Chemical Safety
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Learning target of the first part of the course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the law that connects exposure to a chemical in an industrial setting to a disease, with the aim of making graduates able to understand the dynamics of claims for compensation or criminal trials that may arise. The aim of the second part of the course is to make so that graduates learn the law that drives the selection of the prevention measures that must be present in the workplace according to EU Law, so that they can make informed decisions and effectively plan safety in an industrial setting.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of class, students will:
1. be able to identify in real-life cases aspects that need to be addressed in order to assess if there is causation between exposure to a dangerous chemical and health issues
2. have a basic understanding on where to research and how to interpret evidence that can confirm or deny the hypothesis of a causation
3. be able to understand requests and reasoning of lawyers and Courts dealing with health effects of chemicals
4. be able to understand and to apply the legal criteria that drive the choice among multiple prevention measures options, in a given industrial setting
5. to understand how hazards in the workplace are identified and evaluated through risk assessment, with a very initial ability to perform it directly
1. be able to identify in real-life cases aspects that need to be addressed in order to assess if there is causation between exposure to a dangerous chemical and health issues
2. have a basic understanding on where to research and how to interpret evidence that can confirm or deny the hypothesis of a causation
3. be able to understand requests and reasoning of lawyers and Courts dealing with health effects of chemicals
4. be able to understand and to apply the legal criteria that drive the choice among multiple prevention measures options, in a given industrial setting
5. to understand how hazards in the workplace are identified and evaluated through risk assessment, with a very initial ability to perform it directly
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Follows a list of the major topics dealt with:
1) causation in the law: meaning of causation; difference between commission and omission, as facts; the but for test in order to address causation in commission; difference between causation and negligence; necessary and sufficient conditions; general and specific causation; testing causation in omission; universal law and likelihood as a reference to assess general causation; identify multiple facts synergic to an event.
2) risk assessment: definition of hazard and risk; TLV - Threshold Limit Values for Chemicals; how to estimate and rank risks; definition of primary and secondary prevention; Best Available Technology; Classification of Carcinogens according to IARC and ECHA; specific contents of Risk Assessment when a Carcinogen or Dangerous Chemical is used in the industrial process; roles and responsibilities of employer, employees and health professional staff; Registration and Authorization of Chemicals under Reach and CLP; Personal Protective Equipment legislation and CE marking.
1) causation in the law: meaning of causation; difference between commission and omission, as facts; the but for test in order to address causation in commission; difference between causation and negligence; necessary and sufficient conditions; general and specific causation; testing causation in omission; universal law and likelihood as a reference to assess general causation; identify multiple facts synergic to an event.
2) risk assessment: definition of hazard and risk; TLV - Threshold Limit Values for Chemicals; how to estimate and rank risks; definition of primary and secondary prevention; Best Available Technology; Classification of Carcinogens according to IARC and ECHA; specific contents of Risk Assessment when a Carcinogen or Dangerous Chemical is used in the industrial process; roles and responsibilities of employer, employees and health professional staff; Registration and Authorization of Chemicals under Reach and CLP; Personal Protective Equipment legislation and CE marking.
Prerequisites for admission
No previous knowledge or class is requested to attend class.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons, during which concepts are explained, and numerous examples are presented and discussed with students, in order to ensure a clear understanding of the topics covered.
Teaching Resources
Learning is supported by the study of slides, which include both theoretical content and case discussions. Textbooks are not provided, as the course is a synthesis of elements from employment law, criminal law, and administrative law. Textbooks in these areas, written for law students, would be excessively long and difficult for students from other disciplines. Their content has been condensed into the slides. Professor will provide summaries and present in class U.S. Court Decisions as examples of the issues addressed. Concerning European directives on chemical and carcinogenic risk, students are required to study selected excerpts of the legislation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam with multiple-choice questions. Intermediate tests will be offered, and their average grade may replace the final exam if the student wishes. The final evaluation is on a scale of thirty, with honors (lode) awarded when appropriate.
Professor(s)