NUST COLLEGE OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

ASSESMENT # 1

NAME: HASNAIN ABBAS

DEGREE: 42

SYNDICATE: C

DEPARTMENT: Mechanical Engineering

COURSE: ME424 Health, Safety and

Environment

SUBMITTED TO
Dr. Shahbaz Abbas
Q1: Identify the physical agents which a Mechanical engineer may face at
work?

Mechanical engineers encounter various physical agents during their work.

These agents have the potential to cause injury or illness. Here are some
common ones:
1. Noise: Mechanical engineers often work with machinery and equipment
that generate noise. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to
hearing loss and other health issues.
2. Vibration: Vibrations from tools, machinery, or vehicles can affect
mechanical engineers. Hand-arm vibration (HAV) and whole-body
vibration (WBV) are significant concerns. HAV can cause conditions
like hand-arm vibration syndrome, while WBV may impact spinal
health.
3. Electromagnetic Radiation: In certain situations, mechanical engineers
may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation, such as radiofrequency or
microwave radiation. Proper precautions are necessary to minimize risks.
4. Electricity: Electrical hazards exist in mechanical engineering
workplaces. Engineers may work with electrical systems, machinery, or
components. Electrical shocks, burns, and arc flashes are potential risks.
5. Extreme Temperatures: Mechanical engineers may work in
environments with extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. Heat
stress or cold stress can affect their well-being.
6. Pressure: Working with pressurized systems, such as boilers or
hydraulic systems, can expose mechanical engineers to risks of
explosions or leaks if proper safety protocols are not observed.

Q2: Identify the causes and symptoms of the following diseases which you
may get at work?

Radial Styloid Tenosynovitis:

 Causes: Repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as typing or using
tools.

 Symptoms: Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb.

Anthrax:
Causes: Exposure to Bacillus anthracis spores through contact with
infected animals or contaminated animal products.

 Symptoms: Depend on the type of infection but can include flu-like

symptoms, skin sores, and difficulty breathing.

Brucellosis:
 Causes: Contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized
dairy products.

 Symptoms: Fever, joint pain, fatigue, and muscle pain.

Dermatitis:
 Causes: Exposure to irritants or allergens in the workplace like
chemicals or frequent handwashing.

 Symptoms: Redness, itching, dryness, and skin lesions.

Tetanus:
 Causes: Exposure to Clostridium tetani bacteria through wounds
contaminated with soil or feces.

 Symptoms: Stiffness in jaw muscles (lockjaw), muscle stiffness and

spasms, difficulty swallowing.

HIV:
 Causes: Transmission through contact with infected blood, semen,
vaginal fluids, or breast milk

 Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms initially, if untreated can progress to

AIDS with severe immune system damage.

Hepatitis B and C:
 Causes: Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood or
body fluids; Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact.

 Symptoms: Both can cause liver inflammation; symptoms include

fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
Tuberculosis:
Causes: Inhaling Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria from an infected
person's cough or sneeze.

 Symptoms: Persistent cough (sometimes with blood), weight loss, night

sweats, and fatigue.