Final answer:
The appropriate hazard control method listed is Option 2: Eliminating hazards through engineering controls. Engineers must carefully evaluate solutions based on cost, environmental impact, and effectiveness, and approach them with precaution when the effects are not well understood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate method to control a hazard in the given options is Option 2: Eliminating hazards through engineering controls. This method involves redesigning equipment, changing work procedures, and employing various technologies to reduce the potential for harm. Engineering controls are a proactive way to ensure a safer work environment by addressing risks at their source rather than relying on personal protective equipment (PPE) or other less effective methods. However, engineering controls may not always completely eliminate a hazard, and they should be a part of a larger comprehensive safety program that includes proper training, the use of PPE when necessary, and regular monitoring of the environment.
It is essential for engineers to evaluate possible solutions to issues such as a mine fire. They must consider the costs, environmental impact, and effectiveness in extinguishing the fire when choosing the most appropriate solution. The principle that when the impacts of an activity on the environment are unclear, it is necessary to approach with caution, suggests a precautionary approach, implying that some level of harm may exist and that actions should be taken to prevent or minimize potential damage.