Name an example of engineering control in a pharmacy handling hazardous drugs.

In the context of handling hazardous drugs in pharmacies, Compounding Aseptic Containment Isolators (CACIs) are essential engineering controls designed specifically to provide a safe environment for compounding sterile preparations that may involve hazardous substances. CACIs utilize advanced technology to create a controlled environment that not only protects the compounded medication from contamination but also ensures that the operator is shielded from exposure to potentially harmful drugs.

CACIs are characterized by their closed systems that prevent the escape of harmful aerosols and droplets into the surrounding area. This is crucial in maintaining both product sterility and worker safety, as hazardous drugs can pose serious health risks. By using a CACI, pharmacists and technicians can safely manipulate these drugs while adhering to regulatory guidelines that emphasize the necessity of engineering controls for any compounding involving hazardous materials.

The other options, while related to safety in the handling of hazardous drugs, do not fit the definition of an engineering control in the same way. For instance, negative pressure rooms and biological safety cabinets serve specific functions in controlling air flow and filtering out contaminants, but they do not specifically cater to the containment of hazardous drugs during compounding activities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for individual safety, but it falls under the category of administrative