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Controlling risks — hierarchy of controls

High severity
TAS · WHS Risk Management How to manage work health and safety risks > Risk Control
The obligation
Duty holders must apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
The Code mandates use of the hierarchy of controls in descending order: (1) eliminate the hazard; (2) substitute, isolate, or engineer controls; (3) administrative controls; (4) personal protective equipment (PPE). Higher-order controls are preferred. PPE is the least preferred measure and must not be the sole control unless all higher-order measures are not reasonably practicable. Combinations of controls are encouraged. The chosen controls must be documented.
What
Duty holders must apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Source
worksafe.tas.gov.au

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Labels
hierarchy of controls PPE WHS Tasmania
Official sources
Frequently asked questions

Which WHS law does this come from?

Controlling risks — hierarchy of controls is a WHS requirement set out in How to manage work health and safety risks (TAS). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS). The relevant provision is How to manage work health and safety risks > Risk Control.

What does this WHS obligation require?

Controlling risks — hierarchy of controls is a WHS obligation under How to manage work health and safety risks (TAS). In short, Duty holders must apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

What changed recently?

Controlling risks — hierarchy of controls was last updated on 27 August 2026.

About this Topic

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First seenAug 2026