What is the correct order of the Hierarchy of Risk Control Methods as described in NFPA 70E?

What is the correct order of the Hierarchy of Risk Control Methods as described in NFPA 70E?

• A. Elimination, Substitution, PPE, Awareness, Administrative controls, Engineering controls
• B. Elimination, Engineering controls, Substitution, Administrative controls, Awareness, PPE
• C. Elimination, Substitution, Engineering controls, Awareness, Administrative controls, PPE
• D. Substitution, Elimination, Engineering controls, PPE, Administrative controls, Awareness

Answer: (C)

The idea behind the Hierarchy of Risk Control Methods is to protect workers by addressing hazards in a prioritized way, starting with removing the hazard entirely and ending with personal protection as a last resort. You begin with eliminating the hazard, then substitute it with a less dangerous option, and use engineering controls to mechanically or physically reduce exposure. After those technical safeguards, awareness—training and hazard recognition—ensures workers understand the risks and know how to act safely, which makes the other controls more effective. Next come administrative controls, such as procedures, policies, and work practices that limit exposure, and PPE as the final safeguard when residual risk remains. So the order that includes awareness between engineering controls and administrative controls—and places PPE last—reflects emphasizing training and hazard awareness as a crucial step before relying on administrative measures and personal protection.

The idea behind the Hierarchy of Risk Control Methods is to protect workers by addressing hazards in a prioritized way, starting with removing the hazard entirely and ending with personal protection as a last resort. You begin with eliminating the hazard, then substitute it with a less dangerous option, and use engineering controls to mechanically or physically reduce exposure. After those technical safeguards, awareness—training and hazard recognition—ensures workers understand the risks and know how to act safely, which makes the other controls more effective. Next come administrative controls, such as procedures, policies, and work practices that limit exposure, and PPE as the final safeguard when residual risk remains.

So the order that includes awareness between engineering controls and administrative controls—and places PPE last—reflects emphasizing training and hazard awareness as a crucial step before relying on administrative measures and personal protection.