Overview
Engineering controls are lacking, inappropriate, ineffective, or not consistently used. Engineering controls are used to remove a hazard or place a barrier between the worker and the hazard.
- General Exhaust
- Local Exhaust
- Biosafety Cabinets
- Radiation and Blast Shielding
- Gas Cabinets
- Glove Boxes
Controlling exposures to occupational hazards is the fundamental method of protecting workers. Traditionally, a hierarchy of controls has been used as a means of determining how to implement feasible and effective controls. In order of preference, the hierarchy is:
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
The idea behind this hierarchy is that the control methods at the top of the list are potentially more effective and protective than those at the bottom. Following the hierarchy normally leads to the implementation of inherently safer systems. Administrative controls and PPE are the focus of other sections of the checklist. This portion of the checklist is focused on engineering controls.
An engineering control is defined as a control that is used to remove a hazard or place a barrier between the worker and the hazard.
The most common engineering controls used in a lab setting are as follows:
- Building ventilation, also referred to as general ventilation
- Local exhaust ventilation
- Biosafety cabinets
- Radiation and blast shielding
- Gas cabinets, which are addressed in the gas portion of the checklist and associated training
- Glove boxes
We’ll discuss these common engineering controls next.