Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Which type of control is considered the least effective in managing hazards?

1. Engineering controls

2. Substitution

3. PPE

4. Elimination

The correct answer is: PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is regarded as the least effective control measure for managing hazards because it relies on individual user compliance and proper usage to function effectively. While PPE can provide a necessary layer of defense against hazards, it does not eliminate the hazard itself or reduce its presence in the environment. Essentially, if the hazard exists, PPE simply acts as a barrier between the worker and the hazard but does not address the underlying issue. In contrast, other control measures like elimination, substitution, and engineering controls offer more effective strategies by either removing the hazard entirely, replacing it with something less dangerous, or engineering solutions to minimize exposure. These methods prioritize hazard reduction or eradication, making them inherently more effective in promoting workplace safety.