Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

Which of the following is not considered an engineering control?

1. Air scrubbing

2. Containment

3. Dust suppression

4. PPE

The correct answer is: PPE

The correct answer is related to the category of controls commonly used in managing indoor air quality and overall safety. Engineering controls are methods that involve the physical modification of processes or environments to reduce exposure to hazards. These controls are designed to either eliminate the source of contaminants or significantly reduce levels of exposure through structural means. PPE, or personal protective equipment, is not classified as an engineering control because it does not eliminate the hazard itself; instead, it serves as a final line of defense for individuals working in hazardous environments. While PPE effectively protects individuals, it relies on personal usage and compliance, rather than modifying the environment or the exposure pathways directly. In contrast, air scrubbing, containment, and dust suppression are all forms of engineering controls. Air scrubbing systems actively remove pollutants from the air, containment strategies limit the spread of hazardous materials, and dust suppression techniques help to control dust emissions at the source. Each of these methods modifies the environment to provide a safer workspace, which aligns with the definition and function of engineering controls.