Course Brief

Rationale: The term physical agents include a range of energy-based workplace hazards including noise, vibration, temperature, lighting, ionising and non-ionising radiation and pressure.  This is not an exhaustive list and there can be overlap between the different risks.  Each of these hazards can expose workers to the risk of serious injury, permanent disability or even death.  Across the world the dangers presented by these risks are being increasingly recognised by governments and legislation controlling them continues to be introduced or made more rigorous. Aims: The course aims to:
  • Explore, evaluate and build on the existing theory and practice associated with physical agents found in the workplace;
  • Introduce and develop an appreciation and understanding of risk that the different types of physical agents can present to workers and other people affected by them;
  • Develop a framework for rational decision making in managing physical agents in the workplace;
  • Develop skills and decision making when presented with harmful physical agents in the workplace.
 

At the end of the course, the student will:

  • understand the importance of various physical agents and their effect on worker health, safety and welfare
  • be able to reflect on and apply scientific, technical and social disciplines which inform the study of physical agents in the workplace
  • be able evaluate and appreciate the range of risks arising from exposure to the most commonly encountered physical agents
  • be able to apply a range of measurement and analysis techniques appropriate for the most commonly encountered physical agents
  • be able to develop and apply an appropriate control and management strategy for physical agents encountered in the workplace.

Noise and Vibration:  Nature and sources of noise and vibration, effects on workers, effective and ineffective control strategies, managing noise in the workplace.

Thermal Environment:  Effects of extreme conditions thermal environments on workers, comfort conditions, measurement and assessment of the thermal environment, control strategies, managing the thermal environment.

Lighting:  Nature and sources of lighting, relationship with worker health, safety and welfare, designing for worker safety and comfort.

Ionising and Non-ionising radiation:  Nature and sources of ionising and non-ionising radiation, effect on worker health and safety of ionising and non-ionising radiation, novel risks including emfs, mobile telephones, microwave radiation, and others.  Control strategies for ionising and non-ionising radiation, management of radiation in the workplace.

Pressure:  Nature and sources of exposure to extremes of pressure, effect of extremes of pressure on worker health, safety and welfare, managing extremes of pressure in the workplace.

The learning time for a 20 credit M course is approximately 200 hours, and when the course is studied in distance learning mode, this will be largely student centred.

Distance learning students will receive comprehensive study materials together with supporting text books. There will also be at least one intensive study school which will adopt a problem solving approach to the subject.

Throughout the texts there will be self assessment questions [SAQs], which will be linked in to the student website, and these will allow the students to monitor their understanding of principles, procedure and practice as they progress through the material. The answers can be monitored by tutors and feedback given. Where practicable, SAQs will be interactive.

When delivered by Block Release, the learning and teaching strategy will rely on written courses guides, lectures, tutorials and seminars, supported by online learning resources.

  • MSc. Safety, Health, Environment or Occupational Hygiene

    This Safety, Health & Environment / Occupational Hygiene postgraduate programme awarded by the University of Greenwich, is currently the only post-graduate programme offered locally that is accredited by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), UK. It covers various aspects of occupational safety, health and environment and graduates are eligible to apply for graduate membership with IOSH.

    REGISTER BEFORE AUGUST 30, 2023 to get 10% off the first semester's tuition.

    NEXT INTAKE: September 2023.

    REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 11, 2023

    CLASSES BEGIN: September 16, 2023

    For more information on fees and payment plans DOWNLOAD THE BRIEF

    At SBCS we focus on:

    • Producing graduates who are capable of thinking critically, creatively and ethically.
    • Graduates who are team players with the ability to communicate persuasively.

    Highlights at a glance:

    • 2 years in duration; 8 modules and 1 Dissertation
    • Delivered online. 
    • IOSH Accredited - graduates can apply for graduate membership with IOSH
    • Assessment criteria - coursework only, 1 Final Dissertation 
    • Global Recognition and Portability
    • Expert Lecturers