- Introduction. The term ‘Engineering Controls’ covers a broad spectrum of possible interventions that are intended to reduce worker exposure, to chemical, physical and biological agents.
- Definition. In the context of health and safety, an ‘Engineering Control’ can be described as a physical modification to a process, or process equipment, or the installation of further equipment ...
- The Hierarchy of Control. The approach to controlling the chemical risk released from a process is rarely straightforward as there will always be a choice of control options – some ...
- Types and Examples of Engineering Controls. It is not possible to list every different type and design of engineering controls, however they can be broadly divided into two types: non-ventilation ...
- Designing and Implementing Engineering Controls. Whilst elimination or substitution of the chemical hazard is the most effective solution, it is recognised that this is not always possible or straightforward.
What is an engineering control?
ENGINEERING CONTROLS. Engineering controls protect workers by removing hazardous conditions or by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Examples include local exhaust ventilation to capture and remove airborne emissions or machine guards to shield the worker. Well-designed engineering controls can be highly effective in protecting...
How can engineering controls reduce the risk of hazards?
Engineering controls can reduce harm by: Isolating workers from chemicals (eg, Using a self-contained lube station) Enclosing high risk operations in sealed areas (eg, Sealing off an area that is only opened during maintenance and cleaning)
Why are engineering controls preferred over administrative controls and PPE?
Engineering controls are preferred over administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) because they are designed to remove the hazard at the source, before it comes in contact with the worker.
What are the engineering controls for Psychosocial hazards?
Psychosocial hazards. Engineering controls for psychosocial hazards include workplace design to affect the amount, type, and level of personal control of work, as well as access controls and alarms. The risk of workplace violence can be reduced through physical design of the workplace or by cameras.
What are the 5 types of engineering controls?
Engineering controls is the third of five members of the hierarchy of hazard controls, which orders control strategies by their feasibility and effectiveness....Contents2.1 Ventilation. 2.1.1 Local exhaust ventilation. 2.1.2 General exhaust ventilation. 2.1.3 Control verification.2.2 Containment.2.3 Other.
What are some examples of engineering controls?
Examples of engineering controls include installing guardrails to prevent falls, limiting exposure to hazardous chemicals via ventilation, using portable air conditioners to combat heat stress and installing noise absorption panels to dampen high noise levels.
What is considered an engineering control?
Engineering Controls: includes designs or modifications to plants, equipment, ventilation systems, and processes that reduce the source of exposure.
What are the three types of engineering controls?
The three basic methods of engineering controls used to isolate these hazards are: Process control. Isolation and containment....Engineering ControlsMachinery, power tools, and process equipment.Energy sources like electrical, radioactive, or steam.Chemical fumes and other air contaminants.
Is PPE an engineering control?
Engineering controls are favored over administrative and personal protective equipment (PPE) for controlling existing worker exposures in the workplace because they are designed to remove the hazard at the source, before it comes in contact with the worker.
How does engineering control apply in the workplace?
They operate on a “hazard isolation principle”, either by removing a hazardous workplace condition (such as through ventilation) or by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard (such as through machine guards).
What is the difference between engineering controls and administrative controls?
Engineering controls might include changing the weight of objects, changing work surface heights, or purchasing lifting aids. Administrative controls are workplace policy, procedures, and practices that minimize the exposure of workers to risk conditions.
What are the basic principles of engineering controls?
Engineering controls are based on the following broad principles:Redesigning, changing, or substituting equipment to remove the source of excessive temperatures, noise, or pressure;Redesigning a process to use less toxic chemicals;Redesigning a work station to relieve physical stress and remove ergonomic hazards; or.More items...
Is a biosafety cabinet an engineering control?
A biological safety cabinet (BSC) is a primary engineering control used to protect personnel against biohazardous or infectious agents and to help maintain quality control of the material being worked with as it filters both the inflow and exhaust air.
Is handwashing an engineering controls?
Engineering controls, including facilities for hand washing, must be maintained or replaced on a regular schedule to ensure their effectiveness. When handwashing facilities are not available, an antiseptic hand cleanser should be provided.
What are the 5 control measures?
Key points. NIOSH defines five rungs of the Hierarchy of Controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.
What are the 3 control measure?
There are several types of control measures that fall into three main categories (in order of priority and effectiveness): Elimination. Engineering. Administrative.
What is engineering control?
Engineering controls are the type of types that protect workers by removing hazardous conditions or by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Engineering control can also be said to be is a piece of equipment, a machine, or mechanical device designed to minimise the harm associated with a chemical hazard.
How can engineering controls reduce harm?
Engineering controls can reduce harm by: Isolating workers from chemicals (eg, Using a self-contained lube station) Enclosing high risk operations in sealed areas (eg, Sealing off an area that is only opened during maintenance and cleaning)
What are some examples of engineering controls?
Examples include local exhaust ventilation to capture and remove airborne emissions or machine guards to shield the worker. Well-designed engineering controls can be highly effective in protecting workers and will typically be independent of worker interactions. They typically do not interfere with worker productivity or personal comfort ...
How does NIOSH help prevent occupational disease?
NIOSH researchers help prevent occupational disease and injury by conducting engineering control technology evaluations and developing practical, solutions-oriented control technology interventions. To conduct these efforts, NIOSH works collaboratively with partners both in the United States and around the world.
Does the CDC endorse a non-federal website?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
Is engineering control costing higher?
The initial cost of engineering controls can be higher than some other control methods, 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.
What is engineering control?
What Does Engineering Controls Mean? Engineering controls are designs or modifications to equipment, industrial plants, processes, or systems that reduce the risk of worker exposure to a hazard.
Why are engineering controls more reliable than personal protective equipment?
Because engineering controls operate independently of human action, they are considered to be more reliable than the use of personal protective equipment or behaviour guidelines (administrative controls), which may fail upon use due to individual human error.
What is a well designed engineering control?
Well-designed engineering controls are typically passive, in the sense of being independent of worker interactions, which reduces the potential for worker behavior to impact exposure levels.
Why are engineering controls preferred over administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Engineering controls are preferred over administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) because they are designed to remove the hazard at the source, before it comes in contact with the worker.
What is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health?
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health researches engineering control technologies, and provides information on their details and effectiveness in the NIOSH Engineering Controls Database.
What is control verification?
Several control verification techniques can be used to assess room airflow patterns and verify the proper operation of LEV systems. It is considered important to confirm that an LEV system is operating as designed by regularly measuring exhaust airflows. A standard measurement, hood static pressure, provides information on airflow changes that affect hood performance. For hoods designed to prevent exposures to hazardous airborne contaminants, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommends the installation of a fixed hood static pressure gauge.
Which is the third most effective member of the hierarchy of hazard controls?
Engineering controls are the third most effective member of the hierarchy of hazard controls. They are preferred over administrative controls and personal protective equipment, but are less preferred than elimination or substitution of the hazards.
Is engineering control higher than administrative controls?
The initial cost of engineering controls can be higher than the cost of administrative controls or PPE, 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. Elimination and substitution are usually considered to be separate levels of hazard controls, ...
What are engineering controls?
Engineering controls are considered the first line of defense in the laboratory for the reduction or elimination of the potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. Examples of engineering controls used in laboratories at Cornell include dilution ventilation, local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hoods, glove boxes and other containment ...
Why do laboratories need to consider available engineering controls?
Laboratory personnel need to consider available engineering controls to protect themselves against chemical exposures before beginning any new experiment (s) involving the use of hazardous chemicals.
Who is responsible for reporting malfunctioning protective equipment?
However, it is the responsibility of laboratory personnel to immediately report malfunctioning protective equipment, such as fume hoods, or mechanical problems to their Building Coordinator as soon as any malfunctions are discovered. American Glove Box Society.
What are some examples of engineering controls?
An example of engineering controls would be a machine in a facility that has rapid movements and could cause serious harm to anyone in the area when it is operating. To keep people safe, walls should be placed around the hazardous area.
What is hierarchy of controls?
The hierarchy of controls is a concept where occupational hazards are addressed in different ways based on their effectiveness and feasibility. In some cases, more than one level of this process can be used to help reduce the risk of a specific hazard.
Do engineering controls rely on people following procedures?
Engineering controls do not typically rely on people following procedures (as is often the case with administrative controls) and will be far more effective than relying on personal protection equipment.
Is engineering control more expensive than administrative?
While the costs of engineering controls can vary greatly based on the situation, they will generally be quite a bit more expensive than administrative solutions or simply using personal protection equipment. These costs will typically be almost entirely up front, which means that over time they become a better and better investment.
Is engineering control possible?
Of course, there are times when an engineering control is technically possible, but it is impractical for a variety of reasons.
Is engineering controls a violation of OSHA?
This is a big mistake that can not only leave dangerous situations in place but could also be a violation of regulations from OSHA or other organizations. To the extent possible, engineering controls should be seriously considered for all hazards that cannot be eliminated or replaced with safer solutions.
Safer Devices
List of Devices Designed to Prevent Percutaneous Injury and Exposures to Bloodborne Pathogens in the Health Care Setting external icon Developed by the University of Virginia’s International Health Care Worker Safety Center.
Other Engineering Controls
Selecting, Evaluating, and Using Sharps Disposal Containers DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-111, January 1998 This document presents a comprehensive framework for selecting sharps disposal containers and evaluating their efficacy as part of an overall needlestick injury prevention plan.
Personal Protective Equipment Resources
Considerations for Selecting Protective Clothing used in Healthcare for Protection against Microorganisms in Blood and Body Fluids This document provides an overview of scientific evidence and information on national and international standards, test methods, and specifications for fluid-resistant and impermeable gowns and coveralls used in healthcare.
