Hierarchy of Control
September 2019 Industry News
There are many different measures that can be implemented to control exposure to welding fume in the workplace.
ulate fumes, erally can’t see,
Using the hierarchy of control, we have developed a list of measures in order of priority, each option should be considered starting at the top.
effects including: hroat and lungs including dryness of the coughing or a tight chest r ced lung function e.g. where breathing ot working
1.
2.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
effects including: g lung and potentially kidney thma
Redesign the job or substitute a substance so that the hazard is removed or eliminated
SUBSTITUTION
of exposure to fume can include:
Not all options will be feasible, and, in most cases, more than one measure will be needed.
Measures
ELIMINATION
o numerous clude welding
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
3.
4.
Conduct a risk assessment to understand the environment, equipment and materials being used and how tasks are being performed. • Choose alternative methods • Remove surface coatings Replace the process or material that causes the hazard Use a welding technique that produces less fume • Assess the risk to health from welding fume through air monitoring
Isolate people from the hazard by removing welding fume at the source Use suitable Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)
Change the way people work, implement procedures to reduce exposure Train all workers on the correct use of LEV Implement a maintenance and testing program for LEV
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Protect workers with adequate and suitable PPE
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5.
Provide RPE suitable to the task and environment Where required conduct face fit testing Implement an RPE Program • Inform, instruct and train workers on RPE • Maintain and test RPE
Source: http://www.breathefreely.org.uk/hierarchy-of-control.html
Welding Fume 5
To offer additional guidance on sufficiently protecting employees and contractors from exposure to welding fume, using the hierarchy of control2 Arco has developed a list of measures in order of priority that should be implemented to control exposure. It should be noted that not all options will be feasible, and, in most cases, more than one measure will be needed.
Additionally, Arco supplies a range of quality respiratory protective equipment including respirators, air-fed helmets and welding hoods. LEV should be the first port of call when controlling the exposure to welding fume, however, where there is obvious visual residual fume or where additional protection is required, appropriate RPE should be provided.
As well as the list of key measurements, Arco’s team of in-house experts are on hand to offer technical specialist advice on best practice within the workplace on factors such as risk assessment assistance, air monitoring, appropriate fume extraction, face fit testing and equipment servicing and maintenance.
To find out more information on the updated enforcement exceptions, download Arco’s free Welding Fume Expert Guide
1 http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/mild-steel-welding-fume.htm?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term 2 http://www.breathefreely.org.uk/hierarchy-of-control.html
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