Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:front:0:p28
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 74116–77116

handle compressed air properly can eliminate many of the associated risks. Training and work procedures should emphasise the safe use of air tools and safeguard against the deliberate misuse of compressed air. Also, maintaining air receivers properly prevents the potential for an explosive rupture.

4. CONTROLLING RISKS

4.1 The hierarchy of control
There are a number of ways to control the risks associated with hazardous chemicals. 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.
You must always aim to eliminate a hazard and associated risk first. If this is not reasonably practicable, the risk must be minimised by using one or more of the following approaches:
    * Substitution
    * Isolation
    * Implementing engineering controls.
If a risk then remains, it must be minimised by implementing administrative controls, so far as is reasonably practicable. Any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
Administrative control measures and PPE rely on human behaviour and supervision and when used on their own, tend to be the least effective ways of minimising risks.

Eliminating the hazard
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 other control measures.
For example, not using a hazardous chemical or eliminating exposure by:
    * using nails instead of using chemical based adhesives
    * eliminating a handling activity and potential worker exposure by purchasing pre-mixed
      or diluted chemicals instead of manually mixing or diluting chemicals at the workplace.

Substitution
Substitution is the replacement of a hazardous chemical with a chemical that is less hazardous
and presents lower risks, for example:
    * substituting a less volatile material to control a vapour hazard may cost less than the installation and maintenance of a mechanical ventilation system
    * substituting a highly flammable liquid with one that is less flammable or combustible
    * using hazardous chemicals with a single hazard class rather than those with multiple hazards
    * substituting high hazard chemicals like carcinogens, mutagen, reproductive toxicants
      and sensitisers, with less hazardous chemicals
    * using diluted acids and alkalis rather than concentrates
    * using a product in either paste or pellet form rather than as dust or powder.

Isolation
Isolation involves separating people from the chemicals or hazards by distance or barriers to prevent or minimise exposure. Examples of isolation include:
    * Isolate workers from chemicals
          + use of closed systems such as those used during the processing and transfer of flammable liquids in petroleum refineries, or the use of glove boxes or glove bags
          + placing a process,