What level of control does Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) represent in safety measures?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) represents the last level of control in safety measures because it is utilized when other forms of hazard control have been insufficient or are not feasible. The hierarchy of controls in safety management prioritizes methods of risk reduction, starting with the most effective approaches. These include eliminating the hazard, substituting with a less hazardous option, using engineering controls to isolate personnel from the hazard, and applying administrative controls such as policies or procedures to limit exposure.

PPE is considered the last line of defense, designed to protect workers after other controls have been implemented or when exposure to hazards cannot be entirely eliminated. By using PPE, individuals can mitigate risks but are still exposed to the underlying hazard, hence its position at the end of the hierarchy. Therefore, PPE plays a critical role in ensuring safety but is not the first or primary method of controlling hazards.