Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are the best way to control a hazard at its source. Whereas other controls focus on the miner exposed to the hazard, engineering controls are often proactive, and sometimes reactive, ways to reduce or eliminate hazards. Engineering controls are generally based on the following standards:

• Design the facility, equipment, or process to eliminate the hazard, or substitute something else that is not hazardous.
• Enclose the hazard to reduce exposure during normal daily operations.
• If enclosing the hazard is not possible, set up barriers or provide ventilation to minimize exposure to the hazard during normal daily operations.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.