Core Module
This module will provide the students with an introduction to post graduate study and will include an overview of information sources, literature searching, computing and library facilities.
A foundation in the underpinning knowledge common to both Environmental Protection and Occupational Health and Safety will be provided. The human exposure pathways for environmental and occupational pollutants will be discussed along with the toxicological methods for evaluating the adverse effects of pollutants. The perception of risk will be considered together with a brief introduction to generic risk assessment and control. The administrative and judicial system in the UK will be explored with regards to their interface with both environmental and occupational control. Comparisons with other administrations will be considered. The philosophy and practicalities of compliance strategies will be discussed. The principles of sampling and measurement of pollutants will be examined.
Chemical and Biological Incident Management
This module will provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the scientific and legislative issues related to the management of chemical and biological incidents. The causes and types of incident will be introduced. The management of such incidents will be examined in detail, covering the contribution of the different agencies, legislative issues, communication with the public and techniques in remediation. The module will provide students with the ability to design a management plan for an incident.
Environmental Noise Module
This will be a practically based module which will enable students to make reliable measurements of background noise and noise from a variety of noise sources, according to the requirements of relevant British Standards, Codes of Practice or legislation. The presentation and interpretation of the measured data will be considered and the significance of measured noise levels in terms of acceptability to people will be assessed. The principal methods of noise control to mitigate the impact of noise on the community will be identified. Having considered the above the student will be able to critically appraise the noise measurement methodology, data and interpretation in reports and environmental appraisals, and to comment on proposals for noise impact mitigation.
Occupational Health and Hygiene Module
This practically based module will provide students with an introduction to the role and interface of occupational health professionals. It will enable students to recognise, evaluate and control a comprehensive range of hazards found in the workplace. The opportunity to study in detail specific occupational diseases will be afforded, for example, dermatitis and occupational cancer. Practical sessions will provide the opportunity to devise, implement and evaluate monitoring programmes for biological, chemical, physical and radioactive workplace hazards. The principal methods to control and to mitigate the impact of occupational hazards on the worker will be identified. There will be an assessment of the current UK and international occupational health standards together with a study of legal controls.
Risk and Safety Management Module
This module will commence with a consideration of the legal requirements for safety management. There will be consideration of the legal relationship between employer and employee, which will include a review of the current case law relating to civil liability. There will be a review of occupational accident and ill health data and its relevance as a management tool will be evaluated. Theories of accident causation will be examined and management strategies to prevent accidents will be considered. In particular the role of the individual and the organisation will be explored. Quantitative and qualitative risk assessment methods will be studied. The philosophy of the management of controls to prevent accidents will be considered.
Safety Technology Module
This module will examine the integrity of machinery, plant and structures including the causes and consequences of failure and a consideration of preventative measures. The hazards arising from machinery, plant premises and processes will be evaluated and the technological and scientific principles which can be applied to remove or control the subsequent risk will be studied in detail. The following areas will also be considered with respect to their relevance to workplace safety; movement of people and materials, electricity and fire. Relevant legislative controls will be studied.