OHSE6020Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology

Course handbook

Description

Develops a conceptual framework for toxicology and knowledge and skills relevant to the practice of occupational hygiene in hazard identification, risk assessment and control of the work environment. Topics include: toxicological terminology; toxico-kinetics and toxico-dynamics; toxicological testing methods; toxicity of specific groups of industrial chemicals; environmental and biological monitoring; setting and using hygiene standards; methods for monitoring environmental pollutants; strategies for the control of environmental pollutants; and conducting and reporting on hygiene surveys.

Availability2020 Course Timetables

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Discuss the role of the hygienist in the assessment and control of the work environment.

2. Explain key toxicological terms such as dose, effect, response, toxico-kinetics and toxico-dynamics;

3. Demonstrate an awareness of factors influencing toxicity.

4. Outline methods of testing for toxicity

5. Outline the toxicity of specific groups of industrial chemicals.

6. Compare and contrast the roles of environmental and biological monitoring in workplace assessment.

7. Demonstrate an awareness of the factors involved in determining hygiene standards and describe the types and applicability of hygiene standards used in Australia;

8. Describe the principles of operation and methods of use of a range of instruments for monitoring environmental pollutants.

9. Outline strategies for the control of environmental pollutants

Content

Major topics include:

1. Principles and scope of occupational hygiene;
2. Key terms and concepts in toxicology;
3. Toxico-kinetics, toxico-dynamics and toxicological interactions;
4. Overview of toxciological testing methods;
5. Toxicity of selected solvents, gases, metals and other particulates;
6. Reproductive toxicology;
7. Environmental and biological monitoring;
8. Setting and using hygiene standards for air contaminants;
9. Principles and practice of measuring airborne gases, vapours and particulates;
10. Environmental control - principles of exhaust ventilation;
11. Environmental control - personal protective equipment;
12. Principles and practice of noise assessment and control;
13. The occupational hygiene survey.

Assumed knowledge

Students undertaking this course should have a reasonable grasp of human bioscience. Advice on how to obtain information on human bioscience is provided for the benefit of students from non-biological backgrounds.

Assessment items

In Term Test: Essay/Written Assignment (Online Test)

Written Assignment: Essay/Written Assignment

Formal Examination: Exam

Contact hours

Online