2 . THE RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS
2.3 Controlling the risks
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 .
You must always aim to eliminate a hazard , which is the most effective control . If this is not reasonably practicable , you must minimise the risk by one or a combination of the following :
•Substitution – for example , using a mechanical demolition method rather than a manual method , if it is safer
• Isolation – for example , use concrete barriers to separate pedestrians and powered mobile plant to reduce the risk of collision
• Engineering controls – for example , fitting an open cab excavator with a falling objects protective structure to minimise the risk of being struck by a falling object .
If risk remains , it must be minimised by implementing administrative controls , so far as is reasonably practicable , for example install warning signs and establish an exclusion zone around the demolition work . Any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment ( PPE ), such as providing workers with hard hats , steel cap boots and high visibility vests .
Administrative control measures and PPE rely on human behaviour and supervision and used on their own , tend to be the least effective in minimising risks .
Factors that should be considered when choosing suitable control measures include :
• items of plant and equipment – large structures may require scaffolding or powered mobile plant to work on suspended floors
• stockpiling arrangements at the workplace , for example the location of demolished material to control dust
• transporting the demolished material , including access to the workplace , the length and nature of the haul route , and the type of load shifting equipment to be used .
Chapters 4-6 of this Code provide information on control measures for demolition work .
2.4 Reviewing control measures
The control measures that are put in place to protect health and safety should be regularly reviewed to make sure they are effective .
Regulation 38
You must review your control measures and , if necessary , revise them :
• when the control measure is not effective in controlling the risk
• before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or different health and safety risk that the control measure may not effectively control
• if a new hazard or risk is identified
• if the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary , or
• if a health and safety representative requests a review .
CODE OF PRACTICE | DEMOLITION WORK 7