Identifying Hazards and Applying Controls

Integrated Safety Management

Hazards are identified, evaluated and corrected as a routine part of planning work and when warranted, through inspections. The integrated safety management (ISM) approach can improve safety in almost every work situation. The following steps can be thought of as a continuous cycle or loop:

  1. Define the Work: Outline the scope of work
  2. Analyze hazards: Several resources are available to help identify and analyze hazards

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Job Safety Analysis (JSA): JSAs describe job tasks in a step-by-step fashion, identifies associated hazards at each step, and outlines proper hazard controls.

Learn more about JSAs or visit the JSA Library.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Safety data sheets are the best source of information regarding the hazards, emergency response, and protective measures for any hazardous material.

5S Principles

Keep your workplace clean, safe, and efficient. You are encouraged to review the following 5S tool for hazard identification: 

5S Principles

Hazard Communication

The EH&S Hazard Communication program seeks to help campus departments fulfill the requirements of Cal/OSHA Section 5194, also known as the "Employee Right-to-Know" law. The law requires employers to provide information on physical and health hazards of the materials employees use or come into contact with as part of their work. There are three basic components of the Hazard Communication standard:

  • Adequate labeling of all hazardous substances in the workplace
  • Providing information such as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each hazardous chemical in the department
  • Training employees on the chemical hazards of their workplace

Each laboratory using hazardous materials needs to have a completed Chemical Hygiene Plan signed by each laboratory employee in order to meet Hazard Communication requirements.

Shops and other production or service areas using hazardous materials need to have a completed "Hazard Communication" signed by each employee using the facility to assist in meeting the training requirements.

Resources

Hazard Communication Plan Flip Chart

Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)

See: Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)

All UC Berkeley laboratory personnel who work with laboratory chemicals must know and follow the guidance outlined in this online CHP Component and the CHP Flipchart. Every laboratory worker is responsible for following safe work practices. Practicing safe chemical hygiene protects you and other lab members.

  1. Develop and Implement Controls: What can be done to address the hazards in the workplace

Training

Take required and recommended safety training.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

See: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
A SOP is a set of instructions for performing experiments or processes that involve hazards (chemical, physical, biological, radiation). SOPs are lab-specific and include documentation of the people who have received training for that procedure.

Higher Hazard Work

Higher hazard work requires advanced authorizations from EH&S (e.g., laser use, radiation use, biohazardous material use, animal use, etc.)

  1. Perform the Work: Perform the planned work using the controls that have been identified
  2. Feedback and Improvement: After the work is done, evaluate what went well, and whether improvements are needed for next time.