Hazard Controls

Any type of hazard can be either be reduced, eliminated, isolated or controlled in some way using one of the following three methods:

• Engineering controls
• Administrative or work practice controls
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Engineering controls are those that use technological and engineering solutions to reduce or remove a hazard from the workplace. Types of engineering controls include handrails, circuit breakers, machine guards (such as covers over rotating parts), vent fans, and so on.

Administrative controls involve using programs, policies, and procedures to remove or reduce employee exposure to hazards. Examples are training, documentation, exposure limits, and permitting (such as Lockout Tagout, or the control of hazardous energy).

Engineering controls should be implemented before administrative controls, when possible.

When engineering controls and administrative controls have not completely reduced, removed, or isolated employee exposure to a hazard, Personal Protective Equipment (or PPE) is used.

PPE is special clothing and gear that provides a barrier between a hazard and the human body. Examples include hard hats, fire retardant clothing, gloves, ear plugs, safety shields and goggles, footwear, and so on.

PPE is the last measure of protection between a worker and a hazard.

To learn more about PPE visit our Personal Protective Equipment Online Training web page.