Ventilation is primarily considered which type of control?

Ventilation is primarily considered an engineering control because it involves the physical modification of the work environment to reduce or eliminate exposure to hazardous substances. Engineering controls are designed to isolate or remove hazards from the workplace, which includes systems that alter air flow to dilute or remove airborne contaminants. For instance, providing adequate ventilation helps to ensure that harmful vapors, fumes, or dust do not accumulate to dangerous levels in a work area.

In contrast, work practice controls focus on the methods workers use to carry out their tasks safely, while personal protective controls involve the provision of protective equipment for individuals to minimize exposure. Administrative controls relate to the management of work practices and policies, such as training and scheduling, which are also important but do not directly modify the physical environment to mitigate hazards. All of these controls are important in a comprehensive safety program, but ventilation specifically fits the definition of engineering controls.