Which control category is prioritized for eliminating hazards at the source rather than mitigating after exposure?

• A. Engineering
• B. Administrative controls
• C. Substitution
• D. Personal protective equipment

Answer: (A)

The main idea is preventing exposure by removing the hazard right where it exists. Engineering controls are designed to do exactly that by changing the system or environment so the hazard is eliminated or kept away from people before any exposure can occur. Examples include enclosing a hazardous process, installing local exhaust ventilation to capture fumes at the source, adding shielding, or automating a task so workers don’t have to handle the hazard directly. These approaches reduce or remove the hazard without relying on workers to wear protective gear or follow procedures.

Administrative controls depend on people to change how work is done, which can still allow exposure if practices aren’t followed. PPE protects only during exposure and relies on correct use. Substitution replaces the hazard with something less hazardous, which also reduces risk, but it’s a different strategy than actively removing the hazard at the source through system changes. In the context of eliminating hazards at the source, engineering controls are the most direct and prioritized option.