OSH 425, PHYSICAL AGENTS
Course Number: OSH 425, Credit Hours: 3
Bassam H. Atieh, Sc.D.
Tel. 809-6652
I. Title
Physical Agents
II. Catalog Description
The study of physical agents including noise, radiation
(ionizing and non-ionizing forms), abnormal atmospheric
pressure, and heat & cold stresses in the workplace.
Emphasis is given to properties, measurements, health
effects, and engineering controls recommended and practiced
by OSHA.
III. Purpose
An introduction to physical agents and an overview of
problems existing in the workplace and industrial
environments. It allows the student to decide on a research
area in the field of industrial hygiene. It is an excellent
elective course for non-majors.
IV. Course Objectives (a,b,c,d,i,j,k)
By the end of this course:
- Students will become familiar with various physical
agents in the field of industrial hygiene.
- Students will be able to identify, calibrate and use
equipment related to such agents.
V. Content Outline
- NOISE
- Physics of Sound & Noise Measurement
- Noise Controls
- The Human Ear & Disorders of Hearing
- Audiometers & Audiometric Procedures
- Personal Hearing Protective Equipment
- Compensation Aspects/Regulation, Standards & Criteria
TEST ONE
- NON-IONIZING RADIATION
- Radio Frequencies
- Microwaves
- Lasers
- Visible Light
- Infra Red
- IONIZING RADIATION
TEST TWO
- ABNORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURES
- HEAT & COLD STRESS
- Physics of Heat
- Physiologic Aspects of Heat Stress
- Heat Measurement and Controls
- REVIEW
FINAL EXAM
VI. Instructional Activities
- Lectures
- Homework
- Lab. sessions
VII. Field & Laboratory Experiences
- Field application and equipment demonstration.
- In-class demonstration of all instruments and equipment
discussed during lectures. However, all students are
encouraged to utilize the industrial hygiene laboratory
open-hours policy for more hands-on. For credit, the
student must sign in and out. For every hour spent in
laboratory time, two points will be added to the final
exam grade.
VIII. Resources
- Handouts
- Lecture notes
IX. Grading
- Homework 25%
- Test I 25%
- Test II 25%
- Final Exam 25%
X. Attendance Policy
- Attendance is required.
- Unexcused absences may affect your final grade for the
course.
XI. Academic Honesty Policy
Refer to your undergraduate/graduate bulletin.
Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person's material as
one's own, or doing work for another person which will
receive academic credit) are all impermissible. This
includes the use of unauthorized, books, notebooks, or other
sources in order to secure or give help during an
examination, the unauthorized copying of examinations,
assignments, reports and term papers, or the presentation of
unacknowledged material as if it were the student's own work.
Disciplinary action may be taken beyond the academic
discipline administered by the faculty member who teaches the
course in which the cheating took place.
XII. Recommended Texts & References
- The Occupational Environment-Its Evaluation and Control,
AIHA Press, Latest Edition. (This text will be used as a
reference and an information source).
- Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices,
ACGIH, Latest Edition.
- Brauer, Roger L., Safety and Health for Engineers, VNR,
USA, Latest Edition.
- Handouts by topic/subject when applicable.
XIII. Prerequisites
- Junior status
- Instructor's approval
XIV. Statement of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity
Murray State University does not discriminate on grounds of race, color,
gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability or
veteran's status in providing any educational or other benefits services
of Murray State University to students or those applying for admission
at Murray State University. Murray State University attempts to provide
equal opportunity in all areas of student admissions, financial aid,
employment, and placement and provides upon request, reasonable
accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford
individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all
programs and activities.