What are the technologies that can mitigate exposure to a hazard?
• The order in which these elements are selected to control exposure is important • Environmental controls • Physically separate the employee from the hazard • Do not require direct employee compliance for efficacy • Example: airborne infection isolation rooms for patients with known or suspect airborne infectious disease. • Airborne infection isolation rooms • Monitored negative air pressure in relation to the surrounding areas • 6 to 12 air changes per hour • Appropriate discharge of air outdoors or monitored high-efficiency filtration of room air before the air is circulated to other areas in the hospital • Door that closes (and is kept closed) • Administrative and work practice controls • Policies, procedures, and programs that minimize the intensity or duration of exposure • Standard procedures/behaviors in caring for patients, i.e.
