Which option is an engineering control in the Hierarchy of Controls?

Which option is an engineering control in the Hierarchy of Controls?

• A. Safety guards
• B. PPE
• C. Training
• D. Signage

Answer: (A)

Engineering controls are physical changes that reduce or remove exposure by isolating people from the hazard. Safety guards are a physical barrier that prevents contact with moving parts, so they directly reduce risk without relying on anyone’s actions. PPE, training, and signage don’t remove or isolate the hazard themselves: PPE depends on wearing protection, training changes behavior, and signage warns or reminds. These are administrative or behavioral controls, not engineering controls. Therefore, safety guards are the engineering control.

Engineering controls are physical changes that reduce or remove exposure by isolating people from the hazard. Safety guards are a physical barrier that prevents contact with moving parts, so they directly reduce risk without relying on anyone’s actions. PPE, training, and signage don’t remove or isolate the hazard themselves: PPE depends on wearing protection, training changes behavior, and signage warns or reminds. These are administrative or behavioral controls, not engineering controls. Therefore, safety guards are the engineering control.