Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

How do engineering controls function in hazard management?

1. Change the way people work

2. Physically remove the hazard

3. Isolate people from the hazard

4. Provide personal protective equipment

The correct answer is: Isolate people from the hazard

Engineering controls play a critical role in hazard management by implementing physical modifications to the work environment or processes that effectively isolate individuals from potential hazards. This isolation can involve creating barriers, such as walls or shields, or developing ventilation systems that keep harmful substances away from the workers, ensuring their safety without requiring behavior modifications. The primary focus of engineering controls is to reduce the risk of exposure to hazards by either placing a physical barrier between the hazard and the worker or modifying the environment to eliminate the hazard's presence. This approach is often preferred because it can provide a more consistent level of hazard protection compared to behavioral changes that depend on worker compliance or the use of personal protective equipment. While changing the way people work or providing personal protective equipment can contribute to safety, these methods often rely on human behavior or can be less effective in consistently preventing exposure to hazards. The intent of engineering controls, however, is to create an environment that minimizes the risk of those hazards without relying solely on individuals to follow protocols or wear protective gear.