Local exhaust ventilation is an example of which level in the Hierarchy of Controls?

Local exhaust ventilation is an example of which level in the Hierarchy of Controls?

• A. Engineering controls
• B. Administrative controls
• C. PPE
• D. Elimination

Answer: (A)

Engineering controls use physical changes to reduce or remove hazards at the source. Local exhaust ventilation fits this category because it captures contaminants right where they’re generated and vents them away before workers can breathe them in. This approach protects everyone in the area without relying on behavior changes or protective gear. Administrative controls change how work is done, PPE relies on workers wearing equipment, and elimination would remove the hazard entirely from the process. So local exhaust ventilation is an engineering control, focused on source capture to lower exposure.

Engineering controls use physical changes to reduce or remove hazards at the source. Local exhaust ventilation fits this category because it captures contaminants right where they’re generated and vents them away before workers can breathe them in. This approach protects everyone in the area without relying on behavior changes or protective gear. Administrative controls change how work is done, PPE relies on workers wearing equipment, and elimination would remove the hazard entirely from the process. So local exhaust ventilation is an engineering control, focused on source capture to lower exposure.