Engineering Controls
Engineering controls are used to remove a hazard or place a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Well-designed engineering controls can be highly effective in protecting workers and will typically be independent of worker interactions to provide this high level of protection.
The initial cost of engineering controls can be higher than the cost of administrative controls or personal protective equipment, but over the longer term, operating costs are frequently lower, and in some instances, can provide a cost savings in other areas of the process. Engineering controls should be designed to make it difficult for employees to defeat the controls.
Engineering controls include methods such as using noise dampening technology to reduce noise levels; enclosing a chemical process in a Plexiglas "glove box"; using mechanical lifting devices; or using local exhaust ventilation that captures and carries away the contaminants before they can get in the breathing zone of workers.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-3. Engineering controls should be designed to make it _____ for employees to defeat the controls.
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