Which statement correctly describes the risk control hierarchy in NFPA 70E in terms of effectiveness?

Which statement correctly describes the risk control hierarchy in NFPA 70E in terms of effectiveness?

• A. PPE is the most effective control
• B. Elimination is more effective than substitution
• C. Administrative controls are the most effective
• D. Engineering controls are the most effective

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that risk controls are ranked by how well they remove exposure to the hazard. Elimination sits at the top of the hierarchy because it removes the hazard entirely, leaving no opportunity for harm to occur. In electrical work, this means removing the energizing condition or the source of the hazard so workers never encounter live parts. If elimination isn’t possible, substitution comes next, which reduces the hazard by using a less dangerous option, but some risk remains because the hazard is not fully removed. Engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE follow in decreasing effectiveness, because each layer still relies on some degree of exposure or human action rather than removing the hazard at the source. So stating that elimination is more effective than substitution correctly reflects that removing the hazard completely is preferred over simply using a less hazardous alternative.

The key idea is that risk controls are ranked by how well they remove exposure to the hazard. Elimination sits at the top of the hierarchy because it removes the hazard entirely, leaving no opportunity for harm to occur. In electrical work, this means removing the energizing condition or the source of the hazard so workers never encounter live parts. If elimination isn’t possible, substitution comes next, which reduces the hazard by using a less dangerous option, but some risk remains because the hazard is not fully removed. Engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE follow in decreasing effectiveness, because each layer still relies on some degree of exposure or human action rather than removing the hazard at the source. So stating that elimination is more effective than substitution correctly reflects that removing the hazard completely is preferred over simply using a less hazardous alternative.