BIPH 6103  - WORKPLACE: SAFETY AND PROTECTION

Course Descripton

This course will focus on electrical, chemical, biological safety and the safe use of ionizing radiation in the medical environment. Electrical safety is very important in the medical environment since patients not only undergo diagnostic or treatment procedures but may also be unattended, unconscious or anaesthetized and not respond normally to an electric current. Chemical safety protects human health and the environment by evaluating chemicals for potential risk and providing tools and guidance for the use of various chemicals. Biological safety involves protecting individuals and the environment from potentially harmful microorganisms and other biological agents through the use of risk assessment and the application of work practices, protective equipment, and exposure control. Concepts, principles and units of dose in radiological safety, principles and methods of radiation protection will also be addressed.

Course Aims

To introduce the principles of safety and protection with respect to electrical, chemical, biological and radiation sources. To review and assess the importance of environmental and emergency procedures in addition to adherence to radiation protection legislation.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, the graduates will be able to:

1. explain electrical safety procedures
2. identify possible hazardous materials
3. interpret material safety data sheets
4. estimate shielding requirements for different radiation sources
5. establish radiation restriction areas
6. advise administration in radiation safety

Course Content

The electrical safety segment will focus on electrical current and shock, equipment classification, high voltage sources, high and low frequency electricity and safety procedures. Chemical safety will consider the identification of hazardous materials, understanding material safety data sheets (MSDS) and the management of chemical risks. Biological  safety will address identification of potentially hazardous biological materials and Radiaton safety will consider sources of ionizing radiation, radioactive decay. Tissue weighting factors, radiation detection and dosimetry, principles of radiation protection, instrumentation and protection, recommendations from international and national commissions and committees.

Assessment

Coursework                            100%