What does an Industrial Hygienist do?
Published 3 min read
An industrial hygienist is a professional who works to ensure that the working environment is safe and healthy for employees. They may work in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. Industrial hygienists use a variety of tools to assess risks and develop plans to mitigate them. This may include conducting air quality tests, monitoring noise levels, and inspecting work areas for hazards.
Industrial Hygienist job duties include:
- Identify and evaluate chemical, physical, ergonomic, and biological hazards in the workplace
- Develop and implement exposure control plans and programs
- Conduct industrial hygiene surveys and monitor employee exposure to hazardous substances
- Collect air samples and analyze data to determine employee exposure levels
- Evaluate work practices and procedures for potential health hazards
- Recommend engineering controls, work practice changes, or personal protective equipment to reduce or eliminate employee exposure to hazardous substances
- Train employees on proper work practices and procedures to minimize exposure to hazardous substances
- Keep abreast of new developments in industrial hygiene technology and methods
- Maintain accurate records of industrial hygiene monitoring data and employee exposure records
Industrial Hygienist Job Requirements
An industrial hygienist is a professional who works to prevent and mitigate health hazards in the workplace. They are trained in the recognition, evaluation, and control of workplace hazards. Industrial hygienists typically have at least a bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, or a related field. Many also have professional certification, such as the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential offered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. Industrial hygienists typically have several years of experience working in occupational safety and health before becoming certified.
Industrial Hygienist Skills
- Communication
- Observation
- Critical Thinking
- Record Keeping
- Documentation
- Safety Procedures
- Hazard Identification
- Risk Assessment
- Sampling
- Testing
- Analysis
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How to become an Industrial Hygienist
An industrial hygienist is someone who studies and works to prevent exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace. They work with employers and employees to identify and control health risks in the workplace, and they also conduct research on the health effects of exposure to hazardous materials.
To become an industrial hygienist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene or a related field. You will also need to complete a professional certification program. After you have completed your education and training, you will need to pass a national examination administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
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