title: Results of a survey to assess curriculum needs for academic training programs in hazardous substances.
abstract: With the advent of new industrial hygiene academic training programs in hazardous substances, located at nine United States universities, a curriculum needs assessment survey was developed at the University of Minnesota and completed by members of the joint American Industrial Hygiene Association/American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Hazardous Waste Committee and members of the Health and Safety Subcommittee of the Hazardous Waste Action Coalition. The survey asked respondents to indicate whether 27 course subjects (1) should be required, (2) may be required or elective, (3) should be elective, or (4) should not be offered. Respondents were also asked to recommend additional course subjects, research needs in the hazardous materials and waste field, and certifications to be pursued. Results from 50 completed surveys (50% response rate) showed that about half of the respondents work for consulting companies and have more than 15 years of experience in the hazardous material or waste field. The courses receiving the most "required" responses included (1) the relevant regulations, (2) worker training in health and safety, (3) waste management technology, (4) pollution prevention, and (5) treatment technology. Of elective subjects, respondents recommended education in communications, public affairs, negotiations and conflict resolution, property inspection, government relations, and air pollution modeling. Respondents indicated the strongest research needs were in the areas of direct reading instruments (improved versions and their use for personal exposure monitoring) and heat stress management of personnel wearing protective clothing. Respondents felt that the best qualifications to pursue after graduation were the Certified Industrial Hygienist designation alone, or in combination with the Certified Safety Professional designation.
authors.affiliation: University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Brosseau
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D004493:Education; D015386:Hazardous Substances
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances