4
365-AWM-01-IGDO © 2020, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
FAQ: PPE CONSIDERATIONS
Hierarchy of Controls for Biological, Chemical and Physical Agents
Reconsider the use of PPE as the first line of
defence. There are other options to consider
at the source, along the path or at the worker.
The following list is based from high to low in
reliability and effectiveness:
A. Elimination
i. Postponing non-essential projects
ii. Eliminate non-essential tasks
iii. Eliminating the hazard where feasible
B. Engineering controls
i. Substituting the process that generates
contaminant with a method that produces
less contaminant. For example, if cutting
a material using a dry method, use a wet
method to control particulate migration and
dust generation
ii. Enclose the process to separate the source
from the worker
iii. Add local exhaust ventilation to extract the
particulate at the source of generation
(For example – add a vacuum system to
remove particulate from the enclosed process)
iv. Increase fresh air intake when possible
C. Administrative controls and/or work practices
i. Relocate employees from contaminant generating process
ii. Educate employees on work practices that reduce aerosol generation and implement procedures
to reduce or eliminate generation hazards (example – eliminate the use of compressed air for
cleaning of equipment and provide alternative tools/methods)
Elimination
Substitution
Engineering
Awareness
Administrative
Personal Protective
Equipment
Decreasing
Effectiveness
Types of Controls
© 2020, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
WSPS.CA
