MEMORANDUM FOR A1 - Air Force E-Publishing

AFI91-202 5 AUGUST 2011 101
Chapter 12
HAZARD ABATEMENT
12.1. Purpose. To provide senior leaders, functional managers and supervisors with a riskbased
process or equivalent that mitigates hazardous conditions in all workplaces and operations.
The purpose of the hazard abatement program is to eliminate, control or limit exposure of
personnel to hazardous conditions.
12.2. Responsibilities.
12.2.1. Each installation establishes a program to abate hazards based on a priority system.
12.2.2. Commanders, supervisors and employees at all levels are responsible for abating
hazardous conditions
12.2.3. Commanders protect national resources, both human and material, and have the
responsibility to take action in implementing safety measures.
12.2.4. Functional managers correct hazards in their areas of responsibility.
12.2.5. The safety office helps commanders determine needed abatement actions and
provide the commander with follow-up support until the hazard is eliminated.
12.2.6. Send projects beyond the capability of local commanders to the parent MAJCOM.
12.3. Planning and Engineering. Use risk management processes during the planning, design
and execution phases to eliminate hazards as early as possible when they will have the least cost
and operational impact on the program. Continually review plans, specifications and drawings to
identify and eliminate hazards until the equipment or workplace is operating.
12.4. Procedural Actions. Develop procedures or restrictions to minimize risk if planning or
engineering actions cannot be used to eliminate hazards. If necessary, impose restrictions such as
operational limits, frequent inspections, protective equipment or stopping the operation until
corrective action is taken.
12.5. Hazard Elimination Hierarchy. The types of hazards employees are exposed to, the
severity of the hazards and the risk the hazards pose to employees should all be considered in
determining methods of hazard prevention, elimination and control.
12.5.1. In general, the following hierarchy should be followed in determining hazard
elimination and control methods:
12.5.1.1. Engineering. Engineering controls are the preferred method of reducing
exposure to hazards, but are not always feasible. Following are examples of engineering
controls that can be implemented.
12.5.1.1.1. Substitution of a less hazardous material.
12.5.1.1.2. Change process to minimize exposure to a hazard.
12.5.1.1.3. Isolation or enclosure of a process.
12.5.1.1.4. Ventilation of a work area.
12.5.1.1.5. Use of local exhaust i.e. fume hoods.