# Appendix B: Control Measures Library

## Purpose

This appendix provides a library of commonly used risk control measures organised by hazard type. The examples are intended to support selection of controls in accordance with the Hierarchy of Control.

The controls listed are examples and should be evaluated for suitability, effectiveness, and practicability for the specific activity being assessed.

Risk assessors should prioritise:

1. Elimination
2. Substitution
3. Engineering Controls
4. Administrative Controls
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Controls should not rely solely on PPE where higher-order controls are reasonably practicable.

**Note:** Control measures should be written as actions, systems, or requirements that actively reduce risk. Where possible, controls should describe what is implemented rather than simply naming equipment.

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# Chemical Hazards

## Elimination

Examples:

* Eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals where they are not required.
* Remove unnecessary chemical handling or transfer steps from the process.
* Purchase ready-to-use solutions instead of preparing concentrated mixtures.
* Outsource specialised hazardous processes where appropriate.

## Substitution

Examples:

* Replace xylene with a less hazardous alternative.
* Replace benzene with a lower-toxicity solvent.
* Use aqueous solutions instead of flammable solvents where suitable.
* Replace powdered chemicals with pellets, granules, or solutions to reduce dust generation.

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Conduct work involving hazardous vapours inside a certified chemical fume hood.
* Capture airborne contaminants using local exhaust ventilation.
* Use closed transfer systems to minimise chemical exposure.
* Provide secondary containment for chemical storage and handling.
* Store compressed gases in compliant gas cabinets where required.
* Store flammable liquids in approved flammable storage cabinets.
* Store corrosive substances in dedicated corrosives cabinets.
* Use automatic dispensing systems to minimise manual handling.
* Install spill containment systems to prevent uncontrolled releases.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Maintain an up-to-date chemical inventory.
* Review Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) before use.
* Assess chemical compatibility before storage or mixing.
* Develop and follow Safe Work Procedures.
* Establish and train personnel in spill response procedures.
* Restrict access to authorised personnel.
* Implement chemical waste management procedures.
* Provide training and verify competency before work is undertaken.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear chemical splash goggles when splash hazards exist.
* Wear a face shield where there is a risk of significant splashing.
* Wear chemical-resistant gloves appropriate to the substance handled.
* Wear chemical-resistant aprons or protective clothing where required.
* Wear respiratory protection where exposure cannot be adequately controlled by other means.
* Wear chemical-resistant footwear where appropriate.

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# Biological Hazards

## Elimination

Examples:

* Use non-pathogenic organisms where suitable.
* Use inactivated materials instead of viable agents.
* Eliminate unnecessary handling of biological agents.

## Substitution

Examples:

* Use lower-risk biological agents where practicable.
* Use attenuated strains instead of virulent strains.
* Use non-infectious models where suitable.

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Conduct work with infectious materials in an appropriate biosafety cabinet.
* Use biological safety isolators where required.
* Maintain negative-pressure rooms for designated containment activities.
* Use HEPA filtration systems to control airborne biological hazards.
* Use sealed centrifuge rotors or safety cups to contain aerosols.
* Use sharps safety devices to reduce needlestick risks.
* Provide hands-free handwashing facilities.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Provide biosafety training appropriate to the work performed.
* Implement vaccination programmes where recommended.
* Maintain biological agent registration and approval processes.
* Establish exposure response procedures.
* Implement validated decontamination procedures.
* Conduct medical surveillance where required.
* Restrict access to authorised personnel.
* Verify competency before independent work is permitted.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear laboratory coats or protective clothing.
* Wear disposable gowns where contamination risks exist.
* Wear medical or laboratory gloves appropriate to the task.
* Wear face shields where splash risks exist.
* Wear respirators where required by the risk assessment.
* Wear eye protection where appropriate.

---

# Laser Hazards

## Elimination

Examples:

* Use non-laser technologies where feasible.
* Eliminate unnecessary beam alignment activities.

## Substitution

Examples:

* Use a lower-class laser where suitable.
* Use a lower-power laser where practicable.
* Use visible alignment lasers instead of invisible wavelengths where appropriate.

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Enclose laser beams wherever practicable.
* Install beam stops to terminate laser beams safely.
* Use interlocked laser rooms or enclosures.
* Restrict operation using key-switch controls.
* Install laser curtains or barriers appropriate to the laser classification.
* Use protective barriers to prevent beam exposure.
* Operate systems remotely where practicable.
* Use approved viewing screens for beam observation.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Provide laser safety training.
* Implement authorised laser user programmes.
* Develop and follow laser operating procedures.
* Establish documented alignment procedures.
* Restrict access to controlled laser areas.
* Display appropriate warning signage.
* Maintain laser registration and inventory records.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear laser protective eyewear matched to the laser wavelength and power.
* Wear protective clothing where high-power laser exposure is possible.
* Wear face shields where required by the risk assessment.

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# Ionising Radiation Hazards

## Elimination

Examples:

* Replace radioactive materials with non-radioactive alternatives where feasible.
* Use non-ionising techniques where suitable.

## Substitution

Examples:

* Use lower-activity radioactive sources.
* Use shorter-lived radionuclides where practicable.
* Use sealed sources instead of unsealed sources where feasible.

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Provide shielding appropriate to the radiation type and energy.
* Store radioactive materials in shielded storage containers.
* Install lead barriers or equivalent shielding where required.
* Use shielded workstations for radioactive material handling.
* Use remote handling tools to increase distance from sources.
* Use interlocked irradiation systems.
* Operate X-ray equipment within shielded enclosures.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Provide radiation safety training.
* Implement personal dosimetry programmes where required.
* Authorise radiation work through approved processes.
* Conduct routine radiation surveys.
* Maintain radioactive source inventories.
* Implement source accountability programmes.
* Designate and manage controlled radiation areas.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear personal dosimeters where required.
* Wear lead aprons where applicable.
* Wear thyroid shields where applicable.
* Wear protective gloves during contamination-related work.

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# Non-Ionising Radiation Hazards

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Install shielding appropriate to the radiation source.
* Use interlocks to prevent exposure during operation.
* Enclose radiation sources where practicable.
* Provide warning systems indicating equipment operation.
* Restrict access to controlled areas.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Provide user training.
* Authorise equipment use through approved processes.
* Implement exposure management procedures.
* Display appropriate warning signage.
* Develop and follow safe operating procedures.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear UV-rated face shields where required.
* Wear UV-protective clothing where exposure is possible.
* Wear protective eyewear appropriate to the hazard.
* Wear thermal protective gloves where required.

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# Machinery and Workshop Hazards

## Elimination

Examples:

* Eliminate manual machining processes where practicable.
* Use pre-fabricated components to reduce workshop activities.

## Substitution

Examples:

* Use lower-energy equipment where suitable.
* Use safer cutting or fabrication methods.

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Fit machinery with compliant guards.
* Install interlocks to prevent access to hazardous moving parts.
* Provide accessible emergency stop devices.
* Use extraction systems to remove dust, fumes, or particulates.
* Use automatic feed systems to reduce operator exposure.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Develop and follow machine-specific operating procedures.
* Implement permit systems for high-risk activities.
* Restrict operation to authorised personnel.
* Conduct preventive maintenance in accordance with manufacturer requirements.
* Conduct pre-task briefings where appropriate.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear safety glasses where eye hazards exist.
* Wear face shields where there is a risk of flying particles.
* Wear hearing protection where noise exposure exceeds limits.
* Wear safety footwear in workshop environments.
* Wear cut-resistant gloves only where they do not introduce entanglement hazards.

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# Electrical Hazards

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Protect circuits using residual current devices (RCDs).
* Install lockable isolation devices.
* Ensure electrical equipment is properly grounded or earthed.
* Provide insulated barriers around exposed electrical hazards.
* Use interlocked electrical panels to prevent access to live components.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Implement lockout-tagout procedures.
* Restrict electrical work to authorised personnel.
* Conduct routine electrical inspections and testing.
* Use permit-to-work systems for high-risk electrical activities.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear arc-rated clothing where arc flash hazards exist.
* Wear insulated gloves appropriate to the voltage level.
* Wear face shields suitable for electrical work.
* Wear dielectric footwear where required.

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# Work at Height

## Elimination

Examples:

* Perform work from ground level wherever practicable.
* Use telescopic or extension tools to avoid working at height.

## Substitution

Examples:

* Use elevated work platforms instead of ladders where practicable.

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Install guardrails around fall hazards.
* Use fixed work platforms where appropriate.
* Use mobile elevated work platforms for suitable tasks.
* Install certified lifeline or anchor systems where required.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Implement work-at-height permit systems.
* Develop rescue and recovery plans.
* Ensure personnel are trained and competent.
* Assess weather conditions before commencing work.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear full-body harnesses where fall protection is required.
* Use shock-absorbing lanyards compatible with the fall arrest system.
* Use approved fall arrest equipment where required.

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# Confined Space Hazards

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Provide forced ventilation to maintain safe atmospheric conditions.
* Continuously monitor atmospheric conditions where required.
* Isolate all hazardous energy sources before entry.
* Provide rescue and retrieval equipment suitable for the space.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Implement confined space entry permits.
* Assign trained entry attendants.
* Develop emergency rescue plans.
* Conduct atmospheric testing before and during entry as required.
* Ensure personnel are trained and competent.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear respiratory protection where required.
* Use harness and retrieval systems where appropriate.
* Carry personal gas detectors where required.

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# Manual Handling and Ergonomics

## Elimination

Examples:

* Eliminate manual lifting through process redesign.
* Deliver materials directly to the point of use.

## Substitution

Examples:

* Reduce package size or load weight.
* Use lighter tools or equipment.

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Use trolleys to transport loads.
* Use lift tables to reduce lifting requirements.
* Use mechanical lifting aids for heavy or awkward loads.
* Provide adjustable workstations to improve posture.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Use team lifting where mechanical aids are not practicable.
* Provide manual handling training.
* Rotate tasks to reduce repetitive strain exposure.
* Schedule appropriate work-rest periods.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear gloves to improve grip where appropriate.

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# Fieldwork Hazards

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Provide GPS tracking devices where appropriate.
* Provide reliable communication equipment.
* Use vehicles fitted with appropriate safety systems.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Implement buddy systems where required.
* Develop journey management plans.
* Monitor weather and environmental conditions.
* Establish emergency communication procedures.
* Implement check-in and escalation procedures.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear high-visibility clothing where required.
* Use sun protection appropriate to conditions.
* Wear suitable footwear for terrain and activities.
* Wear personal flotation devices where required.

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# Event and Student Activity Hazards

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Use certified staging and structural systems.
* Install barriers or barricades to manage crowd movement.
* Protect temporary electrical installations with appropriate devices.
* Secure tents and temporary structures against environmental conditions.

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Develop event safety plans.
* Implement crowd management plans.
* Establish emergency response procedures.
* Coordinate activities with contractors and stakeholders.
* Monitor weather conditions.
* Conduct participant and staff safety briefings.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear high-visibility vests where required.
* Wear safety footwear during setup and dismantling activities.
* Wear gloves during manual handling tasks.

---

# Contractor Activities

## Administrative Controls

Examples:

* Conduct contractor inductions before work commences.
* Implement permit-to-work systems where required.
* Review contractor risk assessments and safe work methods.
* Hold coordination meetings for overlapping activities.
* Provide appropriate site supervision.
* Verify contractor competency and authorisations.

## Engineering Controls

Examples:

* Install physical barricades around work areas.
* Provide temporary edge protection where fall hazards exist.
* Implement lockout-tagout systems for hazardous energy isolation.
* Use dust suppression systems where airborne contaminants may be generated.

## PPE

Examples:

* Wear hard hats where head injury hazards exist.
* Wear safety footwear appropriate to the work environment.
* Wear eye protection where required.
* Wear hearing protection where noise hazards exist.
* Wear respiratory protection where required by the risk assessment.

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# Human Factors Controls

Examples:

* Verify worker competency before assigning tasks.
* Provide refresher training at appropriate intervals.
* Implement fatigue management measures.
* Ensure adequate supervision.
* Manage workload to reduce error likelihood.
* Implement appropriate shift scheduling practices.
* Establish clear communication protocols.
* Conduct pre-task briefings.
* Empower workers to exercise stop-work authority where unsafe conditions exist.
* Use peer checking for critical tasks.

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# Verification of Control Effectiveness

Examples:

* Conduct workplace inspections.
* Perform internal audits.
* Undertake exposure monitoring where required.
* Conduct radiation surveys.
* Perform air monitoring.
* Test and certify fume hoods.
* Certify biosafety cabinets at required intervals.
* Conduct laser safety inspections.
* Implement health surveillance programmes where appropriate.
* Assess worker competency.
* Observe work practices to verify compliance.
* Analyse incident and near-miss trends.
* Review corrective actions for effectiveness.

Controls should be periodically reviewed to verify continued effectiveness, suitability, and ongoing implementation.
