Safety, Health, and Environment
This area covers protecting people and the environment from engineering hazards: industrial hygiene, safety equipment, gas monitoring, and hazard communication.
Industrial Hygiene and Exposure
Exposure limits cap worker contact with hazardous agents. Radioactive decay follows N/N0 = (1/2)^(t/T_half); after three half-lives only 12.5% remains. Toxicology considers dose, duration, and the specific agent.
Atmospheric Hazards
Normal air is 20.9% oxygen. OSHA classifies below 19.5% as oxygen-deficient and above 23.5% as oxygen-enriched. Confined spaces must be tested for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxics before entry and ventilated as needed.
Safety Equipment and Communication
Pressure-relief valves, emergency shutoffs, fire control, and personal protective equipment guard against specific hazards. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and proper labeling communicate chemical hazards under hazard-communication standards.