N. Bruce Hanes and Annette M. Rossignol. “Occupational Safety and Health Materials for Integration Into Engineering Curricula: Instructor’s Guide.” Springfield, VA: National Technical Information Service [PB86-226453], 1986. (Developed with NIOSH support)
Availability: Copies of this reference (NTIS# PB86-226453) are available by phone [(800)-553-6847] from:
| National Technical Information
Service U.S. Department of Commerce Springfield, VA 22161 http://www.ntis.gov/index.asp |
In this packet, five areas had material developed for inclusion into the undergraduate engineering curriculum. These areas include: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Design, and Mechanical Engineering.
Chemical Engineering: Case studies and lectures are used to introduce chemical engineers to potentially dangerous consequences of plant design and operation decisions with an emphasis on the handling of volatile liquids. Case studies include the August 1985 toxic release at Union Carbide facility at the Institute of West Virginia.
Civil Engineering: Lectures are presented to integrate an appreciation of safety and the engineer’s responsibility to the public with the development of basic geotechnical engineering principles. Lectures include:
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summary of geotechnical analyses (1985) of the Vaiont Slide (10/9/63) | |
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summary of legislation, methods, and results of safety evaluation of existing dams in the United States | |
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failure and loss prevention programs of the Association of Soil and Foundation Engineers |
Electrical Engineering: Lectures, lab materials, and exam questions are used to improve the safety consciousness of undergraduate electrical engineers in ways that are likely to be effective in their subsequent work. Lecture topics include:
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microwave safety | |
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electric shock | |
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biological effects of microwaves | |
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public policy and engineering design |
Engineering Design: Lectures, homework, and individual and group projects are used to introduce biomechanical analysis pertaining to back injuries within the context of engineering analysis in design.
Mechanical Engineering: Lectures, a case study, and laboratory materials were used to more effectively integrate safety and health considerations in the design process. Lecture topics include:
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safety and health considerations in design | |
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occupational safety and health hazards | |
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water pollution | |
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vibration |
The case study topic is a four pronged spider seat base. The laboratory material covers sound as a health and safety hazard.
Possible courses for integration: Design, Strength of Materials, Statics
Case studies and examples:
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A |
Case study: August 1985 Toxic Release at Union Carbide Facility at Institute, West Virginia. |
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B |
Case study: Liquefied Natural Gas Stratification and Rollover. |
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C |
Example problem: Biotechnology in Human Systems Design. This problem involves computing the center of gravity of a figure and determining if the figure is stable in several different configurations. Strain is also computed. |
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D |
Case study: 4-Pronged Spider seat. Many different topics relating to the seat were discussed, including a description of how the product will be used, a description of the user population, hazards associated with the product, and safe combinations of features. |