When applying the five IH steps, which approach should be prioritized?

• A. Engineering controls first, followed by administrative controls and PPE
• B. PPE first
• C. Administrative controls only
• D. No controls needed

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to protect workers immediately while you work through the IH process to reduce or eliminate the hazard. Putting on appropriate PPE provides a direct, immediate barrier against exposure, so workers are safeguarded right away as you identify the hazard, assess the risk, and begin designing and implementing longer-term controls. PPE buys time to develop engineering and administrative controls and to verify that the exposure is being reduced to acceptable levels. In the five-step approach, this means PPE is used first as a practical safeguard, with engineering and administrative controls pursued next and PPE used as needed during the transition and verification.