What are devices that isolate or remove hazards from the workplace called?

Devices that isolate or remove hazards from the workplace are referred to as engineering controls. This category includes physical modifications to the environment or equipment that effectively eliminate or reduce exposure to hazards. Examples include ventilation systems, machine guards, and sound enclosures. By addressing the hazard at its source, engineering controls are often the most effective means of protecting workers.

Personal protective equipment focuses on the individual's protection rather than modifying the workplace environment. Substitution controls involve replacing a hazardous material or process with a less dangerous one, which does not necessarily involve isolating or removing a hazard. Administrative controls comprise changes to workplace policies or procedures to reduce the risk of exposure but do not physically eliminate the hazard itself. This distinction is crucial for understanding how safety measures are categorized and how they function to protect workers.