Often, we think of personal protective equipment (PPE) as one of the primary methods of protecting employees. Indeed, PPE is an important and practical defense against workplace hazards. But did you know that PPE should be considered your last line of defense against workplace hazards?
Engineering or administrative controls – methods that employers can implement to reduce or eliminate a particular workplace hazard — must always be considered first when evaluating and mitigating workplace hazards.
What types of engineering controls should you consider implementing before doling out the PPE? It’s impossible to address every conceivable danger. Here are three common hazards to consider.
Noise Exposure
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation on Occupational Noise Exposure states: “When employees are subjected to sound exceeding those listed in Table G-16, feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized “[29 CFR 1910.95]. (Table G-16 lists decibel limits for various noise exposure duration).
When evaluating appropriate engineering or administrative controls for noise, here are actions to consider:
- Move employees away from the noise-producing equipment
- Place noisy machinery in an area away from as many workers as possible
- Place machinery on rubber mountings to reduce vibration
- Use sound-absorbing acoustical tiles and blankets on floors, walls and ceilings
- Arrange work schedules to reduce the time each worker spends in a noisy area
Remember, the controls listed above may not provide the necessary level of hearing protection required by OSHA. Your employees may still need to wear some type of hearing protection.
Flying Debris Hazards
Not only are machine guards an effective engineering control, they’re required by OSHA: “One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples of guarding methods are barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc.” [29 CFR 1910.212].
Modern machinery usually comes equipped with the necessary machine guards, but if you have older machinery at your facility, look into adding guards. Other engineering or administrative control steps to consider:
- Use barriers or ropes to keep employees out of unauthorized areas near machinery and moving parts
- Establish inspection schedules and preventive maintenance to ensure that machinery is always in working order
- Encourage employees to maintain proper housekeeping
- Train employees on the proper use of machinery and guards
Respiratory Hazards
Engineering and administrative controls can also be helpful when complying with this OSHA regulation: “In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures” [29 CFR 1910.134].
When considering implementing engineering or administrative controls to help control respiratory hazards, think about taking these steps:
- Install ventilation systems to help control and/or eliminate air contaminants
- Enclose or confine operations to avoid employee exposure
- Substitute chemicals that are less hazardous to employees
Of course, the implementation of engineering or administrative controls isn’t meant to eliminate or replace the use of PPE. You may find that the combination of engineering or administrative controls and the use of PPE provide the best protection for your employees.
2 Comments
Mark Baranowskisays:
03/01/2017 at 8:23 pmYour employer must also provide a workplace free of known health and safety hazards.
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Karensays:
03/03/2017 at 5:45 pmAbsolutely! Providing a workplace that is free of recognized safety and health hazards is a fundamental responsibility for every employer subject to OSHA regulations.
Because each workplace is unique, and it is up to the employer to identify their specific risks and hazards and either eliminate them or put plans in place to prevent employee injuries and illnesses. Many facilities do this with formalized Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) processes. The hierarchy of controls can then be applied when determining how to handle any hazards found during a JSA or JHA. For new facilities, forward thinking companies may even use Prevention by Design principles to prevent hazards instead of ever allowing them onsite.
Thanks for the great reminder.
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