“Engineering Case Library.” (ECL 263 - ECL 269). Terre Haute, IN: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 1993.
The Center for Case Studies
in Engineering |
Availability: Ordering and other information.
In this packet, seven case studies are presented, with figures, tables, questions, and alternate scenarios, in order to acquaint students with several safety issues. Each case study was written and developed by different authors. Instructor’s guides are provided, along with solutions to the questions. Case studies include:
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“Excessive Workplace Noise in the ‘Polymer’ Department” |
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“My Aching Back” |
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“Indoor Air Pollution Migration Transport Mechanisms in High-Rise Buildings” |
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“How to Design, Manufacture, and Install an Unsafe Blower System” |
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“Mechanical Power Press Safety Study” |
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“Human Factors in the Design of Machinery Controls” |
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“Roaring Spring Foundry” |
Possible courses for integration: Manufacturing Processes/Concurrent Engineering, Design, Seminar
Case studies and examples:
A |
Case Study: “Excessive Workplace Noise in the ‘Polymer’ Department.” This case study emphasizes the need to protect workers from excessive noise at a polymer grinding facility. An engineering solution is obtained. |
B |
Case Study: “My Aching Back.” This case study focuses on a railroad maintenance worker that claimed to have injured his back. Circumstances of the injury are discussed, as well as exploration of human factors and physical capabilities of potential users. Some unique aspects of the litigation are covered. |
C |
Case Study: “Indoor Air Pollution Migration Transport Mechanisms in High-Rise Buildings.” Indoor air pollution in a high-rise building is the discussed topic in this case study. Air engineering methods to prevent or inhibit the air problem are examined. |
D |
Case Study: “How to Design, Manufacture, and Install an Unsafe Blower System.” A worker suffered a head injury while cleaning out a trim blower. Questions arise about the possibility of a defective design and inadequate warnings for the usage of the equipment. Both sides of the case are presented. |
E |
Case Study: “Mechanical Power Press Safety Study.” This case study is a review of operator protection and guarding on a mechanical power press. Modifications made to the press with changing safety standards are discussed. The engineering investigation for a product liability suit is presented. |
F |
Case Study: “Human Factors in the Design of Machinery Controls.” User safety is the prime concern in this case study. A sanitation worker had several fingers crushed while attempting to free a wooden pallet from his collection truck’s compactor. The resulting legal proceedings are presented. |
G |
Case Study: “Roaring Spring Foundry.” OSHA compliance for the Roaring Springs Foundry is the topic of the case study. Engineering controls, economic analysis, and toxicology of silica and olivine are a few of the topics discussed. |