Environmental Health & Safety

 

Hazard Assessment and Control

Revised: June 13, 2018

Background

Many work processes at LSUHSC present risk that must be mitigated to an acceptable level to ensure the safety of our faculty, students and staff.  A sound assessment of hazards and the implementation of proper controls will minimize incidents and accidents, and ensure compliance with state and federal safety requirements. This training module provides information on how to assess hazardous work processes and methods for controlling exposures, including the use of personal protective equipment.

Assessing Hazards

Supervisors shall conduct an assessment for operations where a reasonable expectation of exposure to hazards is anticipated.  The assessment may be in the form of an informal job safety analysis (JSA) as discussed below.  When the assessment identifies that a hazard exists then implement appropriate protective measures, including engineering/administrative controls and/or personal protective equipment.   

Assessing risks posed by chemicals can be challenging.  Regular exposure/environmental monitoring is not usually warranted in labs because chemicals are typically used for relatively short time periods and in small quantities.  However, exposure monitoring as part of an initial hazard assessment or required by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1450) may be conducted when:


The Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) can conduct this exposure monitoring.  See the Chemical Hygiene Plan for further information.


Subsequent to the completion of an assessment that has identified a hazard(s) and determined the need for the implementation of exposure control measures, the supervisor will develop hazard specific standard operating procedures (SOP) that incorporate the necessary and appropriate use of hazard controls, work practices and PPE.

EHS can provide technical support with hazard assessments and assist departments in implementing effective hazard controls.  EHS primary points of contact for support are Darren Burkett, Certified Industrial Hygienist, at dburk2@lsuhsc.edu or 568-2324 and Taylor Kriete, Chemical and Biological Safety Officer, at tkriet@lsuhsc.edu or 568-6586.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Controlling Exposures

When the hazard assessment is complete, action will be taken to mitigate/eliminate identified hazards.  There are three general methods for controlling hazardous exposures:

  1. Engineering Controls eliminate or reduce exposure to a chemical or physical hazard through the use or substitution of engineered machinery or equipment. Some examples include: self-capping syringe needles, ventilation systems such as fume hoods, sound dampening materials to reduce noise levels, safety interlocks, and radiation shielding.
  2. Administrative Controls (work practice controls) are changes in work procedures, such as written safety policies, rules, supervision schedules, and training, with the goal of reducing the duration, frequency, and severity of exposure to hazardous chemicals or situations.
  3. Personal Protective Equipment is a device or clothing worn by a worker to help prevent direct exposure to hazards.

The preferred method for reducing exposures is the use of engineering controls, with administrative controls as the second option.  If neither is sufficient to reduce exposures to an acceptable level, personal protective equipment shall be used.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

What is PPE?

LSUHSC-NO is required to Provide PPE when:

Who Pays for Protective Equipment?

For more information see the Personal Protective Equipment policy.

Employee Training & Recordkeeping

Support

If you need assistance with assessing hazards, implementing controls, or selecting PPE for your lab or workspace, please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Department at (504) 568-6585 or safetytraining@lsuhsc.edu.