Engineering controls for handling pesticides include what?

Closed mixing systems are considered an essential example of engineering controls for handling pesticides, primarily because they are designed to minimize the exposure of workers to hazardous substances. These systems work by providing a contained environment for the mixing and loading of pesticides, ensuring that any potential aerosol or liquid exposure is contained within a sealed unit. This significantly reduces the risk of inhalation or skin contact with pesticides during the preparation process.

Engineering controls focus on altering the physical environment to enhance safety and reduce the need for personal protective equipment, personal measures, or behavioral changes. They aim to eliminate or significantly reduce exposure at the source. In contrast, personal protective equipment, ventilated storage areas, and warning signs are important components of an overall safety strategy but do not fall under the category of engineering controls as they do not inherently modify the process or environment to contain or minimize risk inherently. Instead, they typically function as additional layers of protection after potential hazards have been introduced.