Question

test: question 7

which of the following is an example of an engineering control?

a) disposing of used ppe in a biohazard bag.
b) a sharps container with a biohazard label placed appropriately in the school nurses office.
c) following universal precautions when cleaning up an opim spill.
d) wearing gloves and a face shield when helping a student with an injury.

Explanation:

Define Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are physical devices, barriers, or equipment designed to isolate or remove a hazard from the workplace to minimize exposure. Unlike behavioral practices, these are built-in structural or mechanical safety measures.

Analyze the given options

• Option A: Disposing of used PPE in a biohazard bag is a behavioral procedure, which falls under work practice controls.
• Option B: A sharps container is a physical, engineered device designed to isolate sharp hazards (needles, scalpels) from workers, making it a classic engineering control.
• Option C: Following Universal Precautions is a behavioral methodology and policy framework, which is part of Infection Control Protocols and work practice controls.
• Option D: Wearing gloves and a face shield represents the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is a separate category of hazard control.

Identify the correct choice

Since a sharps container is a physical object engineered to isolate biohazard risks, Option B is the correct example of an engineering control.

Answer:

• (A) Disposing of used PPE in a biohazard bag.
• (B) A sharps container with a biohazard label placed appropriately in the school nurse's office. (Correct answer)
• (C) Following Universal Precautions when cleaning up an OPIM spill.
• (D) Wearing gloves and a face shield when helping a student with an injury.