Design
Engineering controls that design or redesign of tools, equipment, and machinery are important because they can eliminate or reduce a hazard at the source.
Proper design helps eliminate exposure.
Some examples of design methods include:
- Noise: Engineering controls are defined as any modification or replacement of equipment, or related physical change at the noise source or along the transmission path (with the exception of PPE hearing protection devices), that reduces the noise level at the worker's ear. Methods include reducing vibration and mechanical impact noise, proper lubrication, alignment of moving parts, mufflers and silencers, and reducing the speed of equipment.
- Medical and Laboratory equipment: Examples include chemical fume hoods, air handlers, sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, safer medical devices, such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems that isolate or remove pathogen hazards from the workplace.
- Electric tools: Rotary/orbital and straight line/reciprocating sanders, equipped with high-velocity, low-volume (HVLV) local exhaust ventilation as part of the tool's design, are recommended because they have been shown to be effective in reducing total dust concentrations during the sanding of body filling compounds.
- Work Station Design: Much of the equipment used in some industries is nonadjustable. Redesigning workstations will eliminate the need for excessive reaching and many awkward postures. Some dry cleaning equipment manufacturers are beginning to market adjustable height workstations.
Visit the NIOSH Engineering Controls Database for more examples of engineering controls in laboratories and other workplaces.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-6. Engineering controls eliminate or reduce _____.
You forgot to answer the question!