Safety Trained Supervisor Hazard Control Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hierarchy of controls level involves replacing a hazardous material with a less hazardous one?
- Elimination
- Substitution (Correct answer)
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
Correct answer: Substitution
Substitution replaces a hazardous material or process with a less hazardous alternative.
Examples include replacing solvent-based coatings with water-based alternatives or using less toxic chemicals. The substitute must be evaluated to ensure it does not introduce new hazards.
Question 2: How do engineering controls differ from administrative controls?
- Engineering requires compliance; administrative are automatic
- Engineering physically changes the workplace; administrative changes how people work (Correct answer)
- Engineering is more expensive so always preferred
- No significant difference
Correct answer: Engineering physically changes the workplace; administrative changes how people work
Engineering controls physically modify the environment; administrative controls change work practices.
Engineering controls like ventilation, guards, and barriers work regardless of worker behavior. Administrative controls like procedures and training depend on continuous human compliance and are less reliable.
Question 3: What is a risk assessment matrix used for?
- Calculating compensation premiums
- Evaluating and prioritizing hazards based on likelihood and severity (Correct answer)
- Tracking safety equipment inventory
- Scheduling safety training
Correct answer: Evaluating and prioritizing hazards based on likelihood and severity
A risk matrix combines likelihood and severity to prioritize hazard controls.
The matrix typically uses color coding (red, yellow, green) for easy communication. It helps allocate limited safety resources by focusing on highest-risk hazards first and provides documented basis for decisions.
Question 4: Why is PPE the least effective control level?
- PPE is always uncomfortable
- PPE depends on correct selection, fit, use, and maintenance while the hazard still exists (Correct answer)
- PPE is most expensive
- PPE only protects against chemical hazards
Correct answer: PPE depends on correct selection, fit, use, and maintenance while the hazard still exists
PPE relies entirely on correct use while the hazard remains at full strength.
PPE does not reduce the hazard itself. Any failure in selection, fit, wearing, or maintenance leaves the worker fully exposed. PPE can also be uncomfortable, restrict movement, and create new hazards like heat stress.
Question 5: What is residual risk in hazard control?
- Risk after complete elimination
- The risk remaining after all reasonably practicable controls are implemented (Correct answer)
- Risk from new controls
- Risk score before controls
Correct answer: The risk remaining after all reasonably practicable controls are implemented
Residual risk is the level remaining after all practicable controls have been applied.
The goal is reducing residual risk to acceptable levels following the ALARP principle. If residual risk is unacceptable, additional controls or activity modification is needed. Monitoring ensures controls remain effective.
Question 6: How should a supervisor determine the appropriate control level?
- Start with PPE as quickest
- Apply the hierarchy from the top, implementing the highest feasible level (Correct answer)
- Use whatever the budget allows
- Have workers vote on preference
Correct answer: Apply the hierarchy from the top, implementing the highest feasible level
Work through the hierarchy from top down selecting the highest feasible level.
At each level, evaluate technical capability, cost-effectiveness, timeline, and potential new hazards. The best approach often combines multiple levels. Selected controls should be documented and monitored.
Safety Trained Supervisor Hazard Control Principles 2
Which hierarchy of controls level involves replacing a hazardous material with a less hazardous one?