Hierarchy of control
The hierarchy of control ranks the ways of controlling a risk from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. Start at the top and only move down when the level above is not reasonably practicable. It reflects the principles of prevention in Schedule 1 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The five levels
| Level | What it means | Site example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Elimination | Remove the hazard completely | Order blocks pre-cut to size so nobody uses a cut-off saw |
| 2. Substitution | Replace with something less hazardous | Water-based paint instead of solvent-based; lighter 20 kg cement bags instead of 25 kg |
| 3. Engineering controls | Isolate people from the hazard | Saw with water suppression or on-tool extraction; guard rails; scaffold instead of ladders |
| 4. Administrative controls | Change the way people work | Permits to work, exclusion zones, job rotation, toolbox talks, signage |
| 5. PPE | Protect the person | FFP3 mask, hearing protection, gloves, harness |
Why PPE comes last
PPE only protects the person wearing it, only when it is worn correctly and only if it fits. A dust mask that does not seal against stubble gives little protection. That is why HSE expects you to show that higher controls were considered first, especially for silica dust, noise and work at height.
Using it in your risk assessment
- For each hazard, ask: can we avoid this task altogether?
- If not, can we use a safer material, tool or method?
- Then add physical controls, then procedures and training.
- Finish with the PPE needed for the risk that remains.
- Score the risk before and after the controls to show the effect.
Controls already ranked for you. RAMS Maker suggests controls for each hazard in your trade, from elimination down to PPE, and shows the risk score before and after. Free to make and download.
Make RAMS RAMS template guideQuestions
What are the 5 levels of the hierarchy of control?
Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).
What is ERIC PD?
A UK acronym for the same idea: Eliminate, Reduce (substitute), Isolate, Control, PPE and Discipline.
Is the hierarchy of control a legal requirement?
The principles of prevention in the 1999 Management Regulations, and specific regulations such as COSHH and Work at Height, require you to follow this order.
Checked against HSE guidance and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, October 2026. Related: Working at Height Regulations · dynamic risk assessment.