Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

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Hierarchy of Control The hierarchy of control is a hazard identification approach used to control or eliminate risks in a work setting or environment. Risk is ranked according to five levels from the most effective to the least effective controls (see Figure 4). These include elimination (and substitution), engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. 11,26 Control measures that provide the greatest impact should always be selected. Focus on the highest level of control in the first instance, before progressing to the next level. Eliminate hazards and as many associated risks as possible, before considering other types of control. Notably, administrative controls and PPE are the least effective controls as they do not control the hazard at the source and rely on human behaviour and supervision to be implemented. Select one or a combination of risk controls to respond to any given scenario, IN ADDITION to standard precautions and mandated protocols.1 1,13,27 See Table 1 for workplace examples applied to biohazards (i.e. any biological or chemical substance that is dangerous to humans, animals, or the environment). 27 Figure 4: Applying the Hierarchy of Controls, adapted from National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety 28

There are a number of infection prevention and control strategies that disrupt or stop the chain of infection and transmission of infectious agents that cause illness or infection. These are often implemented using the hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy of controls is a pyramid of strategies that uses the most effective to the least effective strategy.

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020