When considering hazard controls, what does substitution mean?

When considering hazard controls, what does substitution mean?

• A. Replacing with more hazardous one.
• B. Using PPE exclusively.
• C. Replacing a hazardous chemical or process with a less hazardous alternative.
• D. Removing the hazard through engineering controls only.

Answer: (C)

Substitution means replacing a hazardous chemical or process with a less hazardous alternative to reduce risk at the source. This approach changes the material or method itself so workers are exposed to a smaller hazard, rather than relying on protective gear or later-stage controls. For example, using a water-based cleaner instead of a solvent-based one lowers toxic exposure, or choosing a less toxic raw material or a safer process to achieve the same result. It’s important to confirm the substitute truly reduces overall risk and doesn’t introduce new hazards like flammability or secondary toxic effects. The other options miss the point because PPE alone does not remove the hazard at its source, substituting with something more hazardous would raise risk, and removing the hazard purely through engineering controls is a different tactic that doesn’t focus on changing the material or process itself.

Substitution means replacing a hazardous chemical or process with a less hazardous alternative to reduce risk at the source. This approach changes the material or method itself so workers are exposed to a smaller hazard, rather than relying on protective gear or later-stage controls. For example, using a water-based cleaner instead of a solvent-based one lowers toxic exposure, or choosing a less toxic raw material or a safer process to achieve the same result. It’s important to confirm the substitute truly reduces overall risk and doesn’t introduce new hazards like flammability or secondary toxic effects.

The other options miss the point because PPE alone does not remove the hazard at its source, substituting with something more hazardous would raise risk, and removing the hazard purely through engineering controls is a different tactic that doesn’t focus on changing the material or process itself.