Hierarchy of Controls: Examples
Hierarchy of Controls: Examples
Controlling the health and safety risks in a workplace is necessary to prevent injury and
illness. The first step is to identify and assess the risks through inspections, JHA, or
equipment reviews or any other information indicating a potential risk. Then decide on
the best way to control the risk or hazard by either removing or reducing them, by
applying the Hierarchy of Controls system.
When deciding on the best way to control a risk, start at the top of the hierarchy of
controls. First investigate if the risk can be eliminated, by using an engineering control to
take the worker out of the equation for the hazard. Then start to factor the worker back
into the equation, by first changing the way they work, then how long they will work with
the hazard, then how they can protect themselves from the hazard. This is the most
effective way to control a hazard.
Examples:
• Noise Overexposure • Respiratory Hazard
o Engineering Controls o Engineering Controls
Shielding of Noise Source Ventilation
o Safe work practices o Safe work practices
Change work process to Change work process to
lower hazard lower hazard
o Administrative procedures o Administrative procedures
Rotate workers to keep Rotate workers to keep
under PEL under PEL
o Personal protective equipment o Personal protective equipment
Hearing protection Respirators
Engineering Controls
This glove box is an
example of an
engineering control
that isolates the
process. Unless there
is some other type of
dust problem, he
probably doesn’t need
a respirator. If he does
need a respirator, he
should be wearing an
approved respirator.
John
Larry
2 hrs
2 hrs
8hrs
Stacy Jane
2hrs 2 hrs