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The generation of static electricity during the transport of low-conductivity materials is a well-known but little understood phenomenon. Until recently, large scale experimentation has been the only means by which the hazard associated with such charging could be assessed. Furthermore, the wide range of materials which exhibit such charging characteristics, coupled with the wide variety of scale involved, make conclusions drawn from one arrangement difficult to apply to another. Consequently, the ability to model numerically the electrostatic fields arising from such charging is a useful design aid.In this thesis, the numerical methods most commonly used in the computation of electric fields are compared, and the most suitable technique for the analysis of a broad range of electrostatically hazardous situations, the finite element method, is examined in depth. This method is used to analyse three different types of problem. The first, which serves partly as a validation exercise, considers the interpretation of field mill readings, and lays down guidelines for their calibration. The second case involves the transport and subsequent storage of diesel fuel in glass reinforced plastic tanks. The third situation considered is the charging of high density polyethylene powder during pneumatic transport.Despite the diversity of materials involved and the widely differing scales of experimentation, the finite element method is shown to be capable of accurate assessment of the electrostatic conditions which exist in each of these three situations. Furthermore, the method has provided information which is unobtainable experimentally and has thus permitted the charging and relaxation mechanisms which are at work to be more fully understood.

A brief outline introduces the problem of accidental injury, leading to an extensive literature review. Major weaknesses are established in current preventative measures and in accident data on which statistical analysis is based. The importance of design in reducing accidents in livestock buildings is stressed. Hypotheses are formulated and a systems approach adopted to structure analysis of human injury in livestock buildings. Data on agricultural accidents are statistically analysed producing histograms and measures of association between variables. Drawbacks of existing data and coding procedures are identified. A detailed coding frame is assembled and designed to retain relevant aspects of events and circumstances in accident causation. Enumeration of data enables univariate data description, and leads to investigation of variables by two- and three-way tables. Results and drawbacks of this analysis are discussed, and work is directed towards developing methods for data collection. This is based on fifty farms in Grampian region, and results in the design of an investigatory procedure for accidents at all levels of injury severity, using techniques such as interviews, questionnaires, observations, measurements and simulations. Cattle handling procedures are identified as an area of critical concern, and lead to a study of routine cattle handling by the application of observational methods. Analysis of data demonstrates methodological problems. Hypotheses are formed de novo and tested. Results are discussed and means of assessing stockmen's efficiency suggested. Research is integrated by considering the role of the designer in postulating preventative measures in cattle buildings, through an examination of five building types. Discussions with farmers, designers and HSE inspectors, results in a critical evaluation of problem areas. A conceptual framework and a broad sequence of decision making are presented to aid designers to establish preventative measures. Finally, hypotheses formulated previously are discussed in conclusion.

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There is no abstract available for this thesis.

In 1999, Indiana's General Assembly enacted law requiring every Indiana school"% corporation to designate a Safety Specialist. A training and certification program was established which required the designated Safety Specialist to attend six days of training in 1999-2000, and to attend subsequent annual training.In this study, a survey was conducted among the 294 Safety Specialists from the first group of trainees to determine the impact the Safety Specialist program has had in Indiana school corporations in such areas as school climate, student behavior, administrator/teacher behavior, safety awareness, and the implementation of "best practice" programs. Variables such as school size, location, occupation of the Safety Specialist, number of buildings in the corporation, and full-time vs. part-time status of the Safety Specialist, were considered. The survey return rate was 73%.Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and a t-test. ANOVA indicated that school size, location, and the occupation of the Safety Specialist were significant (F scores greater than 1.0) in determining changes in overall safety awareness and "best practice."School corporations with more than 2000 students showed greater safety awareness and implemented "best practice" programs more often than corporations with fewer than 2000 students; urban schools indicated higher levels of safety awareness and utilized "best practice" programs more often than suburban or rural schools; schools where the Safety Specialist is the superintendent, assistant superintendent, or "other" had "best practice" programs in place and had more safety awareness than schools where the Safety Specialist was the principal, assistant principal, or teacher.Pearson correlation testing indicated little correlation between the number of school buildings and any of the research topics. However, a positive correlation of .806 did exist between school climate and administrator/teacher behavior.The t-test revealed no differences in any category between part-time and full-time Safety Specialists; mean scores in each category were similar.A follow-up case study conducted in five schools of varying size and location revealed results similar to the survey: Safety Specialists in the majority of schools considered the training to have, been worthwhile, its overall impact positive, and their schools to be safer than ever before. / Department of Educational Leadership

The purpose of this research is to increase transportation engineering knowledge about trucking operations and truck size and weight regulations in Costa Rica. This is done to reveal issues that should be considered in defining, evaluating, and choosing among alternative courses of action to improve truck operations and safety in the country. The research analyzes truck operations in Costa Rica with respect to the transportation system, truck size, weight and safety regulations, trucking activity and operating weights of trucks, and future transportation developments that may impact truck operations. This is done through the analysis of available data related to truck operations including an analysis of weight data to determine compliance with weight regulations and the associated operations of the trucking industry in Costa Rica. A series of interviews and site visits were used to understand the transportation system, regulations, enforcement, and associated issues.