Which of the following does NOT qualify as an engineering control for managing chemical hazards in a healthcare setting?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- In managing chemical hazards within healthcare settings, engineering controls are physical modifications or devices designed to reduce or eliminate exposure to hazardous substances.
- These controls focus on isolating the hazard at its source or modifying the environment to protect workers.
- Local exhaust ventilation (Option 1) is an engineering control that captures contaminants at or near the source before they can disperse into the workplace air.
- Use of fume hoods (Option 3) is another classic example of engineering control; it provides a ventilated enclosure to contain and remove harmful vapors or fumes.
- Secondary containment systems (Option 4) physically contain spills or leaks of chemicals, preventing their spread and minimizing exposure.
- On the other hand, Safety training (Option 2) is an administrative control, not an engineering control. Administrative controls focus on changing worker behavior and procedures to reduce risk rather than physically modifying the environment.
- While safety training is critical for educating staff on proper handling and emergency response, it does not directly eliminate or isolate the chemical hazard itself.
Therefore, the correct answer is Safety training, as it does NOT qualify as an engineering control.
Reference: Occupational Safety and Health in Healthcare, Volume 2, Chapter 5, pp. 150-155