As the demand for safer work environments rises, the need for skilled industrial hygienists also grows. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of occupational health and safety specialists, including industrial hygienists, is projected to increase by 13% from 2021 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Ongoing public interest in occupational safety and health and employers’ continued investment in health and safety partly drive this growth.
This blog post explores the pathway to becoming an industrial hygienist, shedding light on the educational background, skills, and certifications required to excel in this field.
Who Is an Industrial Hygienist?
An industrial hygienist maintains safe and healthy work environments in various industries, such as manufacturing, chemical plants, and construction sites. Their primary role is anticipating, identifying, and managing workplace hazards that could harm workers’ health or safety.
How to Become a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)?
Let’s explore the steps to become a Certified Industrial Hygienist, from education to certification:
Step 1: Fulfill Education Requirements
To qualify for the CIH certification, you must start by obtaining a relevant bachelor’s degree. The recommended fields of study include biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. These programs should be accredited by a recognized accreditation agency, such as those approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
If your degree is in another discipline, ensure you have completed at least 60 semester hours in science, science-based technology, engineering, or mathematics. Additionally, you will need at least 12 college credits or 180 academic contact hours, specifically in industrial hygiene courses. This foundational education provides the necessary scientific and technical background to understand workplace hazards effectively.
Step 2: Gain Relevant Work Experience
After completing your educational requirements, the next step is to acquire professional-level experience in occupational health and safety. You need at least four years of experience, during which you should be exposed to at least two occupational health stressors such as chemical, physical, biological, or ergonomic hazards.
This experience should be current and at a professional level. It is essential to engage in roles that allow you to apply your knowledge practically and assess and manage health risks in real-world settings.
Step 3: Prepare for and Pass the Certification Exam
The CIH certification exam is a rigorous assessment designed to test your knowledge and skills in industrial hygiene. The exam is a two-part, five-hour, computer-based test consisting of 180 multiple-choice questions.
To prepare and review the test specifications, which cover three main areas of responsibility and nine tasks associated with each area. Familiarize yourself with the knowledge and skills required to perform these tasks. Consider engaging in study groups, preparatory courses, or online resources tailored toward the CIH exam.
Once ready, you must pay a $150 application fee and a $350 examination fee. Passing this exam demonstrates your competence and readiness to handle the responsibilities of an industrial hygienist.
Step 4: Maintain and Renew Certification
The CIH certification is valid for five years. You must participate in the Board for Global EHS Credentialing Maintenance program to maintain your certification. This involves retaking and passing the CIH exam or self-reporting professional development activities.
Such activities include active practice, professional committee service, publications, education, and teaching or presenting. There is also an annual renewal fee of $150. Keeping your certification active ensures that you remain up-to-date with the latest practices and standards in industrial hygiene.
Essential Details for Aspiring Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH)
The CIH certification, governed by the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC), is among the most esteemed environmental health and safety credentials. It’s recognized for enhancing the professional capabilities of those involved in managing workplace health hazards.
- Certification Revocation and Licensure
- The CIH certification may be revoked if the holder fails to meet the ongoing requirements of the certification maintenance program or breaches the BGC’s code of ethics.
- This certification is not linked to any form of licensure, allowing for greater flexibility in various professional contexts.
- Relation to Other Certifications
- The CIH is highly regarded and challenging to obtain. It is often seen as complementary to other certifications, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and the Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM).
- The now-discontinued Certified Associate Industrial Hygienist (CAIH) program catered to technicians with less stringent educational requirements and narrower roles. Although the CAIH exam is no longer offered due to low demand, the designation is still recognized under BGC’s maintenance program.
III. Industry Recognition
- The CIH certification is widely recognized and valued across various sectors, such as industrial/manufacturing, engineering, government, healthcare, education, public health, consulting, and insurance.
- Many organizations, including the U.S. federal government, prefer or even require the CIH certification for various job roles.
- Occupational Utilization
- Professionals with CIH certification are often employed as occupational health and safety specialists, technicians, senior safety managers, environmental health and safety managers, and environmental engineers.
- Training and Exam Preparation
- While BGC does not directly endorse or provide training materials, its website facilitates access to various exam preparation resources. These include job analysis, exam content outlines, sample questions, and information about necessary tools like calculators and equation sheets.
The Role and Responsibilities of an Industrial Hygienist
Industrial hygienists are crucial in preventing work-related illnesses and injuries by identifying and controlling workplace hazards. Their work spans various industries and aims to protect workers and the general public while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Types of Hazards Addressed
- Chemical Hazards: Involves exposure to harmful chemicals through inhalation, absorption, or ingestion.
- Biological Hazards: Includes exposure to pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi or organic materials like human fluids and waste.
- Physical Hazards: These are harmful heat, noise, or radiation levels.
- Ergonomic Hazards: Relates to injuries caused by repetitive motions or excessive vibration.
Common Health Risks Prevented
- Diseases from unsafe laboratory or healthcare settings.
- Respiratory issues from inhaling dust in mines or factories.
- Skin conditions due to chemical exposure.
- Hearing loss from high-decibel environments like construction sites.
- Repetitive stress injuries from continuous motion.
- Cancer is linked to various occupational hazards.
Responsibilities of an Industrial Hygienist
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Industrial hygienists begin by conducting a thorough survey of the workplace to identify unsafe procedures and stressors that could compromise worker safety. They measure the degree of exposure to these hazards using various sampling methods to estimate risk accurately.
Following this, a dose-response assessment is carried out to evaluate how different levels of exposure affect the risk of harm. Lastly, risk characterization involves estimating risks’ likelihood and potential severity based on the identified hazards, providing a comprehensive risk profile.
- Risk Management
Industrial hygienists develop and implement tailored safety protocols to manage identified risks effectively. This includes providing training to ensure the correct use of safety equipment and installing ventilation systems to control airborne contaminants.
They also enforce strict guidelines for safe chemical handling and advocate for substituting less harmful materials whenever possible. They also design work practices that minimize hazardous exposures, safeguarding worker health and safety.
- Implementing Safety Measures
Industrial hygienists often recommend practical solutions, such as using local exhaust ventilation for workers exposed to paint fumes and ensuring laboratories follow strict guidelines when handling biological materials. By designing safer work environments and implementing adequate safety controls, they play a vital role in maintaining health and safety at the workplace.
The Importance of Safety Training for Industrial Hygienists
Safety training is an essential component of any industrial hygienist’s career. It serves as a foundation for effective hazard management in the workplace and ensures that industrial hygienists are up-to-date with the latest health standards, safety regulations, and risk assessment methodologies.
This training enhances their ability to effectively identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards, which is crucial in preventing occupational diseases and injuries. By staying informed about new safety protocols and tools, industrial hygienists can better protect workers and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Ensure Safety and Compliance with Safe T Professionals
Maintaining rigorous safety standards while ensuring operational efficiency can be challenging and costly in the construction industry. Safe T Professionals offers a solution by providing expert EHS Consulting and Safety Staffing Services. Our team is equipped to help your projects comply with the strictest EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) standards and OSHA regulations.
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