What is one of the most desirable courses of action when a hazard is identified?

Eliminating the hazard entirely is considered one of the most desirable courses of action when a hazard is identified because it removes the risk at its source. This approach is the most effective way to ensure safety, as it prevents any potential accidents or injuries that could arise from the hazard. By completely eliminating the hazard, individuals are not just temporarily managing the risk, but rather addressing it in a way that ensures it cannot cause harm in the future.

Other actions, while necessary in certain contexts, do not provide the same level of safety assurance. For example, placing a "do not use" sign may alert people to the danger but does not remove the hazard itself, leaving the risk of an accident. Similarly, informing participants about the hazard raises awareness but still allows for potential exposure to danger until the hazard is dealt with. Creating a new operational procedure might help manage the risk to some extent but does not eliminate the hazard itself, meaning the risk remains present. Ultimately, eliminating the hazard is the most proactive and effective strategy for ensuring safety.