What Is the Hierarchy of Controls?

What Is the Hierarchy of Controls?

The hierachy of controls is the logical progression when we are considering about controls for a hazard. The hazard controls are listed in orders as per below:

1 - elimination

2 - Substitution

3- Engineering Control(s)

4 - Safe Work Practice(s)

5 - Safe Work Practice(s)

6 - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

According to the list, the hazard controls are listed in order. At the top is elimination. This is what we should try to do first. If elimination isn't possible or feasible, then we continue down the list, trying substitution, then engineering controls, then administrative controls, and then finally (and only as a last resort) personal protective equipment.