4 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
Study of the various techniques needed to control hazards in the workplace. Engineering controls are placed in effort to reduce or remove the hazard at the source by isolating the worker from the hazard. Major emphasis is placed on developing a working understanding of industrial ventilation, including basic principles of fluid flow, hood and duct design, and system balancing. Effects and control of the physical hazards of noise, vibration, and heat stress are addressed. A field trip to a major industry summarizes the course material.
Learning Outcomes1Use scientific and engineering principles to anticipate and recognize potential health hazards in the workplace.
2Interpret the scientific literature and health data and apply these to the anticipating, recognition, evaluation and control of occupational hazards in the workplace.
3Describe/understand different approaches for controlling exposures in the occupational environment and give hypothetical and real situations in terms of the best control methods and relative pros & cons.
4Understand the physical and physiological aspects of heat stress and heat strain and apply this knowledge to prevent heat injury in the workplace.
5Understand potential sources of indoor air quality problems, physical symptoms which may be experienced by individuals exposed to various contaminants, and methods of improving the indoor environment.
6Identify biological contaminants and methods of controlling exposure.
7Understand the physical and physiological aspects of noise-induced hearing loss and apply this knowledge to assess exposure and prevent hearing loss in the workplace.
8Perform calculations of noise levels, noise doses and the effectiveness of noise control options.
9Select and size the components of a local exhaust ventilation system: hoods, ductwork, air cleaners, fans, and balance/test such systems, culminating in the ability to design a small ventilation system.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.