What constitutes an 'engineering control'?

• A. Procedures that guide how to perform a task
• B. Policies and training
• C. Physical changes to the environment or equipment designed to remove or reduce exposure to a hazard
• D. Personal protective equipment

Answer: (C)

Engineering controls are physical changes to the workplace, equipment, or processes that remove or reduce exposure to a hazard at its source. They work by altering the environment so the hazard is less likely to affect workers, rather than relying on people to change their behavior or wear protective gear.

Examples include guarding machines to prevent contact with moving parts, enclosing processes to contain fumes or dust, installing local exhaust ventilation to capture contaminants at the source, isolating or automating hazardous steps, and redesigning equipment or workflows to make the hazard less severe.

In contrast, procedures and training or policies rely on people to act differently, and personal protective equipment provides a barrier for the wearer rather than removing the hazard itself.