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Level 2: Engineering Controls

Control Hazard Through Physical Means​

Engineering controls use physical modifications or equipment to reduce exposure to hazards.

Common Engineering Controls​

Ventilation Systems​

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV):

  • Captures contaminants at source before dispersion
  • Welding fume extraction hoods
  • Dust collection on power tools
  • Chemical fume cupboards

General Ventilation:

  • Dilutes airborne contaminants
  • Fresh air supply to work areas
  • May use natural or mechanical ventilation

Construction Examples:

  • On-tool dust extraction for concrete cutting/grinding
  • Portable ventilation fans in enclosed spaces
  • LEV for spray painting booths

Guarding​

Fixed Guards:

  • Permanent barriers over dangerous parts
  • Circular saw blade guards
  • Machine drive belt guards

Interlocked Guards:

  • Machine stops when guard opened
  • Common on industrial machinery

Adjustable Guards:

  • Can be positioned for different operations
  • Table saw riving knife

Dust and Fume Control​

Water Suppression:

  • Wet cutting/grinding (binds silica dust)
  • Water sprays on demolition (suppresses dust clouds)
  • Wet methods for asbestos work

Extraction Systems:

  • On-tool vacuum extraction
  • HEPA-filtered vacuums for hazardous dust
  • Centralized dust collection

Noise Reduction​

At Source:

  • Mufflers on exhausts
  • Damping materials on vibrating surfaces
  • Equipment enclosures (acoustic barriers)

Between Source and Receiver:

  • Noise barriers/screens
  • Increasing distance

Automation and Remote Control​

Remove worker from hazard:

  • Remote-controlled demolition equipment
  • Automated material handling
  • Robotic systems for hazardous tasks

Process Modification​

Change how work done:

  • Water suppression for silica dust control
  • Enclosed systems for chemical mixing
  • Mechanical handling instead of manual

Practical Examples​

Silica Dust Control:

  • Wet-cutting saw with continuous water feed
  • On-tool vacuum extraction
  • Combination provides maximum dust suppression

Fall Protection:

  • Permanent anchor points on roofs
  • Edge protection systems
  • Safety mesh under fragile surfaces

Electrical Safety:

  • RCDs (residual current devices) on all portable equipment
  • Earth leakage protection

Plant Safety:

  • Rollover protective structures (ROPS) on excavators
  • Proximity detection systems on mobile plant
  • Reversing cameras and alarms

Maintenance Critical​

Engineering controls only effective if maintained:

  • Regular inspection and testing
  • Preventive maintenance schedules
  • Repairs when defects identified
  • Records of maintenance