What are devices called that isolate or remove the blood borne pathogens hazard from the workplace?

Devices that isolate or remove bloodborne pathogen hazards from the workplace are classified as engineering controls. These controls are designed to eliminate or minimize exposure to these hazards effectively. Examples of engineering controls include the use of sharps disposal containers, safety needles, and ventilation systems that can filter or remove pathogens from the air.

The reason engineering controls are essential is that they address the hazard at its source, thereby providing a higher level of protection to employees than other approaches. While personal protective equipment (PPE) offers a last line of defense against exposure, it does not remove the hazard itself, making engineering controls a more effective long-term solution for ensuring workplace safety regarding bloodborne pathogens.