Rating risk and choosing controls

Rate each hazard by how likely it is and how bad the result would be. Deal with the highest risks first.

Choose controls in this order, from most to least effective:

• Eliminate the hazard.
• Substitute something less dangerous.
• Engineering controls, such as guards or ventilation.
• Administrative controls, such as procedures, training and signage.
• Personal protective equipment.

PPE is the last line of defense, not the first.