Implementing Process Safety Education in a Chemical Engineering Curriculum in Southern Brazil: The Role of an Aiche Student Chapter

The integration of process safety education into the undergraduate Chemical Engineering curriculum is crucial for developing a future workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills to prioritize safety. Chemical engineers routinely handle hazardous materials and design complex processes, which heavily rely on equipment integrity. Thus, they need to acquire a comprehensive understanding of risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies. By incorporating process safety education, graduates can acquire the expertise to proactively prevent accidents, safeguarding themselves, colleagues, the environment, and the public, while also ascertaining the economic security of companies. Introducing process safety concepts early in their academic journey can heighten students' awareness of their ethical obligation to prioritize safety throughout their careers. This study described the implementation of process safety education within the undergraduate Chemical Engineering curriculum at a private university in southern Brazil. The initiative was facilitated by the establishment of an American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student chapter, providing access to professional resources. We detail the challenges and successes encountered during the integration process, outlining the curricular modifications, faculty development strategies, and student engagement methods employed. By sharing this experience, we aim to contribute valuable insights for other universities seeking to incorporate process safety education into their Chemical Engineering programs.