Which statement best describes an engineering control?

Which statement best describes an engineering control?

• A. A machine guard is an engineering control
• B. A work permit is an engineering control
• C. PPE is an engineering control
• D. Hazard control is an engineering control

Answer: (A)

Engineering controls are built into the equipment or workspace to remove or reduce a hazard at its source, so workers are protected even if someone forgets a precaution. A machine guard is a physical barrier integrated with the machine that prevents contact with moving parts, cutting off the hazard at the design level. That makes it an engineering control because it changes how the system operates to reduce risk. The other options aren’t engineering controls: a work permit is administrative, guiding when and how work is done rather than altering the equipment; PPE is protective gear worn by the worker and does not reduce the hazard at the source; hazard control is a broad term for reducing hazards, but it isn’t a specific engineered solution. So the machine guard best fits the description of an engineering control.

Engineering controls are built into the equipment or workspace to remove or reduce a hazard at its source, so workers are protected even if someone forgets a precaution. A machine guard is a physical barrier integrated with the machine that prevents contact with moving parts, cutting off the hazard at the design level. That makes it an engineering control because it changes how the system operates to reduce risk. The other options aren’t engineering controls: a work permit is administrative, guiding when and how work is done rather than altering the equipment; PPE is protective gear worn by the worker and does not reduce the hazard at the source; hazard control is a broad term for reducing hazards, but it isn’t a specific engineered solution. So the machine guard best fits the description of an engineering control.