Elimination & Substitution

Elimination and substitution are the most effective at reducing hazards, but they tend to be the most difficult to implement. If the project is still at the design or development stage, elimination and substitution of hazards should be a priority. For an existing process, major changes in equipment and procedures may be required to eliminate or substitute for a hazard.

An example of eliminating a chemical hazard is to automate the process, thereby removing the worker from contact with the chemical substance. An example of substitution is to use a less toxic chemical.

If elimination of a hazard is not possible, the next best method is to implement engineering controls.

To learn more about Construction Chemical Hazards visit our Construction Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.