Mold Remediation Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered an engineering control?

1. Polyethylene sheeting

2. Using a biostat on sewage

3. Air filtration devices

4. Personal respirators

The correct answer is: Personal respirators

The choice of personal respirators as the option that is not considered an engineering control is correct because engineering controls focus on the design and modification of equipment, building systems, or processes to reduce exposure to hazards without relying on individual behavior or personal protective equipment. Engineering controls include methods such as the use of polyethylene sheeting to create barriers that contain mold spores within a specific area, the implementation of air filtration devices designed to reduce airborne contaminants, and the application of biostats to treat sewage and minimize pathogen production. These approaches aim to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards at the source or to isolate individuals from the hazards effectively. On the other hand, personal respirators are categorized as personal protective equipment (PPE). While they play a vital role in protecting individuals from exposure to harmful airborne particles, they rely on the individual to wear and maintain them correctly, which is different from the proactive measures designed within engineering controls. Thus, personal respirators do not fit the definition of engineering controls, making them the correct choice for this question.