Controlling Risks

What is the highest level of the hierarchy of controls?

• AAdministrative controls
• BElimination of the hazard✓
• CPersonal protective equipment
• DEngineering controls

Answer: Elimination is at the top of the hierarchy. If a hazard can be eliminated entirely, this is the most effective control measure.

What does PPE stand for?

• APersonal Protective Equipment✓
• BProcedural Prevention Equipment
• CPersonal Prevention Effort
• DProtective Procedure Equipment

Answer: PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It is the lowest level of control and should only be used when higher-level controls are not feasible.

Why is PPE considered the least effective level of control?

• AIt is too expensive
• BIt depends on user compliance and can fail✓
• CIt is uncomfortable
• DIt is not used in modern workplaces

Answer: PPE depends on correct use, maintenance, and user compliance. It doesn't eliminate the hazard and may not provide complete protection.

What is an example of elimination of a hazard?

• AWearing a hard hat near falling objects
• BInstalling a guard rail
• CRemoving a task entirely or using automated equipment✓
• DTraining employees on hazards

Answer: Elimination removes the hazard entirely, such as automating a dangerous task or discontinuing a hazardous process altogether.

What is an example of substitution in risk control?

• AUsing a different person to do the work
• BChanging from toxic solvents to water-based alternatives✓
• CPurchasing different PPE
• DIncreasing training hours

Answer: Substitution means replacing something hazardous with a safer alternative that achieves the same outcome.

Which of the following is an engineering control?

• AWearing steel-toed boots
• BFollowing a safe procedure
• CMachine guards and protective devices✓
• DUsing warning signs

Answer: Engineering controls are physical modifications to equipment or environment such as guards, safety interlocks, ventilation systems, and isolation.

What is an example of an administrative control?

• AWearing gloves
• BJob rotation to reduce exposure to harmful substances✓
• CMachine isolation
• DInstalling a guard

Answer: Administrative controls include procedures, training, job rotation, scheduling, and work practices that reduce exposure or likelihood of harm.

What is a safe system of work?

• AA safety policy document
• BIntegrated procedures, instructions, and training to manage a specific hazardous task safely✓
• CProviding PPE
• DAnnual safety training

Answer: A safe system of work is a documented procedure for performing a hazardous task, including equipment, PPE, training, supervision, and specific steps to minimize risk.

Why should engineering controls generally be preferred over administrative controls?

• AThey are cheaper
• BThey are more reliable and don't depend on human behavior✓
• CThey are easier to implement
• DThey require less training

Answer: Engineering controls are built into the equipment or environment and are more reliable than administrative controls, which depend on consistent human compliance.

What is the role of training in administrative controls?

• ATraining replaces all other controls
• BTraining ensures employees understand hazards and follow safe procedures✓
• CTraining is optional
• DTraining is only needed for new staff

Answer: Training is essential for administrative controls to work, ensuring employees understand hazards, proper procedures, and their responsibilities.

What should be considered when selecting control measures?

• ACost only
• BCost, effectiveness, feasibility, and reliability✓
• CEffectiveness only
• DWhat other companies are using

Answer: Selection should consider effectiveness in reducing risk, reliability, feasibility of implementation, cost, impact on employees, and maintenance requirements.

When PPE is used, what else must be provided?

• ANothing else is necessary
• BTraining, maintenance, storage, and inspection✓
• COnly a training manual
• DOnly written instructions

Answer: If PPE is used, it must be accompanied by training, proper fitting, maintenance, inspection, storage, and replacement procedures.