Those from the bottom of the list are more difficult to maintain and usually are less effective. The controls listed below can often be most effective when used in combination, rather than separately. Hierarchy of Controls. Personal Protective Equipment. Summary of Controls.
Elimination means completely removing the hazard or risk of exposure to the hazard.
This is the ideal control solution. Substitution means replacing the hazard with a non-hazardous alternative. If a hazard cannot be eliminated or substituted the next preferred measure is to use an engineering control. This example shows the use of the engineering control of vacuum extraction of smoke and fumes used in combination with the safe working procedure of keeping the extractor duct close to the work and within the capture area of the vacuum air flow. Administrative controls mean introducing work practices which reduce risk.