PPE is a substitute for engineering controls when they are too expensive to implement.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not considered a substitute for engineering controls; rather, it is meant to be used as an additional layer of protection when engineering controls are not feasible or have not fully mitigated risks. Engineering controls involve altering the workspace or processes to reduce hazards at the source, such as installing ventilation systems, using barriers, or modifying equipment. These controls are generally more effective at reducing exposure to hazards because they eliminate or minimize the risk before it reaches the worker.

While PPE can provide important protection, it relies on the user to wear and maintain it properly, and it does not eliminate the hazard itself. If engineering controls are deemed too expensive and not implemented, relying solely on PPE can lead to incomplete risk management, as it does not sufficiently reduce the hazard. In occupational safety, the hierarchy of controls emphasizes the preference for engineering and administrative controls over PPE for this reason, making it clear that PPE should not be viewed as a direct substitute for engineering controls.