What is the least effective way to control a hazard?

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Question restated: What is the least effective way to control a hazard?
Options presented: a) Elimination, b) Substitution: Substitute the risks with lesser risks, c) Engineering Controls: Reduce the risks through engineering changes or changes to systems of work, d) Administrative Controls, e) Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Option a: Elimination. This is typically the most effective control method because it removes the hazard entirely from the workplace. By removing the hazard, there is no exposure risk left for workers, which is why this approach is prioritized higher in most control hierarchies.

Option b: Substitution. Replacing the hazard with a lesser or safer alternative reduces risk without relying on worker behavior. While not always feasible, substitution is generally considered a strong control because it lowers the potential for harm at the source.

Option c: Engineering Controls. These are physical changes to the workplace or process (e.g., guards, ventilation, isolation) that reduce or remove exposure. They do not rely on human behavior and are typically more reliable than administrative or PPE-based controls, placing them high on the hierarchy.

Option d: Administrative Controls. These involve changes in work practices, procedures, training, scheduling, or signage to reduce risk. They can be effective but depend on consistent human performance and compliance, making them less robust than elimination/substitution/engineering controls.

Option e: Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is a barrier that protects the worker while exposure risk remains present. Its effectiveness is highly dependent on proper selection, fit, usage, training, and compliance, and it does not remove the hazard itself. As a result, PPE sits lower in the hierarchy and is generally considered the least effective control measure when used in isolation.

Why the other options tend to be more effective than PPE: Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls aim to reduce or remove the hazard at the source or modify the environment or behavior to lower risk, reducing reliance on individual actions. PPE, by contrast, protects the worker but leaves the hazard in place and adds dependency on correct usage, maintenance, and consistent adherence to procedures.

In summary, considering the general principles of hazard control, PPE is the least effective method among the listed options because it does not eliminate or substantially reduce the hazard itself and relies on downstream actions and compliance rather than systemic hazard reduction.

EHS576 Quiz for WHMIS non-lab training

What is the least effective way to control a hazard?

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