Monday – 24 August 2026

Course Overview

• This course introduces students to industries where hazardous substances are commonly
  found and what their harmful effects can be. It also explains the foundational principles of
  physiology, toxicology and epidemiology.
• This course is designed to increase awareness, knowledge, and management of hazardous substances found in many workplaces. It is suitable for OHS personnel, facilities managers, OH technicians, occupational physicians and allied health professionals, safety teams, and OH service providers.

Learning Outcomes

• Definitions of commonly used toxicological terms
• The main routes by which hazardous substances can enter the body, and the factors
  which influence their absorption, distribution, storage and elimination
• The main sources of information on hazardous substances and processes
• Hazardous substances commonly found in workplaces
• Principal target organs affected by hazardous substances found at work and the factors
  which influence the degree of harm
• Approaches in doing a basic interpretation of results from epidemiological studies

Course Format

• Delivered on-line or classroom training program
• On-line student examination with multiple choice questions
• Translation of the exam into the native language of students may be available

Course Content

• Introduction to Toxicology and Health Effects
  Toxicological Terms and Concepts
  Physical Forms of Hazardous Substances
  Types of Health Effects and Toxicity
• Basic Human Biology and Target Organs
  Organ Systems including Skin
  Structure and Function
  Dose-Response Curves and Toxicity Testing
• Epidemiology
  Epidemiological Terms
  Types of Epidemiological Studies
• Health Effects Associated with Specific Materials
  Organic Solvents and Vapors
  Metals and Metal Compounds
  Dusts, Particulate Materials, and Mineral Fibers
• Health Effects Associated with Specific Industrial Processes
  Materials Handling of solids, powders, and liquids
  Metals, Surface Coating and treatment of metal
  Soldering and Brazing
  Degreasing and Painting
• Profiles on Select Industrial Processes that Use or Produce Hazardous Substances
  Smelting and Refining of Iron and Steel
  Foundries
  Mining and Quarrying
  Oil and Petroleum
  Pharmaceuticals
• Regulatory Considerations and Sources of Information
  Biological Hazards
• Legionella and Humidifier Fever
  Blood Borne Diseases
  Zoonoses, Molds, and Pandemic