Conquer the CHMM Challenge 2025 – Master Hazardous Materials Like a Pro!

In the context of laboratory safety, engineering controls are physical modifications to the workplace that help reduce exposure to hazardous materials. These controls are designed to isolate or remove hazards from the environment.

General ventilation, fume hoods, and glove boxes are all examples of engineering controls. General ventilation works to dilute airborne contaminants in a space, thereby improving air quality. Fume hoods provide a localized ventilation solution that captures and exhausts hazardous vapors, while glove boxes create a contained environment for handling sensitive or dangerous materials without direct exposure to the user.

On the other hand, hazard identification does not fit the definition of an engineering control. It refers to the process of recognizing and evaluating potential hazards present in the workplace. This process is essential for safety planning and risk management, but it does not involve physical alterations to the environment that would reduce exposure to those hazards. Therefore, this option is not classified as an engineering control, as it focuses more on assessment rather than on reduction or elimination of risks.