Introduction to Engineering PDF

Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 E...

Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 ENGINEERING AS A PROFESSION..................................................................................... 3 1.2 THE TECHNOLOGICAL SPECTRUM.................................................................................. 5 1.3 ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS................................................................... 6 1.4 ENGINEERING DISCIPLINES............................................................................................... 7 1.5 THE ENGINEERING FUNCTIONS...................................................................................... 12 1.6 TRAINING AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS IN ENGINEERING........................... 14 1-6.1 Engineering Education................................................................................................ 14 1-6.2 Requirements and Desirable Characteristics................................................................ 16 1.7 PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS IN ENGINEERING................................................. 17 1-7.1 Professionalism and Registration................................................................................. 17 1-7.2 Professional Ethics....................................................................................................... 17 1.8 FUTURE CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTIVES.............................................................. 19 1-8.1 International Competitiveness and Globalization......................................................... 19 1-8.2 Energy Resources......................................................................................................... 19 1-8.3 Air Pollution................................................................................................................. 19 1-8.4 Water Pollution............................................................................................................ 19 1-8.5 Rebuilding the Infrastructure........................................................................................ 19 1-8.6 The Greenhouse Effects and Global Warming............................................................. 19 1-8.7 Sustainable development.............................................................................................. 19 End of Chapter 1............................................................................................................................... 25 1-1 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 What is engineering? What do engineers, technical assistants, and technicians do? What are the differences between engineers, technical assistants, and technicians? What are the engineering disciplines? What function does an engineer do? What does it take to be successful in engineering profession? How do I get an accredited degree or diploma in engineering? What are the challenges, responsibilities, requirements, and expectations of the engineers? Engineering Profession The subjects listed below are discussed in this chapter 1 of the text. 1. What is Engineering? 2. The Engineering Process 3. Case-Study: Solar Powered Electric Vehicle 4. Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century 5. Rewards and Opportunities of an Engineering Career 6. Engineering Disciplines 7. Engineering Job Functions 8. Employment Opportunities 9. Important Fields for the Future 10. Engineering as a Profession  CHAPTER 1 : THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Engineering as a Profession 1.2 The Technological Spectrum 1.3 The Engineering Disciplines 1.4 The Engineering Functions 1.5 Professional Registration and Engineering Ethics 1.6 Modern Engineering Challenges, Prospective, and Expectations Tips and Motivation Worksheets Exercises 1.0 1-2 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION Engineering has become an integral part of our daily life. It gives shape to our world. Indeed, the need for science and engineering in the modern era is so tremendous that living without it is unimaginable. Its contributions range from our own home appliances, equipment, and facilities such as washing machines, blenders, radio, television to more sophisticated and complex machineries, aero planes, cars, buildings, robots, highways, industrial processes, and etc. Engineers have a hand in nearly everything we see, hear, touch, wear, and eat in our worldly lives. Can you identify some of these things around you? At this stage of your study, many of you may have already decided or at least are trying to decide whether to embark on a career in engineering or not. In this course, we are going to explore answers to some of the fundamental issues that will further enhancing our understandings and also help us having the right perspectives about the study of engineering in general. We will try to address some of the important questions such as those listed above especially to those who want to pursue careers in engineering. 1.1 ENGINEERING AS A PROFESSION Engineering is a profession that offers more career options than any other disciplines. It is a profession that can bring you from the depth of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space, from within the microscopic structures of the human cell to the top of the tallest skyscrapers. Whether they are cell phones, digital cameras, DVDs, or facial recognition devices that can pick out a cute baby in a packed soccer stadium, engineers are behind almost all of today’s fascinating and exciting technology. Engineers are problem solvers who search for quicker, better, and less expensive ways to use the forces and materials of nature to meet today’s real-life challenges. Every discipline within engineering will lead you to an exciting and rewarding career in the future. Definition of Engineering Engineering is the profession or field in which a knowledge of mathematics and sciences acquired through study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment and impartiality to develop ways to utilize, economically and responsibly, the materials and forces of nature for the benefits of mankind and in accordance with the God injunctions1. 1 The definition adapted from ABET with modification to include phrases in italics. Mathematics and sciences, which include natural sciences, engineering sciences and social sciences, constitute core subjects in engineering. Engineering students should prepare themselves with considerable amount of time and effort in the mastery of the 1-3 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 subjects. The Engineer Engineer is a person who uses knowledge in mathematics, sciences, communication, ethics, and economy to solve real-world problems. He or she is a real problem solver. 1-4 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 5 1.2 THE TECHNOLOGICAL SPECTRUM Most engineering tasks in a modern world are a complex process that requires a coordinated involvement of a number of people. They form what we call a technology team which consists of scientists, engineers, technologists (or technical assistants), technicians, and artisans (or craftsmen). Their abilities and expertise range across what is usually called technological spectrum which implies that each member of the team has specific functions to play and that they must cooperate hands in hands before any technological development can be realized. A scientist is a person, who seeks new knowledge in order to understand more about natural phenomena. The sole objective of the scientist is to acquire a new understanding of the nature in order to explain about its governing principles and laws. Engineer is an individual, who applies the acquired knowledge of that of the scientist to a present or anticipated problem. The engineer involves primarily in applying this knowledge to develop new methods and to find new applications in order to satisfy immediate needs of the society. In short, engineer is a problem solver who practically transforms an idea or knowledge into a useful result and is the main driving force responsible for all technological advancements in the world. Technologist or Technical Assistant is an individual, who applies the knowledge and uses established methods to well-defined problems that do not require the depth of knowledge as possessed by the engineer and the scientist. He or she assists the engineer in a specific task and perform such functions as designing and building models, repairing faulty devices, planning manufacturing processes, supervising construction project, involving in technical sales, and etc. Technician is an individual, who performs a specific function as required by engineer scientist, and technologist. He or she may involve in such tasks as in drafting, operating and servicing machines, data recording, troubleshooting, and etc. The technician obtains a basic knowledge of engineering in a specific field and has some manual skills that enable them to interact with the rest of the technology team. Artisan or Craftsman is an individual, who has manual skills such as in machining, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and etc to construct devices as specified by scientist, engineer, technologist, and technician. He or she needs not particularly be concerned with the principles of science and engineering as most of the specialized skills and abilities are acquired through on the job training or apprenticeship. 1-5 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 1.3 ENGINEERING PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS Analysis versus Synthesis. Analysis may be defined as the taking of a system (usually specified) and its operating conditions or environments (i.e. the inputs) to determine the response of the system (i.e. the outputs). Usually it has a unique answer. The word synthesis may be defined as the taking of operating conditions (usually specified) and the performance or response of a system (usually known) to determine the system. This type of problems results in alternatives and in general, does not have a unique solution. Engineering Problem Solving Tools. Everyday the technology team confronts with various technical problems which sometimes demand immediate solutions. What are needed then in order to solve engineering problems effectively? Engineering problem solving generally involves not only the law of sciences and mathematics but also the law of economics, art, and ethics. By the law of sciences and mathematics, we mean all the knowledge in mathematics, physical sciences, engineering sciences, and engineering specialties. The governing principles and laws such as Newton’s laws of motion, first and second laws of thermodynamics, principle of mass and energy conservation, algebra, calculus, vector, differential equations and etc must be thoroughly understood. By the law of economics, we mean that all engineering problem solving must provide the best or optimum solutions economically. The solutions must be obtained in the best possible manner that is by utilizing the limited forces of nature and resources to the maximum benefits of mankind. In other words, we want to realize the concept of zero defects which will help us having sustainable developments and also eliminating all undesirable wastes. On the other hand, by art, we mean that the engineering problem solving involves also the proper or sound judgment, common sense, creativity, and know-how ability of the engineer. The art of solving problems play an important role in the solution process. It enables an engineer to reduce a real-life problem to such a form that it can now be solved practically or otherwise is impossible. Creativity of an engineer has resulted in hundred over thousands of remarkable innovations with appreciable artistic values. Lastly, the ethics in engineering problem solving will ensure that all engineering solutions are for the betterment of mankind. All devices, structures, and processes are aimed for the well-being of mankind. High moral obligation and responsibility provide the only check and balance mechanism which keeps all engineering activities to within the safety limit. Figure 1.1 illustrates the general classes of laws and principles involved in the engineering problem solving process. 1-6 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 7 Mathematics and Sciences Economy Problems Solutions Art Ethics Figure 1.1 Laws and principles in engineering problem solving Therefore, a person who desires to be successful in engineering must have the ability to solve problems in a logical manner. He must not only equip himself with the knowledge and skills in sciences and mathematics but also in economy, sociology, art and other relevant subjects. 1.4 ENGINEERING DISCIPLINES Engineering is a very broad and diverse field that it is almost impossible to give it a thorough description for each of the divisions. However, we may classify engineering into several distinct branches each of which deals with specific tasks and requires specific skills and knowledge. They are as follows. (1) Mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering applies the principles of mechanics and energy to the design of machines and devices. Perhaps the broadest of all engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering is generally combined into three broad areas: energy, structures and motion in mechanical systems, and manufacturing.1 Mechanical engineering may be divided into the following sub- disciplines, Automotive and propulsion engineering Biomedical engineering Combustion engineering Fluid power engineering Electromechanical engineering Manufacturing and production engineering Refrigeration, and HVAC engineering System and control engineering Mechanical engineering is the art and science of the design and synthesis of mechanical components and systems. The activity of mechanical engineers extends from investigation of physical 1-7 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 phenomena governing the behavior of our surroundings and of technical and societal processes to the manufacture and evaluation of products. The technical domain of the mechanical engineering profession encompasses topic areas including: acoustics aeronautics astronautics automatic control bioengineering combustion cryogenics design dynamics energy conversion engines environment heat transfer lubrication mass transfer manufacturing materials processing mechanics of solids and fluids mechanisms petroleum plasma dynamics propulsion thermodynamics vibration and wave propagation. Traditionally, mechanical engineers have been responsible for designing, developing, manufacturing, and testing energy-conversion systems. Their efforts have resulted in the creation of combustion engines (used in automobiles, trucks, locomotives, airplanes, factories, and utility power plants) and other forms of energy conversion equipment, such as heat pumps, air conditioners, machine tools, and appliances. Mechanical engineers face challenges in structural analysis, materials selection, manufacturing, and design. They build spacecraft and power systems, artificial limbs, and textile equipment. Some mechanical engineers work in sales, product quality control, maintenance, patent law, or research and development. Whether employed in corporate headquarters or on an off-shore structure, mechanical engineers are solving important technological problems for society. 1-8 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 9 At UiTM, mechanical engineering students first acquire a firm foundation in basic mechanics (both statics and dynamics), strength of materials, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics before they pursue specialized courses in heat transfer, vibrations, fracture mechanics, manufacturing, computer-aided design, robotics, and control. Wind tunnels, lasers, heat transfer equipment, stress-sensing equipment, automotive engines, robots, and several computerized data collection and control systems are available to supplement regular classroom work. (2) Civil engineering. Civil engineering involves planning, designing, and building a wide variety of structures and facilities. These include bridges, roads and highways, dams, high-rise buildings, airports, water treatment centers, industrial manufacturing and processing facilities, and sanitation plants. Many civil engineers hold managerial and supervisory positions in government, industry, construction, and private practice. Others may work in research and teaching.1 Civil engineering may be divided into the following sub-disciplines, Construction engineering Environmental engineering Geotechnical engineering Sanitary and water resources engineering Structural engineering Transportation engineering Surveying (3) Electrical and electronics engineering. Electrical and electronics engineering is the practical application of electricity. Electrical engineers are concerned with electrical devices and systems and with the use of electrical energy.1 Electrical and electronics engineering may be divided into the following sub-disciplines, Electrical power engineering Electronics engineering Computer and software engineering Communication engineering Robotics and control system engineering Mechatronics etc (4) Chemical Engineering. Chemical engineering applies principles of chemistry and physics to the design and production of materials that undergo chemical changes during their manufacture. Chemical engineers also participate in efforts to maintain a clean environment and to create substitutes for or find ways to preserve our natural resources.1 Chemical engineering may be divided into the following sub-disciplines, 1-9 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 Process control systems Biochemical engineering Petrochemical engineering Petroleum engineering etc (5) Industrial Engineering. Industrial engineering identifies the most effective ways for an organization to use the basic factors of people, processes, technology, materials, information, and energy to make or process a product. Industrial engineers plan, design, implement, and manage integrated production and service delivery systems that ensure performance, reliability, and maintainability. 1 Industrial engineers organize the people, information, energy, materials, and machines involved in the production process. They are concerned with plant design and management, quality control, and the human factors of engineering. Industrial engineers perform tasks such as finding the best location for a high-tech company's new plant. (6) Aerospace/Aeronautical engineering. Aerospace engineering involves developing, designing, testing, and helping to manufacture commercial and military aircraft, missiles and spacecraft, and new technologies in commercial aviation, defense systems, and space exploration. Aerospace engineers have specialties within aerodynamics, propulsion, thermodynamics, structures, celestial mechanics, acoustics, and guidance and control systems.1 (7) All other disciplines including Ocean, Mineral and Mining, Nuclear, Metallurgy and Materials, and Naval Engineering, and etc. These disciplines may fit into one of the six major disciplined as described above. 1 http://www.americanengineeringcampaign.org/glossary.html Overview of Engineering Disciplines: 1 Based on the number of Bachelor’s degrees awarded annually, the academic engineering disciplines offered at U.S. colleges can be roughly divided into one of four size-based categories: The “Big Four” Disciplines: Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, which together collectively account for approximately two-thirds (67%) of all engineering Bachelor’s degrees awarded annually. The “Medium Four” Disciplines: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, and Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, which collectively account for approximately 20% of all engineering Bachelor’s degrees awarded annually. 1 - 10 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 11 The “Smaller Ten” Disciplines: Agricultural, Architectural, Engineering Management, Engineering Physics/Engineering Science, Environmental, General Engineering Studies, Materials/Metallurgical, Mining, Nuclear, and Petroleum Engineering, which collectively account for less than 10% of all engineering Bachelor’s degrees awarded annually. The Specialty Disciplines: A variety of miscellaneous disciplines offered (such as Ocean Engineering) that collectively account for less than 5% of all engineering Bachelor’s degrees awarded annually. 1 http://www.engineering-colleges.info/about_disciplines.htm 1 - 11 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 1.5 THE ENGINEERING FUNCTIONS Engineering functions basically refer to the scopes of work that the engineers or the technical assistants are expected to perform and get involved with. Regardless of your engineering discipline and irrespective of what company or industry you work in, you may possibly engage in one or more of the following engineering functions: (1) Research. A person may involve in a basic or applied research. In a basic engineering research, a person works toward uncovering new knowledge and fundamental understanding of physical phenomena. On the other hand, in the applied research a person implements studies to gain specific knowledge and information needed for a particular project. In the latter case, the output is aimed at marketable items or at any potential use of the acquired knowledge. (2) Development. This is referred to the early phase of a project. In this stage, a person applies the existing knowledge to build models or prototypes and to determine the methods to evaluate and compare various alternatives. He or she must prove the technical feasibility of the ideas through laboratory testing, modeling and simulation. (3) Design. This is referred to the later stage of a project. A person applies the results of research and development to convert the concept or model into real devices, structures, processes, and systems. Select and specify the shapes, materials and determine the relationship of various parts and components together with detailed drawings and performance specs. Ability to organize and work on schedule are important. Design engineers will have to be more practical and be more familiar with economic principle, management, and interpersonal skills than research and development engineers. (4) Production, Construction and Testing: A person involves in organizing plant facilities, specifying production schedules, determining availability of raw materials, and optimizing assembly lines for mass production of products. He also performs test on the product in order to certify that the new parts or materials, and the products meet the standards for both reliability and safety aspects. It is in this field that the engineer is more directly associated with the other members of the technology team. (5) Operations and maintenance: A person runs and maintains production facilities to ensure that all production processes are going according to production schedules. Plant engineers are often confronted with problem ranging from controlling ongoing processes which involve utility plants and people working at all levels in the plant to scheduling and completing maintenance services. (6) Sale and Marketing: Sales engineering is technical marketing. Sales engineer is 1 - 12 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 13 responsible for finding a potential market for the new product. He or she uses the technical background to recognize customers’ needs and recommends suitable products or systems. Sales engineer normally involves in the sales of highly technical products which requires both technical competent and selling skills. (7) Management: A person involves in managing and ensuring the profit making of the company. He plans and coordinates the activities of the technology team by creating a climate for critical analysis, innovative thinking, and efficient performance. It requires the managerial skills, the ability to exercise good judgment, set technical objectives and evaluate alternatives, and work well with other people. (8) Consulting: A consulting engineer is a specialized person who involves in providing highly technical supports and guides for new projects. He or she possesses specific skills in addition to several years of working experience. (9) Teaching: A person involves in transferring of knowledge, experience and skills. He or she helps shaping and molding others to become engineers. Engineering educators must posses strong interest in teaching and learning processes, and have thorough grounding in engineering, sciences and mathematics. A person must have a minimum qualification of Master’s degree but preferably with Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD’s) in engineering fields. We may in general construct the distribution of the degree of application of the scientific and mathematical principles and managerial, financial, other soft principles for some of the engineering functions as discussed before. 1 - 13 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 ABSTRACT SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES AND MATHEMATICS Research/Consulting/Teaching Development Design/Testing Production & Construction Operation & Maintenance Sales/Marketing Management MANAGERIAL SKILLS, FINANCIAL PRINCIPLES, AND OTHER SOFT SKILLS Figure 1.2 Application of governing principles in engineering functions 1.6 TRAINING AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS IN ENGINEERING 1-6.1 Engineering Education. An engineering education starts with a creative child's first lesson in science and mathematics. However, an engineer requires a bachelor’s degree either Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng). In general, engineering education at the undergraduate level is based on the following engineering curricula1: 1. Introductory engineering (6%) : graphics, computer graphics, computer science, engineering orientations. 2. Mathematics (15%) : calculus, vector analysis, differential equations, statistics, and numerical analysis. 3. Physical sciences (13%) : chemistry, physics, biology, and geology. 4. Engineering sciences (16%) : electrical circuits, material science, mechanics, and thermodynamics. 1 - 14 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 15 5. Engineering specialties (26%) : major or concentration subjects. 6. Socio-humanistic courses (13%) : art, economy, psychology, sociology, religious studies, and philosophy. 7. Oral and written proficiency (8%) : English or other languages, technical writing and speech communication. 8. General (3%) : business, accounting, law, and entrepreneurship. 1Eide, A.R, Jenison, R.D, Marshaw, L.H, Northup, L.L, Engineering Fundamentals and Problem Solving, 3rd ed., 1997, McGraw-Hill, Inc. Figure 1.3 shows the distribution of these elements of engineering curricula. (8.0%) (13.0%) (6.0%) (13.0%) (15.0%) (3.0%) (16.0%) (26.0%) Figure 1.3 Elements of engineering curricula. Nowadays, the engineering education is based on the 4-years engineering curricula. In the first and second year, most engineering curricula have the same requirements except chemical engineering which emphasizes chemistry. In the third and final year, however, the curricular diverge into specialized paths accordingly. It is also important to note that calculus and other related topics of differential equations are basic to our understanding of physical systems. Therefore, it is recommended that those who want to have a career in engineering acquired this knowledge soundly. 1 - 15 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 1-6.2 Requirements and Desirable Characteristics Since engineering is diverse, the range of needed talents is broad. However, there are several desirable characteristics of a person before he or she embarks on the rigors of studying engineering. They may be listed, though not comprehensively, as follows. (1) Have a strong interest in and an ability to work with mathematics and physical sciences since the knowledge is applied quite vigorously in the design and development of devices, structures, and processes. (2) Appreciate the thinking process involved in obtaining the solution of a problem and able to think in a logical manner. (3) Have a keen mind and an unusual curiosity of how and why things work. (4) Have an ability to organize and carry through to conclusion the solution to a problem, (5) Willing to take on any challenges and difficulties, (6) Ability to adapt to changes quickly and be proactive, and (7) Show an element of imagination or creativity in his or her work. It is important to note that although such attributes are desirable, having them is no guarantee of success in an engineering program. Therefore, students pursuing the study of engineering must demonstrate sufficient analytical ability during their first year of study especially in the subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering courses. A grade of C or better in these subjects, to a certain extent, would indicate the person’s eligibility to enroll in any of the engineering programs. 1 - 16 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 17 1.7 PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS IN ENGINEERING. 1-7.1 Professionalism and Registration An engineer is a professional person in his engineering career. Professionalism is essentially what engineering is all about. A professional engineer is a person who possesses the following qualities2. (1) Specialized knowledge and skills applied for the benefit of mankind. (2) Honesty and impartiality in rendering engineering service. (3) Continuing interest in the improvement of the profession. (4) Support of the professional and technical bodies that represent the professional engineer. These characteristics reflect both the technical competence and the positive attitude toward life of the professional engineer. There are many professional bodies representing the professional engineers at the national and international levels. In Malaysia, the only professional and technical body is the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM). 2 Ibid. 1-7.2 Professional Ethics In engineering profession, code of ethics provides a high standard of integrity, honor and dignity for the professional engineers. It specifies the obligations, responsibilities and accountabilities of the engineers in their engineering practices. Generally, each of the professional bodies has its own set of ethics. Some variations may exist though not that significant. However, with the process of globalization where an engineer may work in any country throughout the world, professional ethics may eventually become a world wide standard. We may represent the general code of ethics for the professional engineers as follows3 1. Engineers shall use their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare. 2. Engineers shall be honest and impartial, and serve with fidelity the public, their employers and clients. 3. Engineers shall strive to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession. 4. Engineers shall support the professional and technical societies of their disciplines locally and internationally. 1 - 17 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 5. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties. 6. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence. No engineers shall try to interfere with other area of expertise. 7. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others. 8. Engineers shall act in a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity and dignity of the profession. 9. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall provide the opportunities for the development of those engineers under their supervision. 3 A code adapted from and endorsed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, USA. 1 - 18 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 19 1.8 FUTURE CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTIVES. Modern challenges are so great that a fundamental change in our engineering practice is now required. Issues on water pollution, air pollution, greenhouse effects, and many other potentially hazardous effects have become our main concerns nowadays and also in the future. Sustainable development is a recent economic philosophy introduced with the aims at achieving sustainability in all economic activities. Technologies that enable resource conservation and nonpolluting such as in recycling, reusable energy, energy-efficient processes, and etc will be our main challenges in the future. Among the areas of concerns are 1-8.1 International Competitiveness and Globalization 1-8.2 Energy Resources 1-8.3 Air Pollution 1-8.4 Water Pollution 1-8.5 Rebuilding the Infrastructure 1-8.6 The Greenhouse Effects and Global Warming 1-8.7 Sustainable development 1.9 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH Safety and health have always been the main concern at every workplace. It is paramount to ensure that all workers are always in a safe and healthy working condition and that society at large is protected against any harmful or hazardous environment. Workers must be given thorough guidelines on safety and health issues while in the workplace. Occupational (job or workplace) safety and health is a multidiscipline involving many specialized fields. It focuses on the safety, health, and welfare of workers. It is more than just accident prevention. It encompasses all aspects of working condition. It addresses issues related to occupational medicine, engineering safety, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, toxicology, psychology, education, etc. It aims at many different aspects of job-related issues including: 1. Promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations. 2. Protection of and prevention among workers from risks due to factors adverse to health. 3. Placement and maintenance of workers in an occupational environment adapted to physical and mental needs. 4. Adaptation of work to human needs. In general, effort and programs in OSH aim at preventing industrial accidents and 1 - 19 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 diseases, and regulating the guidelines, procedures, laws and rules pertaining to health, safety, and welfare of workers during work hours or in emergencies. It is the duty and responsibility of the employers to provide workplaces that are free of any known dangers that may harm their employees. OSH policies must be clearly displayed and followed. Safety of equipment and facilities. Successful OSH practice requires collaboration and participation of both employers and workers. Training on OSH must adequately be given to all workers by the employers and that management’s commitment is crucial. Emergency procedures and rules must strictly be adhered at all times. International Labour Organization (ILO) is an international body providing training on occupational health and safety, and on the magnitude and variety of health and safety problems worldwide. In Malaysia, we have the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) which is under the Ministry of Human Resources located in the Federal Government Administrative Center, Putrajaya to regulate all issues concerning OSH. Laws enforced by DOSH: Factories and Machinery act 1967 (FMA 1967) Petroleum (Safety Measures) Act 1984 Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) Hierarchy of legislation: Act – Regulation – Order – Code of Practice – Guidelines 1 - 20 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 21 Worksheet 1.1 : “A dreamed pen”. Since creativity is one of the desirable characteristics of a person who wants to be successful in engineering, you are now assigned to draw a pen that has all features that can be considered as your ‘dreamed pen’. Be realistic and practical! 1 - 21 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 Worksheet 1.2 : List down all subjects or courses that you will have to take throughout your academic years at your university according to the major components in the engineering education. 1 - 22 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 23 Exercise 1.0: 1-1 Studying engineering is like exploring the nature of the world. You discover natural forces and problems that provide you opportunities to turn them into useful things as a solution beneficial to mankind – making the world a fascinating place to live in. Therefore, knowing the requirements, expectations, and challenges in engineering is very helpful in developing your right mindset and attitude toward the successful and joyful journey of studying engineering. It is critical that students who intend to pursue their careers in engineering explore and address these basic questions adequately: 1) what is engineering?, 2) who is an engineer?, and 3) why is engineering? Working in a small group of 3 – 5 discover the answers to these questions and the terms in italics. 1-2 Obtain several advertisements (at least three) for the post of engineers and/or technical assistants as advertised in the past three months. Discuss the aspects on qualifications, skills (technical – core skills, and non-technical – soft skills), and other desirable qualities required. Include the sources of your advertisements with date and company or organization’s name. In response to that, describe your plan to meet those requirements by stating your courses of action and ways how you want to meet them. 1-3 Get one interesting article on any engineering-related topics or issues from newspapers, magazines, or internet sources, (preferably the article is related to your own major or your field of interest). Paste it on a piece of A4 paper neatly and write a summary of that article. Your summary should include the main points of the article and should be between 200 – 300 words. 1-4 In addition to those listed in this chapter, list down additional desirable characteristics of an engineer within your area of interest as found in the job advertisements. 1-5 Write a paper describing the latest technological breakthroughs in your area of study or in one of the following areas: (a) Transportation (c) communication (b) Energy (d) computers 1-6 Discuss at least three technological innovations of the twentieth century that have had unfavorable side effects on human life. Why? Give a specific example in each case. 1-7 What is the prospect of getting a job by graduating engineering students in the future? Investigate the engineering job prospects available for the graduating engineers in the twenty-first century. 1-8 Malaysia is aspiring to be a developed nation by the year 2020. List down five major challenges that require engineering as solutions. 1 - 23 Engineering Profession Introduction to Engineering 2 1-9 Engineering functions are job description that engineers are expected to perform. Choose one of these engineering functions that you are most interested in, describe and explain why and how you would be doing or contributing. 1-10 Interview a local engineer (and/or a technical assistant or a technician) in the following fields and ask him or her about work responsibilities, accountabilities, challenges, salary ranges and why he or she choose engineering as a career. (a) electrical engineering (d) chemical engineering (b) mechanical engineering (e) computer engineering (c) civil engineering (f) petroleum engineering 1-11 What are the differences between a scientist and an engineer, an engineer and a technical assistant, a technical assistant and a technician, and a technician and a craftsman? 1-12 Discuss the similarities and differences between engineering and technology. 1-13 Why do you study engineering? State your main reasons for choosing engineering as your intended career. Are you ready for great challenges ahead? 1-14 One of the fundamental principles in the code of ethics of engineers is that engineers shall uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of engineering profession by using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare. Discuss how as a practicing engineer some of the technological changes that have occurred in the past 25 years cause certain adverse effects on our environment. Include your commentary on the societal impact of these changes and on new problems that may have arisen if the issues are not properly and adequately handled. What are your responsibilities in such circumstances when rendering your services? Could you sometimes sacrifice the safety and health of the general public? Explain why. 1-15 The following topics are paramount toward realization of engineering projects and systems. Discuss each of the topics and include in your discussion current trends or latest issues. (i) Role of research and development (ii) A technology team and cooperativeness (iii) Importance of engineering testing and certification 1-16 List five of your personal characteristics and compare that list with the list obtained from Question 1-1. 1-17 Occupational or job safety and health is a major issue at a workplace. 1-18 For a particular branch of engineering, e.g., mechanical engineering, write a brief paper on the current and future challenges that the engineer will have to face. 1 - 24 Introduction to Engineering Engineering Profession 25 End of Chapter 1 1 - 25