Introduction

The hierarchy of controls is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing workplace hazards.  It ranks controls from the most effective level of protection to the least effective level of protection.  When choosing a control method, start from the top of the inverted pyramid.  Assess the feasibility of the first layer of controls (elimination) before moving on to the second layer (substitution).  Continue this process until you reach the bottom of the pyramid and have identified as many controls as needed to adequately protect the worker from the hazard.

The hierarchy of controls is divided into five (5) steps:

  1. Elimination: Physically remove the hazard.

  2. Substitution: Replace the hazard.

  3. Engineering controls: Isolate people from the hazard.

  4. Administrative controls: Change the way people work.

  5. PPE: Protect the worker with personal protective equipment.