This course has been delivered by OHTA approved training providers for over 10 years and reviewed by international experts on two occasions to ensure the information is accurate and current. The latest update was 2023.

The course introduces students to the health hazards of substances that are used at work. It describes where hazardous substances are commonly used in industry and what their harmful effects can be. It also explains the underpinning principles of physiology, toxicology and epidemiology.

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Provide definitions of commonly used toxicological terms
• Describe the main routes by which hazardous substances can enter the body, and the factors which influence their absorption, distribution, storage and elimination
• Describe the main sources of information on hazardous substances and processes
• Recognise hazardous substances in the workplace
• Describe the main features of the principal target organs affected by hazardous substances at work, and the factors which influence the degree of harm
• Describe the main routes of exposure for hazardous substances commonly encountered in the workplace
• Describe the health effects of some common hazardous substances
• Undertake basic interpretation of the results from epidemiological studies

It should be recognised that the format presented in this manual represents the views of the editors and does not imply any mandatory process or format that must be rigidly observed. Presenters using this manual may well choose to alter the teaching sequence or course material to suit their requirements. .

The material provided in this manual has been aligned with the presentations for each topic so students can follow the discussion on each topic.