties.

18. DSM 5101: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Methods M.A. Mahbub 18
• Ensure that a program coordinator has been appointed.
• Re-evaluate program on an ongoing basis.
Promotional Strategy
• Publicize commitment to the program.
• Make sure a clear, concise company policy has been formulated.
Hazard identification and risk assessment
• Review work practices, job procedures, equipment and plant layout.
• Use job hazard analysis techniques to integrate accepted safety and
health principles and practice into specific operations.
Selection
• Choose PPE to match the hazard.
• Get advice on proper selection.
• Have a workplace trial, whenever possible.
• Consider the physical comfort of PPE.
• Evaluate cost considerations of PPE usage.
• Ensure PPE meets standards / certification (e.g., CSA, CGSB,
NIOSH, ANSI).
Fitting and wearing
• Include fitting of PPE to the individual.
• Observe or survey users to make sure the PPE is worn and worn
properly.
Maintenance
• Make sure that workers know how to perform regular maintenance
and inspection of their PPE.
• Make sure that workers can identify potential problems or defects
with their PPE during the pre-use inspection or while wearing/using.
Education and Training
• Verify that all users, supervisors, selectors, buyers, and stock keepers
are educated and trained.
• Make sure that education and training programs are ongoing.
Audit the Program
• Review the program at least annually.
• Review and compare production and safety performance records.
Worker responsibilities include:

19. Chapter-1: Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Disaster, Capacity and Resilience 19
Use of proper PPE
• Make sure you are wearing the right PPE for the job. Check with your
safety representative if you are not sure.
Maintenance and inspection
• Inspect PPE before and after each use.
• Take care of PPE at all times.
• Clean all PPE after use.
• Repair or replace damaged or broken PPE.
• Store PPE in clean dry air - free from exposure to sunlight or
contaminants.
Education and Training
• Participate in education and training in how to fit, wear, and maintain
PPE.
• Ask questions to make sure you know when and what PPE should be
worn, and why it should be worn.