What constitutes engineering controls for explosion hazards?

Engineering controls for explosion hazards refer to the physical modifications or installations designed to reduce the likelihood of an explosion or mitigate its effects. These controls can include the redesign of equipment, the use of explosion-proof devices, proper ventilation systems to disperse flammable gases, and barriers to contain blasts. The focus is on altering the environment or processes to minimize risk, rather than relying solely on human behavior or equipment that is worn by personnel.

In contrast, personal protective equipment focuses on individual safety rather than altering explosion risks at the source. Workplace training is essential for ensuring that individuals understand the procedures and hazards they may encounter, but it does not change the physical aspects of the work environment. Emergency response plans outline actions to take after an explosion occurs but do not prevent explosions from happening in the first place. Therefore, the physical modifications made to the environment to reduce exposure to hazards are indeed what defines engineering controls in this context.