The following example is adapted from one given in ‘A Short Guide to The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 2005’ published by the HSA.
EXAMPLE OF HOW THE ‘9 STEP’ HIERARCHY WORKS IN PRACTICE |
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| PRINCIPLE OF PREVENTION | WORKERS EXPOSED TO CHEMICAL FUMES IN A FACTORY |
| 1. The avoidance of risks | Could the risk be avoided by completely eliminating the need for workers to come into contact with the chemical? |
| 2. The evaluation of unavoidable risks | If this proves impossible, the unavoidable risks must be elevated to determine the appropriate risk control measures. |
| 3. The combating of risks at the source | Could the risk be combated at source by totally enclosing the process so as to reduce the level of exposure to the hazardous chemical? |
| 4. The adaptation of work to the individual | N/A |
| 5. The adaptation of the place of work to technical progress | Is there a newer process technology available that could help to eliminate or reduce the unavoidable risks from the use of the hazardous substance? |
| 6. The replacement of dangerous articles, substances or systems of work by safe or less dangerous articles, substances or systems of work | If not, is it possible to replace or substitute the hazardous chemical with a substance that is safe or less hazardous? |
| 7. The giving of priority to collective protective measures over individual protective measures | Would a local exhaust ventilation system help to control the exposure to an acceptable level? |
| 8. The development of an adequate prevention policy which takes account of technology, organisation of work, working conditions, social factors etc. | N/A |
| 9. The giving of appropriate training and instructions to employees | Where it is not possible to completely control the risk using collective protection, individual protection measures (e.g. respiratory protective equipment) would need to be used. Employees would need to be trained and instructed in its use. |
