Which control category do barriers or blast doors belong to in explosive safety?

• A. PPE
• B. Administrative controls
• C. Engineering controls
• D. No controls

Answer: (C)

Understanding protective measures for blast hazards revolves around how different controls reduce exposure. Barriers and blast doors are engineering controls because they are physical modifications to the facility that reduce the hazard at its source or along its path. They are designed into the structure to contain, redirect, or absorb blast energy and debris, thereby protecting people and assets without relying on behavior or personal gear. This is different from PPE, which relies on individuals wearing protective equipment, and from administrative controls, which change procedures, spacing, or access to limit exposure rather than altering the physical environment. Saying there are no controls would ignore the protective design already in place.