Final answer:
Eye wash stations are considered an engineering control because they are installed equipment meant to protect workers by providing immediate decontamination to the eyes, helping to prevent injury from exposure to harmful substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eye wash stations are an example of an engineering control. Engineering controls are strategies designed to protect workers by removing hazardous conditions or by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Understanding the location of safety equipment like fire extinguishers and eyewash stations is critical for lab safety. Unlike personal protective equipment (PPE), which is worn by individuals, or work practice controls that alter the way a job is done, engineering controls are built into the design of a facility or equipment. This approach to safety aligns with regulations that require the installation of certain equipment to mitigate risks and enhance safety, as seen with anti-pollution equipment in environmental laws.