Which is an example of an engineering control in infection prevention?

Which is an example of an engineering control in infection prevention?

• A. Using Biohazard containers
• B. Wearing gloves
• C. Handwashing
• D. Cleaning surfaces with disinfectant

Answer: (A)

Engineering controls are physical changes to the workplace that remove or isolate the hazard, reducing exposure without depending on people’s actions. Using biohazard containers does exactly that: a dedicated, leak-proof container safely holds contaminated sharps and waste, preventing contact and accidental exposure. The other options rely on behavior or processes rather than altering the environment. Wearing gloves provides a protective barrier (PPE) but depends on proper use by the person. Handwashing is a hygiene practice that reduces pathogens but doesn’t change the setting to lower risk at the source. Cleaning surfaces with disinfectant reduces contamination after it’s there, but it’s an environmental hygiene task, not a structural change to prevent exposure.

Engineering controls are physical changes to the workplace that remove or isolate the hazard, reducing exposure without depending on people’s actions. Using biohazard containers does exactly that: a dedicated, leak-proof container safely holds contaminated sharps and waste, preventing contact and accidental exposure.

The other options rely on behavior or processes rather than altering the environment. Wearing gloves provides a protective barrier (PPE) but depends on proper use by the person. Handwashing is a hygiene practice that reduces pathogens but doesn’t change the setting to lower risk at the source. Cleaning surfaces with disinfectant reduces contamination after it’s there, but it’s an environmental hygiene task, not a structural change to prevent exposure.