Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are defined in OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard as controls that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace [29 CFR 1910.1030(b)]. The standard states “Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure” [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)]. This means that if an effective and clinically appropriate safety-engineered sharp exists, an employer must evaluate and implement it.