CONTROL OF WORKPLACE HAZARDS/ CONTAMINANTS

Gordon Nyakiti Kenya School of Agriculture P.O. Box 1909 10100 Nyeri
1

Steps in control of hazards

Recognizing the hazards, Evaluation and assessment Control of the hazards

2nd Step: Assessment/evaluation

Determining the hazardous level of the condition in the workplace by measuring the level or by any other means including experience. Comparing the determined level with the acceptable national or international standard or code of practice

3rd Step Making decision on the control strategy to apply

There are two basic options of controlling the hazards, namely: Safe Work Environment Strategy and Safe Person Strategy

Measures related to the work environment which include: Substitution of material and/or processes Modification of the processes Ventilation Isolation/segregation of hazardous processes Mechanization of operations.
5

Measures related to the workers which include: Adequate pre-employment and periodic medical examination Limiting time of exposure Personal protective equipment (PPE) considered a method of last resort when engineering controls are not sufficient to achieve acceptable limits of exposure. PPE can be used in conjunction with engineering controls and other methods. Appropriate work practices Health education and training of workers and employers
6

 Personal protective devices, e.g. special clothing or eye and respiratory protection. PPE have one serious drawback they do nothing to reduce or eliminate the hazard. Their failure means immediate exposure to the hazard. The devices may become ineffective without the knowledge of the wearer.
7

 Eye and face protection include safety glasses, face shields. Hearing protection:- protection against noise induced hearing loss e.g. Earplugs or earmuffs Protective clothing - gloves, aprons, boots, overalls and other impervious materials.

Personal hygiene The eating, storage or drinking of foods and liquids in areas where toxic materials are used should be forbidden. Special areas should be set aside for employees to change clothing and protective equipment.

Education and training to supplement engineering controls. The worker should know the proper operating procedures that make engineering controls effective. Workers should be given reason for wearing respirators, protective clothing or goggles, informed of the necessity of good housekeeping and maintenance.
10

 Management is responsible for furnishing the facility and products required to keep the workplace healthy and safe. The worker has the responsibility of wearing the protective equipment if it is provided and observe all institutions rules relating to occupational health and safety.
11

THE END
QUESTIONS, CRITIQUES, COMPLIMENTS WELCOMED.

THANK YOU

12