What is a “Control Measure”?

A "Control Measure" refers to actions or strategies that are implemented specifically to mitigate risks by reducing or eliminating hazards associated with a process or operation. Control measures are vital in the field of process safety management (PSM) as they aim to protect employees, the environment, and public safety from potential hazards.

By focusing on the direct impact on hazards, control measures can include a wide range of actions such as engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintenance protocols. This proactive approach is essential for managing safety risks effectively and ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place before incidents occur.

The other options do not capture the full definition of control measures. Emergency response procedures, while critical, are typically reactive measures taken after an incident has occurred rather than proactive controls aimed at reducing hazards. Procedures for evaluating employee performance and policies focusing on training staff are important for overall organizational safety culture but do not specifically address the reduction or elimination of process hazards. Therefore, the first option accurately encapsulates the concept of control measures within process safety management.