Essay On Engineering Control

Engineering controls are methods that are built into the design of a plant, equipment or process to minimize the hazard. Engineering controls are a very reliable way to control worker exposures as long as the controls are designed, used and maintained properly. The basic types of engineering controls are:

• Process control.

• Enclosure and/or isolation of emission source.

• Ventilation.

Process Control

Process control involves changing the way a job activity or process is done to reduce the risk. Monitoring should be done before and as well as after the change is implemented to make sure the changes did result in lower exposures.

Examples of process changes include to:

• Use wet methods rather than dry when drilling or grinding. "Wet method" means that water is sprayed over a dusty surface to keep dust levels down or material is mixed with water to prevent dust from being created.

• Use an appropriate vacuum or "wet method" instead of dry sweeping (e.g. with a broom) to control dust and reduce the inhalation hazard.

Note: Never use a regular "household" vacuum cleaner, especially when cleaning toxic material such as lead, or asbestos. Use a vacuum specifically designed for industrial workplaces and be sure to use appropriate filters, etc.

• Use steam cleaning instead of solvent degreasing (but be

Enclosed equipment, for example, is tightly sealed and it is typically only opened for cleaning or maintenance. Other examples include "glove boxes" (where a chemical is in a ventilated and enclosed space and the employee works with the material by using gloves that are built in), abrasive blasting cabinets, or remote control devices. Care must be taken when the enclosure is opened for maintenance as exposure could occur if adequate precautions are not taken. The enclosure itself must be well maintained to prevent