Ethics and Process Safety in Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Programs: A Hybrid Analysis

Process safety is presently recognized as a growing topic in chemical engineering education. Historically, it has been addressed primarily by technical strategies. However, the ethical approach is less documented, despite the fact that it is critical when dealing with crucial decisions or complex issues impacting process safety. In this study, the potential intersections between ethics and process safety in undergraduate chemical engineering curricula are examined. A hybrid methodology that included bibliometric analysis and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used to identify and evaluate 32 relevant publications. Teaching methods were shown to be incorporated in certain technical courses, albeit at different phases of the curriculum. Potential areas for future improvement are suggested to address persisting deficiencies in this domain, with the goal of raising student understanding of the importance of establishing a strong process safety culture in professional practice.