Which of the following is classified as an engineering control for handling pesticides?

The choice of a closed mixing system as an engineering control for handling pesticides is appropriate because it directly minimizes the exposure of workers to hazardous substances. Engineering controls are designed to isolate or eliminate hazards through the use of technology or physical modifications in processes. A closed mixing system allows pesticides to be mixed and prepared without releasing vapors or particles into the air, thereby reducing the risk of inhalation or dermal exposure to the handlers.

In contrast, a sealed pesticide storage locker focuses more on safe storage rather than on the process of handling or mixing pesticides. While this is important for preventing accidents and spills, it does not actively control exposure during handling.

A personal protective equipment station is beneficial for providing protective gear, which is vital for individual safety but does not eliminate the hazard itself. Instead, it serves as a secondary line of defense rather than an engineering control.

Similarly, a secure loading dock ensures that pesticides are stored and transported safely, but it too does not directly control the hazards associated with mixing or handling the chemicals.

In summary, the closed mixing system is classified as an engineering control because it effectively mitigates risk during the handling of pesticides by containing and preventing exposure at the source.