Units
Occupational Hygiene
Unit code: PUP250
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Occupational and environmental monitoring is described as the recognition, evaluation and control of hazards in the workplace. Workplaces contain numerous substances that are potentially hazardous to the health of the workforce, other occupants and the public. Occupational and environmental monitoring spans a number of disciplines including toxicology, engineering and statistics. Students need to develop strong investigative and analytical abilities and professional judgment. Students also develop skills in evaluating the extent of workplace hazards. A preventative approach to dealing with occupational health problems is emphasised based on an understanding of the control hierarchy and the use of exposure standards.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Occupational hygiene involves the recognition, evaluation and control of hazards in the working environment. Workplaces contain numerous hazards which are potentially harmful to the human health of workers, other occupants and the public. The role of the occupational health and safety professional is to develop and /or assist in the development of management strategies to identify these potential hazards, evaluate the risk they pose to persons, property and equipment and to recommend control measures which will manage the risks involved. Throughout the unit you will apply techniques used in monitoring, evaluating and controlling a variety of hazards within the workplace.
Aims
To understand the process of identification, evaluation and control of physical, chemical and biological agents that can harm a worker's health.
Objectives
At the completion of this unit you will:
1. determine the physical and chemical factors which may adversely affect the health, safety, comfort and efficiency of workers.
2. recommend monitoring, evaluating techniques for controlling a variety of hazards within the workplace
3. calculate and manipulate monitoring data to assess exposures.
Content
Major topics covered include: workplace assessment and control; interpretation of occupational hygiene data; workplace exposure standards; monitoring techniques for dusts, metals, fibres, gasses and vapours; noise; ventilation; ionising and non-ionising radiation and indoor air quality.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
To maximise your engagement with the learning materials in this unit, a combination of face to face and regular technologically - supported communication, online discussion, web tools and podcasts will be used to generate a rich, social learning environment. Lectures and web conferences will be recorded to enable some flexibility in the location, time and mode of study, with respect to work and life commitments.
Assessment
Each assessment type in this unit will be subject to internal /external moderation, such as cross unit discussions and regular meetings of assessors, to ensure that marks awarded by different teaching staff are internally consistent and meet appropriate academic standards (MOPP C/5.2).You will be provided with feedback on your assessment as you progress through the unit. Regular web chats will also provide an opportunity for feedback.
Formative assessment for this unit includes self-assessment activities within each module of the study guide. These are recommended but non-compulsory.
Assessment name:
Examination (theory)
Description:
You will be required to complete a written, invigilated theory exam based on learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3.
Relates to objectives:
1-3
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of semester
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
Description: You will be required to complete an essay of 1500 words (maximum) based on Asbestos in the workplace.
Relates to objectives:
1-2
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 10
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
The following book is the prescribed text for this Unit:
Tillman, C. ed. 2007. Principles of occupational health and hygiene: An introduction. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin. (This book is also available electronically through the QUT Library)
Risk assessment statement
Assessment for this unit will involve substantial computer-based work. You should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the SPH Guidelines to Students. You should ensure that workstations are adjusted in accordance with these guidelines and that regular rest breaks are taken.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 25-Oct-2012
