Does the law require me to reach the top of the hierarchy of controls?

No, not regardless of practicability. Elimination is required only so far as reasonably practicable (reg 35). If elimination genuinely isn't reasonably practicable, reg 36 sets out the order for minimising the remaining risk instead — the hierarchy is an ordered preference qualified by the s18 reasonably practicable test, not an absolute duty to reach the top rung no matter the cost or difficulty.

What is the exact order of the hierarchy of controls?

Six levels. Eliminate the risk so far as reasonably practicable (reg 35) — a separate, prior duty. Only if that isn't reasonably practicable does reg 36 apply, in order: (a) substitution, (b) isolation, (c) engineering controls; then, if risk remains, administrative controls; then, if risk still remains, personal protective equipment (PPE).

Can I just use PPE because it's cheaper than an engineering control?

Only if the higher-order controls genuinely aren't reasonably practicable. Under s18, cost only defeats a higher-order control if it is grossly disproportionate to the risk — being the cheaper option isn't, on its own, a valid reason to skip a rung. You'd need to be able to show why substitution, isolation and engineering controls weren't reasonably practicable first.

Does reg 36 apply the same way in every Australian state?

Reg 34-36 is the model WHS Regulations numbering used in NSW, Queensland, SA, Tasmania, ACT, the NT and the Commonwealth. Victoria runs the OHS Act 2004 with its own numbering — the same elimination-then-ordered-controls concept applies, but don't cite 'reg 36' for a Victorian workplace. WA also runs its own WHS Act 2020 numbering that hasn't been separately verified here.

Hierarchy of Controls Selector

Work down the hierarchy of controls for any workplace hazard and see how many higher-order controls you must justify skipping under the WHS Regulations.

Last verified: 26 July 2026

What's the hazard?*

Is eliminating this hazard entirely reasonably practicable?

Yes

reg 35 requires eliminating it — this is a prior duty, not just a preference

Move to reg 36's ordered controls below

Which control level are you using or proposing?

Substitute

Replace with something safer (reg 36(a))

Isolate

Separate people from the hazard (reg 36(b))

Engineering control

Redesign, guard, ventilate (reg 36(c))

Administrative control

Procedures, training, signage

PPE

Personal protective equipment

Cost is part of the reason a higher-order control was ruled out

Cost alone only defeats a higher control if grossly disproportionate to the risk (s18).

Jurisdiction (optional)

Victoria and WA use their own regulation numbering for this duty.

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

Hierarchy of Controls Selector

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