What Is the Hierarchy of Controls?

The hierarchy of controls is a method of identifying and ranking safeguards to

protect workers from hazards. They are arranged from the most to least effective and include elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.

Often, you’ll need to combine control methods to best protect workers. For

example, a local exhaust system (an engineering control) requires training,

periodic inspections, and preventive maintenance (administrative controls). You

will also need to consider feasibility.

Construction Site Electrical Safety

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment & Its Importance...

Elimination makes sure the hazard no longer exists. Examples:

• Ending the use of a hazardous material

• Doing work at ground level rather than at heights

• Stopping the use of noisy processes

Substitution means changing out a material or process to reduce the hazard. Examples:

• Switching to a less hazardous material

• Switching to a process that uses less force, speed, temperature, or electrical current

Basics of Behavior Based Safety

Engineering Controls reduce exposure by preventing hazards from coming into

contact with workers. They still allow workers to do their jobs, though. Examples:

• Noise enclosures

• Local exhaust ventilation

• Guardrail system

• Machine guards

• Interlocks

• Lift equipment

Administrative Controls change the way work is done or give workers more

information by providing workers with relevant procedures, training, or warnings.

They’re often used together with higher-level controls. They include:

• Procedures, such as equipment inspections, planned preventive

maintenance, checklists, lockout/tagout/tryout, infection prevention and

control practices, changing work schedules, pre- and post-task reviews,

and rotation of workers

• Training on topics such as hazard communication, permit-required

confined space entry, lockout/tagout/tryout, and safe work procedures

• Warnings, such as signs, backup alarms, smoke detectors, computer

messages, mirrors, horns, labels, and instructions

Safety Net Fall Protection Construction

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes clothing and devices to protect workers. PPE needs constant effort and attention (including proper use and training) from workers. Higher-level controls aren’t always feasible, and PPE might be needed in conjunction with other control measures. Examples:

• Safety glasses

• Personal Fall Protection Systems and related equipment

• Hardhats

• Respirators

• Hearing protection

• Protective clothing

Lifting Gear Equipment Safety