2. Managing risk using PPE
As part of your risk assessment you should decide whether PPE is needed. Use the hierarchy of controls to make this decision.
See Also
Examples of Potential Risks to SubjectsRisk assessment: Steps needed to manage riskWeekly Safety Meeting – Hierarchy of Controls – Safety Matters WeeklyHazard and Risk - Hierarchy of ControlsHierarchy of controls
PPE should be the last resort to protect against risks. Consider controls in the following order, with elimination being the most effective and PPE being the least effective:
- Elimination – physically remove the hazard
- Substitution – replace the hazard
- Engineering controls – isolate people from the hazard
- Administrative controls – change the way people work
- PPE – protect the worker with equipment
You must select equipment carefully. Make sure all workers are trained to use it properly and know how to detect and report any faults.
