GENERAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, knowledge of Physics and General Chemistry is recommended. A solid understanding of written English is assumed.
The final exam is written. It will consist of questions related to the course content to assess the level of learning and understanding, appropriate use of terminology, the ability to apply acquired knowledge, as well as communication skills in relation to the theoretical foundations of prevention and risk assessment for health and the environment. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate adequate theoretical knowledge of the topics covered and be able to present their knowledge clearly and appropriately. Answers will be evaluated positively for completeness and conciseness, also using diagrams, graphs, and illustrations. Passing the exam requires a minimum score of 18 out of 30. More specifically, the final assessment will consist of a written exam with 6 open-ended questions covering all course topics. Each complete and correct answer is worth 5 points. After reviewing the overall grade, the student may agree with the instructor to take an additional oral exam on a mutually agreed date. The allotted time for the written exam is one hour.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES The course aims to provide students with knowledge of the principles of prevention and hygiene in living and working environments. It also seeks to offer an understanding of concepts related to risk assessment for human health and the environment. EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the concepts of safety and prevention, including formal, regulatory, and substantive aspects; 2. Identify the main environmental risk agents (chemical, physical, and biological) and the modes of exposure to these agents in living and working environments; 3. Understand the main study methods (sampling, monitoring, analysis, and exposure assessment) for key risk factors; 4. Comprehend the principles of risk assessment and the main measures for protecting human health and the environment.
General concepts of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Concepts of hazard, exposure, risk, and harm, with an overview of the main cross-cutting risk factors in the workplace. [4 hours] Chemical Risk [24 hours]: - Risk assessment process; - TLVs and limit values; - Environmental monitoring: - Sampling strategies; - Environmental monitoring: Gases and vapors; - Environmental monitoring: Dusts and aerosols; - Other environmental monitoring systems; - Biological monitoring (reference values, susceptibility). Physical Risks [8 hours]: - Assessment of occupational exposure to noise and vibrations; - Assessment of the thermal environment in moderate, hot, and cold severe workplaces. Biological Risks [6 hours]: - Classification and general aspects; - Methods for monitoring biological risk agents. Other topics [6 hours]: - Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Lectures are delivered with the support of slides. Case studies and real-world examples are presented for all topics. The frontal lectures combine a strong theoretical approach with the discussion of case studies. Throughout the course, the instructor consistently encourages student interaction through discussions and shared analysis of the topics covered, with the aim of stimulating and developing critical thinking skills and the ability to make interdisciplinary connections.
Prof. Cavallo is available to meet with students in the classroom before and after lectures, or at his office (Via Monte Generoso, Varese –building"ex Colonia Agricola"), by appointment requested via email at domenico.cavallo@uninsubria.it.
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Degree course in: ENGINEERING FOR WORK AND ENVIRONMENT SAFETY