Identifying and Controlling Hazards
Course 101
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE FIVE: CONTROLLING HAZARDS

What are "feasible" controls?

Abatement measures required to correct a hazard must be technologically and economically feasible for the employer. OSHA uses the following criteria to determine feasibility of engineering and management controls:

• Technical Feasibility. Technical feasibility is the existence of technical know-how as to materials and methods available or adaptable to specific circumstances which can be applied to cited violations with a reasonable possibility that employee exposure to occupational health hazards will be reduced.
  
  
• Economic Feasibility. Economic feasibility means that the employer is financially able to undertake the measures necessary to abate identified hazards. Economic feasibility is a major issue to be considered when imposing hazard controls. OSHA may allow the use of PPE to abate a hazard, at least until such time as engineering controls become a less significant economic burden for the company when the following conditions are met:
  1. If significant reconstruction of a single establishment involving a capital expenditure which would seriously jeopardize the financial condition of the company is the only method whereby the employer could achieve effective engineering controls;
  2. If there are no feasible management (administrative or work practice)controls; and
  3. If adequate personal protective equipment or devices are available.

In those limited situations where there are no feasible engineering or management controls, full abatement can be allowed through the use of personal protective equipment.

 

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