Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--University of South Florida, 2003. / Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 76 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Texas A & M University, 2003. / "Major Subject: Safety Engineering." Title from author supplied metadata. Includes bibliographical references.

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in heated penetration and oxidised grade bitumen storage tanks in the USA, a number of suggestions were made concerning the possible presence of components of the fire triangle. If such conditions exist, then the need for inerting tanks held above certain storage temperatures can be demonstrated. Current practice relating to the handling and storage of bitumens in the UK has been examined, and measurements made at refineries, Quarries and other installations storing bitumen under elevated temperatures. This has been supplemented by the building of small scale replicas in the laboratory so that conditions in full scale tanks could be simulated. This enabled generation of flammability and gas concentration data for a variety of bitumens. A thorough investigation of bitumens and their associated coke-like deposits has been made. Flash and autoignition points have been determined, While a range of thermal analysis techniques have been employed to determine the pqssible existence of exothermic decomposition reactions. Inter alia gas Chromatography/mass spectrometry and infrared analysis techniques has enabled a detailed study to be made of the decomposition products evolved from bitumens and deposits on heating. Scanning electron microscopy and the use of a micro-combustion technique has provided information on the elemental composition. The physical properties of penetration value, -softening point, viscosity and thermal conductivity have also been determined for bitumens. It has been found that current UK practice may, in some cases, permit two sides of the fire triangle to exist in non-inerted tanks. The presence of a third component, an ignition source has not yet been substantiated. Flammable atmospheres can exist in storage tanks at the currently . recommended maximum storage temperatures. This is particularly the case with the oxidised grade bitumens which eXhibit high values of %LEL at these temperatures.

After World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, the economies of many countries worldwide experienced a boom period. Many people were able to buy private motor vehicles. A consequence of this, however, was that the number of road traffic accidents in these countries has also increased dramatically. From reports over decades it became clear that traffic safety programs that were implemented did not have the desired effect. To evaluate success, countries normally used accident rates or indices based on mathematical formulas. Rates and indices were and are still used to compare accident situations among countries – normally on an annual basis. It seems that motorised countries try to determine a “winner” by recording the lowest accident rates and indices in a specific year. The approaches followed are uncoordinated. In addition to trend analysis, the municipal police managers or road transport and traffic safety fraternity authorities in the various countries could also focus on risk analysis. Risk analysis is used in the industry with its many role players and security and safety can be promoted through this approach in a more scientific manner. Although risks are normally formulated in terms of probability theory, a Risk Score Value model could be of further benefit to road traffic managers. The Risk Score Value could be used to assist authorities to conduct cost effectiveness studies and to prioritize and optimise countermeasures in a holistic integrated manner with a view to reduce road operation risks to an acceptable level.

Abstract The study explores the perceptions of learners and educators at the Strelitzia Secondary School in Isipingo, Durban, regarding safety at the school. Members of the Isipingo Community Policing Forum, as well as South African Police Service were involved in the study as external participants. Through known types of research approaches (quantitative and qualitative), more than 400 questionnaires were completed by Strelitzia Secondary School learners while 20 interview schedules were conducted with Strelitzia Secondary School educators, as well as members of the Isipingo Community PolicingForum and the South African Police Service (Durban South Area). The questionnaires were analysed through nonparametric statistical tests such as Chi-square, while the interview schedules made use of content analyses and theme identification. The study revealed that most Strelitzia Secondary School learners and educators as well as Isipingo CPF members and SAPS members who participated in the study, were of the opinion that Strelitzia Secondary School is a safe environment even though a culture of violence exists in which learners bring drugs, alcohol and firearms to school, and corporal punishment is still practised.

<p> The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that each year, approximately 30 million people are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise. While many are aware of the noise exposure associated with industrial occupations, there has been little research conducted on bartenders who often work in environments that have high levels of noise. The majority of current published research on occupational noise exposure of bartenders has only evaluated noise levels on one night of business. Bartenders often work multiple days per week, which vary in the amount of patrons and entertainment provided, this variation in business leads to variation in the amount of noise to which they are exposed. </p><p> The purpose of this research study was to gather occupational noise exposure data for bartenders during a workweek at a Tampa Bay bar establishment that hosts live music on weekends. Personal noise dosimeters were used to collect personal noise exposure data. Area noise level data were collected using a sound level meter. While several bar establishments were approached, one bar establishment part pated as the study site and noise data were collected for seven consecutive days (Thursday-Wednesday). Personal noise exposure data were collected for an entire 8-hour work shift for the Thursday-Sunday portion of the study, and for 6 hours for the Monday-Wednesday portion of the study. Area noise data were collected for the Thursday-Saturday portion of the study. </p><p> Results of this study indicate that the highest noise exposure for either bartender occurred on Saturday (Bartender 1: 93.1 dBA; Bartender 2: 83.6 dBA) when a live band was performing in the establishment. Using the OSHA Hearing Conversation and OSHA PEL measurement methods, Bartender 1 was exposed to excessive noise levels (>85 dBA) on four (4) nights of the study, while Bartender 2 had no exposures over 85 dBA. However, using the ACGIH measurement method, Bartender 1 was exposed to excessive noise levels six (6) nights of the study, while Bartender 2 was exposed to excessive noise levels two (2) nights of the study.</p>

The science of system safety provides a structured guideline for managers to follow in order to ensure safe operations, but it does not ensure against deviations from such guidelines. This responsibility lies with management. Engineering managers must be able to dictate and track safety requirements throughout product development, deployment, and operation by treating system safety as an integrated engineering discipline. It is not feasible to expect the technical teams to integrate safety into designs unless safety requirements are considered a design metric just as cost and performance. Therefore, the traditional method of employing a separate safety department to address safety requirements is not sufficient. This responsibility must be given to all technical departments and levied as a design requirement. / text

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Transport Policy and Planning / Master / Master of Arts in Transport Policy and Planning

published_or_final_version / Radioisotope / Master / Master of Philosophy