Engineering Controls
Engineering controls typically require a physical change to the workplace to isolate workers from a hazard.
Examples of engineering controls that employers may find useful for protecting workers from SARS-CoV-2 include:
- Installing plexiglass, stainless steel, or other barriers between workers, such as on assembly lines, or between workers and customers, such as at points of sale.
- Using rope and stanchion systems to keep customers/visitors from queueing within 6 feet of work areas.
- Adjusting ventilation systems to introduce additional outside air and/or increase air exchange to introduce fresh air. Consult a qualified technician if necessary.
- Modifying physical workspaces to increase the distance between employees.
The CPP should detail the following measures for situations where you cannot maintain at least six feet between individuals. At fixed work locations, include site-specific measures such as installing cleanable solid partitions.
For buildings with mechanical or natural ventilation, maximize the outside air, except:
- when the EPA Air Quality Index is greater than 100, or
- if opening windows or letting in outdoor air would cause a hazard to employees.
The CPP should describe how this will be accomplished, taking into consideration:
- circumstances where the amount of outside air needs to be minimized due to other hazards, such as heat and wildfire smoke;
- how the ventilation system will be properly maintained and adjusted, whether you own and operate the building or not; and
- whether it is possible to increase filtration efficiency to the highest level compatible with the existing ventilation system.
To determine the air quality at your location, visit the EPA's AirNow website.
Engineering Controls
We implement the following measures for situations where we cannot maintain at least six feet between individuals: [enter your site-specific measures, which can include installing solid partitions.]
We maximize, to the extent feasible, the quantity of outside air for our buildings with mechanical or natural ventilation systems by:
[describe how this will be accomplished, taking into consideration:
- Circumstances where the amount of outside air needs to minimized due to other hazards, such as heat and wildfire smoke.
- How the ventilation system will be properly maintained and adjusted, whether you own and operate the building or not.
- Whether it is possible to increase filtration efficiency to the highest level compatible with the existing ventilation system.]
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2-4. What is an example of an engineering control that could protect workers from SARS-CoV-2 exposure?
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