The management and effective control to reducing or eliminating workplace hazards can be frustrating. Controlling the exposure(s) to occupational hazards is the fundamental method of protecting employees. The CDC published a useful guide called “Hierarchy of Controls” detailing 5 types of control methods as a means to implement effective control solutions.

The idea behind this hierarchy is that the control methods at the top of graphic are potentially more effective and protective than those at the bottom. Following this hierarchy normally leads to the implementation of inherently safer systems, where the risk of illness or injury has been substantially reduced.

Elimination and substitution, while most effective at reducing workplace hazards, also tend to be the most difficult to implement in an existing process. If the process is still in a development stage, elimination and substitution of hazards may be inexpensive and simple to implement. For an existing process, major changes in equipment and procedures may be required to eliminate a hazard.

EXAIR can help your company follow the Hierarchy of Controls, to eliminate or reduce the hazards of compressed air usage. Many EXAIR products, including Super Air Knives and Air Amplifiers are simple to use for the substitution level of the hierarchy. The simplest substitution may be any of the EXAIR Air Nozzles and Jets, which have been designed to meet OSHA standards. All are safe to be supplied with higher pressure compressed air and meet OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.242(b) and 29 CFR-1910.95(a).

Of course, when designing new systems, keep these products in mind and begin to design safer and more efficient compressed air demand elements of your machines and processes.

If you have questions or want to talk to an EXAIR Application Engineer please contact us to discuss how our products will be beneficial to your work environment safety.

Eric Kuhnash
Application Engineer
E-mail: EricKuhnash@exair.com
Twitter: Twitter: @EXAIR_EK