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.
      Prerequisites: Junior status and/or instructor's approval.
 
 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
      Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
 
      Murray State University endorses the intent of all federal
      and state laws created to prohibit discrimination.  Murray
      State University does not discriminate on the basis of race,
      color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion,
      age, veteran status, or disability in employment, admissions,
      or the provision of services and provides, upon request,
      reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services
      necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal access
      to participate in all programs and activities.  For more
      information, contact the Director of Equal Opportunity, Murray
      State University, 103 Wells Hall, Murray, KY, 42071-3318.
      Telephone: 270-809-3155 (voice), 270-809-3361 (TDD).