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Engineering Controls Fact Sheet

    Engineering controls is a term for using engineered equipment to reduce or eliminate a chemical or physical hazard. During the chemical weapons disposal process, engineering controls, particularly ventilation systems, are designed to contain chemical warfare agent vapor and prevent vapor migration to facility workers and the public.

    • Within the facility, ventilation systems control chemical warfare agent vapor from spreading to areas where unprotected workers are present.
    • The ventilation system is designed so that outside air flows into the facility. This is a protective measure preventing contaminated air from migrating outside into the environment.
    • The contaminated air passes through activated carbon beds which remove chemical warfare agent vapor and ensure it is not released into the environment.
    • Air exhausting from the carbon bed is monitored for chemical warfare agent to ensure agent is not escaping to the environment.

    CDC's involvement to make sure engineering controls are effective:

    • Reviews plans of the engineering controls and ventilation systems to ensure that proper safeguards are included.
    • Evaluates safety studies and process hazard analyses prior to operation.
    • Once agent destruction begins, conducts periodic evaluation of the systems.
    • Reviews air monitoring systems throughout the facility to make sure they are working properly and are accurate.