The two steps for avoiding hazards that are always taken before the need for ppe is considered are:

The two steps for avoiding hazards that are always taken before the need for ppe is considered are:  Workplace and engineering controls

To avoid hazard, you need to make sure that you're workplace is free from every objects that could potentially caused the hazard (removing sharp objects from the work place, making sure it has fir hydrant, etc)
The nexy step is to make sure that you take precation to prevent the hazard (such as changing the smoke detector battery, etc)