Engineering Controls
Engineering controls work through the design or redesign of tools, equipment, and machinery to remove the hazard at the source.
If elimination or substitution is not possible, OSHA law requires employers to attempt to remove hazards through the use of feasible engineering controls because they also have the potential to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazards in the lab.
These controls focus on eliminating or reducing the hazard at the source of the hazard, during the process, or and at the worker. The basic concept behind engineering controls is that, to the extent feasible, the work environment and the job itself should be designed to eliminate hazards or reduce exposure using four primary methods:
- Enclosure. Methods to completely isolate the source of the hazard from employees.
- Barriers. If complete enclosure does not adequately protect employees, barriers may be installed to keep employees away from the source of exposure.
- Ventilation. Local exhaust ventilation removes or dilutes air contaminants to reduce exposure to acceptable levels.
- Design. Designing tools and equipment to make sure they are safe and meet the needs of the worker.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-3. If elimination or substitution is not possible, employers should attempt to remove hazards through the use of _____.
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