OCC433 - Occupational Health and Chemistry I

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:36:45.313
Last review date 2024-04-01 00:15:06.983


Subject Title
Occupational Health and Chemistry I

Subject Description
A general coverage of general aspects of industrial hygiene.  Specific topics include Canadian legislation with respect to Occupational Safety, Standard Setting bodies, modes of evaluation of chemical exposure, occupational toxicology, safety considerations for engineers, nanoparticle toxicology and instrumentation associated with the evaluation of the occupational environment.

Credit Status
BTA, Semester 6 Professional Elective

Instructor:        George Clark
                        george.clark@senecapolytechnic.ca
                        416-491-5050 x33762
                        S@Y, Room S3058

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  • Have received a basic systematic coverage of the above listing of specific topics
  • Have attained a working knowledge of the legal liability and safety obligations of the employee, employer and government workplace relationship
  • Have attained a working knowledge of the mathematics, instrumentation and techniques involved in evaluating an occupational environment for chemical hazards
  • Have obtained a general overview to the topic of toxicology and air in the workplace environment.
  • Have obtained a general overview to the various units and exposure standards used in the field of Occupational Health and Safety
  • Have obtained an introduction to the common definitions used in toxicological studies and the dose-response relationship.
  • Have obtained an introduction into hazards associated with combustible dusts, an introduction into fire hazards and explosive limits.
  • Have obtained an introduction to nanoparticle toxicology.
  • Be able to apply chromatographic and spectrophotometric principles to determine the identity of an analyte in a mixture.
  • Be able to apply the external standard method of analysis to quantitatively determine the composition of an analyte in a mixture.
  • Have demonstrated a basic understanding of the operation of Agilent ChemStationÒ software.
  • Have experience with method development and the interpretation of chromatographic and spectrophotometric data.
  • Be able to prepare schematics of chromatographic and spectrophotometric instruments to indicate the function of the instruments and their components.
  • Be able to calculate reagent concentrations in analytical samples of unknown concentration based on instrumental response.
  • Be able to determine reagent concentrations in serial dilutions of aqueous samples to facilitate the preparation of experimental methods.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
CMI333

Topic Outline
Lecture Component

 
 		 Topic Summary
1 Introduction to Occupational Health Fundamentals of Occupational Health, Role of an Occupational Hygienist, Standard setting bodies in North America; Legal aspects of Occupational Health with respect to Ontario situation; WHMIS 2015
 
Students will understand:
  • the multi-disciplinary approach in Occupational Hygiene,
  • the fundamentals of the discipline
  • the significance of standards in work place
  • the important aspects of the Ontario legislation on Occupational Health
2 Air Sampling Methods, Devices and Approaches
 		 Students will gain an understanding of the common methods of air-sampling used in occupational health situations and the principles involved in calibration of air-sampling pumps.
3 Units for Occupational Chemical Exposure and Exposure Standards An introduction to the various units and exposure standards used in the field of Occupational Health and Safety: ppm, mg/m3, TLV-TWA, TLVc, STEL, TLVskin
 
Students will understand:
  • how to calculate the workplace concentration in ppm and in mg/m3
  • how to calculate the time-weighted average exposure and compare with the Ontario Standards
  • the meaning of the different exposure standards used in Ontario
4 Direct Reading Instruments in Occupational Health Evaluation The student will understand the principles behind the direct-reading instruments used in monitoring industrial situations
5 Basic Principles of Occupational Toxicology An introduction to the common definitions used in toxicological studies and the dose-response relationship. Classification of toxicants, simultaneous effects of two or more chemicals, standard-setting in industrial toxicology.
 
Students will understand:
  • the basic principles in industrial toxicology; the meaning of LD50, LC50 and probit value
  • the major classes of industrial toxicant and examples in the workplace
  • the basic procedures behind the setting of occupational and environmental standards and will be able to appreciate a standard for what it is with all its limitations
6 Safety Considerations for Airborne Hazards An introduction into hazards associated with combustible dusts, an introduction into fire hazards and explosive limits (LEL & UEL); an introduction into Confined Space Entry
7 An Introduction into Nanoparticle Toxicology Uses of nanomaterials; Toxicity mechanisms; Environmental Pathways

 
Laboratory Learning Outcomes:

Lab No. Topic Upon successful completion of this topic, the student will
demonstrate an understanding of the following topics.
 
1		 Calibration of a Personal Air Sampling Pump Accurate measurement of air volume collected; Calibration of
pump by primary and secondary flow rate measuring instruments; flow rate calculations
2 Gas Chromatography
(GC-FID)		 Review of column performance check methods; analysis of
MeOH in an air sample using NIOSH method 2000 (archived)
3 Analysis of Inorganic Pb
and Cr by AA		 Computer controlled flame AAS; sample digestion; quality control
calculations; matrix interference; mass/concentration calculations
4 Analysis of HCl in Air by
Selective Ion Electrode		 Calibration and maintenance of selective ion electrode; sample
preparation; matrix interference; mass/concentration calculations
 
5		 Analysis of Hexane /
Acetone Air Sample by IR Spectrophotometry		 Preparation and measurement of gas standards & samples;
interpretation of IR spectra for quantitative purposes; calibration of an IR spectrophotometer
 
6		 Analysis of Co and Fe in soil by ICP - OES Computer controlled ICP-OES; sample digestion; quality control
calculations; matrix interference; mass/concentration calculations, spectral interference identification

The student should be able to relate the lecture material to the practical aspect of Occupational Health and gain skills pertaining to evaluation techniques specific to airborne contaminants. 

Mode of Instruction
Lecture Delivery: Flexible
This lecture portion of the course will be delivered in Flexible mode. This offers students a choice of coming to campus for an on-campus experience or learning remotely online (using Zoom – links will be posted prior to the scheduled lecture via BlackBoard). Instructors will teach classes to students in a classroom at a scheduled day and time and broadcast to students online at the same time. Students will be able to choose their location weekly (e.g. one week online, another week on campus). Students who chose to attend in-person, on campus lectures or online synchronous lectures, will have one weekly period as scheduled. Students who chose the online asynchronous delivery will go over the learning materials and recordings on their own time. Note that some week lectures may be delivered remotely synchronously over Zoom – students will be informed before the scheduled lecture if this is the case.
 
Lab Delivery: In person during the scheduled lab. Extensive practical instrumental training will be undertaken by the student under supervised laboratory conditions. 

Camera Use and Recordings – Flex Synchronous (Live) Classes: Flex Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in- person experience for students choosing to study online.
 
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
 
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prescribed Texts
n/a

Reference Material
These reference materials are recommended for supplementary reading but are not required to succeed in this subject. All required materials will be provided on the subject’s BB site. 

  • American Industrial Hygiene Association, “Basic Industrial Hygiene”, (1975)
  • U.S. Government Publication (NIOSH), “The Industrial Environment – its Evaluation and Control”, (1973)
  • National Safety Council (U.S.), “Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene”, 2nd ed. (1982)
  • G.D. Clayton and F.E. Clayton (ed.) “Patty’s Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology”, Vol I, II, and III 3rd ed. John Wiley and Sons (1978)
  • Casserett and Doull (ed.) “Toxicology”, 2nd ed. MacMillan Publishing (1980)
  • Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety Vol 1-4, International Labour Office, Geneva 3rd ed. (1983)
  • Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, ACGIH, 5th ed. Cincinnati (1986)

Required Supplies

Laboratory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a laboratory kit are required for participation in the laboratory. Students will not be permitted in the laboratory without the required PPE or laboratory kit. PPE and laboratory kits are available at the Seneca Bookstore.

The required items of PPE are: Lab coat, Safety glasses and/or safety goggles. Closed shoes and full-length pants or skirts are also required in the lab. A lab notebook is also required. This notebook may be any bound notebook (not including spiral- or ring-bound) and does not have to be an official lab book.

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices..



Modes of Evaluation

 
Lecture 50%
Evaluation Type Due Date Submission Weight
Term Assignment #1 50% short answer and diagrams
50% Essay		 Approximately Week 6 my.Seneca Online  
12.5%
Literature Summary  
100% Essay		 Due Approximately Week 11 my.Seneca Online  
7.5%
CSB Incident Summary  
100% Essay		 Due Approximately Week 11 my.Seneca Online  
7.5%
 
Mathematical Problem Set		  
100% Essay / Calculation		 n=2 due throughout term, starting on Week
5		  
my.Seneca Online		  
10%
Term Assignment #2 50% short answer and diagrams
50% Essay		 Approximately Week 12 my.Seneca Online  
12.5%
Laboratory 50%
Evaluation Type Due Date Submission Weight
Lab Reports (n=6 total)  
100% essay		 Approximately biweekly (start Week 3)  
In lab		  
45%
Professionalism 100% in process Weekly In lab 5%
 
Total		  
100%
 
Submission of Lab Reports, Mathematical Problems Sets and Literature Summary
These assignments must be submitted ‘within the first ten minutes of the scheduled class or posted due date’ online via the OCC433 course site on Blackboard (your instructor will direct you). A penalty of 10% may be imposed for all material submitted late. An additional 10% per day (per 24-hour period) may be imposed on material submitted after the scheduled due date. Material will not be accepted one week after the submission date and/or after the marked material has been returned, whichever comes first. A grade of 0 will be received for the unsubmitted work.

For assessments to be submitted online must be submitted as .pdf files. Any other file types, including .doc/.docx, .jpg, etc. will not be accepted. Photographs or scans of hand-written or - drawn assignments may be accepted. Inquire prior to submission if these types of documents are acceptable. If an assessment is submitted as an incorrect file format, it will not be graded and will be subject to any late penalties until resubmitted as a .pdf file.
 
Acceptable Documentation for Absences from Assignments and Labs: Notes from the following sources: Physicians, court subpoena, citizenship hearings, transit agency and death certificates for an immediate family member. All documentation must be filed with the department student advisor. Students are requested to neatly print their name, student identification and the classes for which the documentation is to be applied.

General School Policies

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
 
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for- students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
 
Seneca Polytechnic Copyright Policy
A majority of the course lectures and materials provided in class and posted in BlackBoard are protected by copyright. Use of these materials must comply with the Polytechnics’ Copyright Policy, Fair Dealing Policy, Intellectual Property Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Students may use, copy and share these materials for learning and/or research purposes provided that the use complies with fair dealing or an exception in the Copyright Act. Permission from the rights holder would be necessary otherwise. Please note that it is prohibited to reproduce and/or post a work that is not your own on third-party commercial websites including but not limited to Course Hero, OneNote or StudyBlue. It is also prohibited to reproduce and/or post a work that is not your own or your own work with the intent to assist others in cheating on third-party commercial websites including but not limited to Course Hero, OneNote or StudyBlue.
 
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
 
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The Polytechnic will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
 
Laboratory Attendance
The laboratory component of the course is essential and therefore attendance in all laboratory classes is mandatory. Any absences must be supported by a legal document within one week. The faculty must be notified immediately by phone/e-mail in the event of a missed laboratory class.
 
Any student who misses two (2) or more scheduled laboratory sessions will receive a final grade of DNC or F for the course.
 
Laboratory Safety
Each student must review the safety procedures and guidelines outlined and sign a document to this effect before beginning work in the laboratory.
 
  • No student will be allowed to attend a laboratory session if that student does not have a proper lab coat and safety glasses or goggles. The mark for this lab report and professionalism will be 0.
  • A student who arrives late and misses the relevant safety instructions for that particular lab will not be allowed to participate in that lab. The mark for this lab report and professionalism will be 0.
 
Punctuality
Show consideration for your classmates and respect for faculty by arriving on time to class. If you know in advance of a class that you are going to be late, please let your faculty know to minimize disruption to your classmates and faculty. Please arrive on time (within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time) for classes so as to minimize disruption to your classmates and faculty. It is at the instructor’s discretion whether to allow a late student to enter the lecture or laboratory.
 
Cell Phone Usage 
As a courtesy to your fellow students and faculty, cell phones should remain on silent or be turned off while in online class. If, in the case of an emergency, the cell phone must remain on, please set the cell phone on vibrate and notify the instructor of the situation before class begins. Cell phones are not permitted during tests.
 
Permission must be asked and granted from the instructor and/or fellow students, if applicable, before recording any audio, video, or still images using a cell phone during lecture or laboratory periods. Obtaining or circulating such materials without permission constitutes a violation of the Polytechnic’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Policy.
 
Computing Acceptable Use Policy
All Students are responsible for abiding by the Polytechnic’s Computing Acceptable Use Policy and for obeying Provincial and Federal laws/regulations regarding the use of computer equipment, facilities and/or networks.
 
Dropping a Subject
There are two deadlines for dropping this subject. If you drop by Day 10 of the semester, the subject will not appear on your transcript. If you drop by the last drop date, the subject will appear on your transcript with a grade of DNC. To drop, please notify your professor, complete a “Timetable Change Form,” and return it to Registration by the deadline. Discuss any possible negative consequences of dropping the subject with your academic coordinator or student advisor.

Approved by: Paola Battiston