Hierarchy of hazard controls

Hierarchy of Hazard Controls is a system used in industry and occupational safety and health to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards. It is a widely accepted system promoted by numerous safety organizations. This concept is taught to managers in industry, to be promoted as standard practice in the workplace. Various illustrations are used to depict this system, most commonly a triangle.

Overview

The hierarchy of hazard controls is a sequence of options which offer different degrees of protection. The hierarchy can be represented as follows:

1. Elimination
2. Substitution
3. Engineering controls
4. Administrative controls
5. Personal protective equipment

The idea behind this hierarchy is that the control methods at the top of the list are potentially more effective and protective than those at the bottom. Following the hierarchy normally leads to the implementation of inherently safer systems, where the risk of illness or injury has been substantially reduced.

Elements of the Hierarchy

Elimination

Elimination is the process of removing the hazard from the workplace. It is the most effective way to control a risk because the hazard is removed and therefore no longer a threat.

Substitution

Substitution means replacing something that produces a hazard with something that does not produce a hazard. For example, substituting a toxic material with a non-toxic material.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are methods that are built into the design of a plant, equipment or process to minimize the hazard. Engineering controls are a very reliable way to control hazards because they are physical changes to the workplace that eliminate or reduce the hazard on the job or work task.

Administrative Controls

Administrative controls are changes in work procedures such as written safety policies, rules, supervision, schedules, and training with the goal of reducing the duration, frequency, and severity of exposure to hazardous chemicals or situations.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include respirators, gloves, aprons, fall protection, and full body suits.

See Also

• Occupational safety and health
• Risk assessment
• Safety engineering

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Hierarchy of hazard controls

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  NIOSH’s “Hierarchy of Controls infographic”

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