Hierarchy of Controls

To protect workers, it is crucial to limit their exposure to chemical substances. The hierarchy of controls describes the activities that can be used to limit the exposure . Five tiers of activities to lessen or eliminate dangers make up the hierarchy of controls:

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

When you use the hierarchy of controls - you should aim at the highest boxes (like your mom always hides the sweets in the boxes in top of the kitchen cupboard). Then if that is not possible then you can work your way down the hierarchy - and the last option is personal protective equipment.