Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394:body:0:p18
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 44563–47488

is required for specific situations, for example when working with asbestos. In many circumstances a risk assessment will assist in determining the control measures that should be implemented.
It will help to:
    * identify which workers are at risk of exposure
    * determine what sources and processes are causing that risk
    * identify if and what kind of control measures should be implemented
    * check the effectiveness of existing control measures.
A risk assessment is not necessary if the risk and how to control it is already known.

3.3              Controlling the risks
The WHS Regulation may require specific control measures to be implemented in certain circumstances. For example, the risk of collapse of trenches 1.5 metres or more in depth must be controlled with shoring, benching or battering. Where specific controls are prescribed, these must be implemented before work proceeds.

The hierarchy of control measures
Some control measures are more effective than others. Control measures can be ranked from
the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. This ranking is known as the hierarchy
of control. The higher order controls must always be considered first.

Eliminating the risk
This means removing the hazard or hazardous work practice from the workplace. This is the most effective control measure and must always be considered before anything else. For example, eliminate the risk of a fall from a height by doing the work at ground level.
If elimination of the risk is not reasonably practicable, you must consider using substitution, isolation or engineering controls, or a combination of these control measures, to minimise the risk.

Minimising the risk by using one of the following control measures

Substitution
Minimise the risk by substituting or replacing a hazard or hazardous work practice with a less hazardous one. For example:
    * Substituting a two-part epoxy substance with a water-based acrylic waterproofing system will minimise exposure to a hazardous substance;
    * Substituting an ordinary brick-cutting saw blade with a noise-reduced saw blade will minimise exposure to hazardous noise; and
    * Using a water-based paint rather than a solvent-based paint.

Isolation
Minimise the risk by isolating or separating the hazard or hazardous work practice from people.
For example:
    * Isolating a mobile plant work zone from workers and/or the public with physical barriers to minimise the risk of contact occurring between a person and the mobile plant.

Engineering Controls
Engineering controls are physical control measures to minimise risk. For example:
    * Carrying tools from one level to another with a material hoist or craning material will minimise the risk of workers developing a musculoskeletal disorder.
    * Benching, battering or shoring the sides of the excavation will minimise the risk of a person being trapped and prevent