What is the classification of PPE in the hierarchy of controls for worker protection?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is classified as the last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls for worker protection. The hierarchy of controls is a framework used to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards in the workplace, and it is typically structured as a pyramid.

At the top of this pyramid are more effective control measures, such as elimination of hazards, substitution with less hazardous materials, and engineering controls that physically change the workplace to reduce risk. These methods aim to remove the hazard or isolate workers from it before considering PPE. Since PPE only provides a barrier between the worker and the hazard, it comes after these more effective measures, underscoring its role as a supplemental safety measure rather than the primary protective strategy.

Recognizing PPE as the last line of defense highlights the importance of addressing hazards through more comprehensive approaches whenever possible. It reinforces the understanding that while PPE is vital for protecting workers, reliance solely on it without addressing the underlying hazards is insufficient for ensuring safety.