Engineering control Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

Engineering Controls are devices which isolate the worker from the hazard of exposure.Examples include: Self-sheathing needles Sharps disposal containers Disposable resuscitation bags Microbiological safety cabinets Handwashing facilitiesProper use of engineering controls in your workplace will help protect you from bloodborne pathogens.

Personal protective equipment is an essential way to protect yourself from the dangers of chemicals. You'll find on the label or MSDS exactly what kinds of clothing, gloves, and coverings you'll need to keep yourself safe. Also, the laboratory's chemical hygiene plan will include information about necessary personal protective equipment and engineering controls that will reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals. At a minimum, safety goggles and rubber or nitrile gloves (not necessarily utility gloves) are necessary parts of your personal protective equipment.

Engineering controls must be established to reduce formalin exposure to the lowest possible level. In most cases, chemical fume hoods or/and ventilated grossing stations serve as the primary engineering controls to reduce formaldehyde vapors. Rooms in which formalin is used may also require special direct exhaust ventilation. Formaldehyde should be dispensed or used in a chemical fume hood or other appropriately ventilated and approved work area. Check your laboratory's policies and procedures to be sure you use the engineering controls provided, as well as the required personal protective equipment.

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act was passed by Congress in November 2000. This law modifies the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to require that health-care institutions use only needles and other sharps which have engineering controls and design features to help prevent accidental sharps injury. Health care institutions must update their exposure control plans to reflect these changes.