Which sequence correctly lists the hierarchy of controls from most to least effective?

Which sequence correctly lists the hierarchy of controls from most to least effective?

• A. Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, PPE
• B. PPE, Administrative controls, Engineering controls, Substitution, Elimination
• C. Engineering, PPE, Substitution, Elimination
• D. Substitution, Elimination, PPE, Administrative

Answer: (A)

Think about protecting workers by removing the hazard at the source and then layering protections in order of effectiveness. The most robust approach is to eliminate the hazard entirely. If that isn’t possible, substitute the hazard with something less dangerous. If the hazard still exists, use engineering controls to isolate people from it, such as ventilation or enclosures. If exposure can’t be sufficiently reduced by engineering, apply administrative controls like changes in work practices or scheduling. Only after these options should PPE be used as the last line of defense, since it relies on proper use and doesn’t remove the hazard itself. So the best sequence is: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE. Starting with PPE or mixing in PPE with higher-priority controls would not reflect the most protective approach, and other sequences either place the hazard-reducing options in the wrong order or omit the most protective steps.

Think about protecting workers by removing the hazard at the source and then layering protections in order of effectiveness. The most robust approach is to eliminate the hazard entirely. If that isn’t possible, substitute the hazard with something less dangerous. If the hazard still exists, use engineering controls to isolate people from it, such as ventilation or enclosures. If exposure can’t be sufficiently reduced by engineering, apply administrative controls like changes in work practices or scheduling. Only after these options should PPE be used as the last line of defense, since it relies on proper use and doesn’t remove the hazard itself.

So the best sequence is: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE. Starting with PPE or mixing in PPE with higher-priority controls would not reflect the most protective approach, and other sequences either place the hazard-reducing options in the wrong order or omit the most protective steps.