Hazard, removal

As alluded to in the BSE illustration given earlier, genuine risk management measures can focus on systematic hazard removal based on the HACCP system or on some other alternative or more appropriate system. In some cases, this can involve the isolation of the cause of the problem. In other cases, it can involve the conservative elimination of all suspected contaminants. Concurrent with this is the importance of reporting these efforts in a proactive means and keeping consumers informed about decisions, processes, and progress. 

Even in the face of a well-planned emergency response plan, complications can arise. One common area where this happens is with systematic hazard removal. When existing evidence is poor, HACCP will require extensive risk assessment and may not be as easy to implement as one would hope. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that the resources allocated to risk assessment have important signal value to the public. Depending on the level of resources dedicated to a cause, an absence of investment can either cause a further increase in the perceived risk or lead to a feeling of frustration that nothing is being done. A perceived balance needs to be maintained. 

If fatality was due to direct exposure to an aerosol cloud, remove all clothing and double bag in appropriate biological hazard containers. Wash cadaver with soap and water. Collect and disinfect all wash and rinse solutions. In many cases, there is an addihonal risk of secondary infections due to exposure of personnel to contaminated blood, bodily fluids, or fecal matter from cadavers. Some pathogens may be absorbed into fomites (e.g., clothing or bedding) causing these items to become infechous and capable of transmit-hng the disease. If fomites are hazardous, remove all items and double bag in appropriate biological hazard containers. Dispose of contaminated arhcles at an appropriate medical waste disposal facility. 

Inspection and maintenance can help remove tripping hazards. Remove protruding nails and screws or set them even with the floor surface. Repair damaged tiles, floor boards or carpet. Remove unnecessary mats, electrical cords or similar objects that extend across walking zones. If there are temporary electrical or communication cables across a walking zone, tape them to the floor. Use other protections to prevent tripping on them. Route them overhead if possible. 

Some materials — for example, coated materials and stainless steels — can create toxic fumes. Know the base metal you are welding and associated hazards. Remove oils and other foreign chemicals that... 

Housekeeping is, by far, one of the easiest preventive methods to implement and tends to have the most immediate impact upon the workplace. Poor housekeeping leads to a myriad of hazards from slips, trips, and falls to fire hazards. Housekeeping is a portion of a hazard removal program in which everyone in the woricplace can take an active role. Becanse of this, it will impact more than just accident prevention it will also increase morale and productivity (see Figure 25.16). 

Perform hot work in a safe location, or with Are hazards removed or covered. 

Poor sight distance at hill crest Traffic controi devices Fixed-hazard removal Shoulder widening Driveway relocation... 

Plant areas dean (fire hazards removed, such as rags) ... 

Identify and repair structural hazards. Remove debris from floor. 

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