Hierarchy of Controls

Control level

Description

Examples

1. Elimination

Completely removing the hazard so that it is not there

• Power switched off
• Redesign
• Road closure

2. Substitution

Replacing hazardous objects or situations with less hazardous ones

• Smaller or different plant
• Traffic lights instead of traffic controllers

3. Isolation

Keeping hazardous objects or situations away from people

• Road safety barriers
• Barricaded no go zones

4. Engineering

Installing or using additional machinery to make hazards safer

• Machine guards
• Safety pins
• Height limiters
• Sensors

5. Administration

Establishing procedures that highlight potential risks as well as the above measures

• Safety briefings
• Signage
• Risk assessments
• SWMS

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Only to be used as a ‘last line of defence’. Use PPE to protect workers if the above measures fail, or as a temporary control until other measures are in place.

• Gloves
• Hard hats
• Hi-vis clothing

7. Any combination of 2–5 options