Course Objectives

Participants should be able to:

• Explain the purpose and scope of industrial hygiene, including regulatory foundations (OSHA, ACGIH TLVs, NIOSH RELs, ISO standards).
• Identify major workplace hazards across chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic categories.
• Evaluate exposures using air sampling, noise monitoring, ventilation assessment, and walkthrough surveys.
• Apply the hierarchy of controls to reduce or eliminate hazards.
• Interpret exposure limits such as TWA, STEL, and ceiling values.
• Develop basic IH documentation, including sampling logs, exposure assessments, and corrective action plans.
• Integrate IH principles into daily operations, maintenance work, and emergency response.

Key Features of a Strong IH Course

• Regulatory grounding so workers understand compliance requirements.
• Hands-on demonstrations using pumps, detectors, airflow meters, and noise dosimeters.
• Scenario-based learning that mirrors real job sites (e.g., welding fumes, HVAC mechanical rooms, chemical storage).
• Cross-disciplinary integration with safety programs like confined space, lockout/tagout, and ventilation.
• Practical tools and checklists for field use.
• Exposure assessment exercises that build confidence in measurement and interpretation.
• Emphasis on engineering controls, especially ventilation and isolation—areas where your HVAC and machine-guarding experience is valuable.

Core Modules

1. Introduction to Industrial Hygiene

• Definition and purpose of IH.
• Anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control framework.
• Regulatory bodies and exposure limits.
• Routes of exposure and health effects.

2. Chemical Hazard Recognition and Control

• Types of chemical hazards: gases, vapors, particulates, solvents, corrosives.
• Exposure limits: TLV-TWA, STEL, ceiling.
• Air sampling methods: personal, area, direct-reading instruments.
• Engineering controls: local exhaust ventilation, substitution, containment.
• PPE selection and limitations.

3. Physical Hazards

• Noise: decibel scales, hearing conservation, dosimetry.
• Heat and cold stress: WBGT, hydration, acclimatization.
• Radiation: ionizing vs non-ionizing, shielding principles.
• Vibration: hand-arm and whole-body exposure.

4. Biological Hazards

• Pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens.
• Exposure pathways in schools, hospitals, and maintenance environments.
• Controls: sanitation, ventilation, PPE, administrative measures.

5. Ergonomic Hazards

• Risk factors: force, repetition, posture, vibration.
• Assessment tools: REBA, RULA, NIOSH lifting equation.
• Controls: workstation design, mechanical aids, job rotation.

6. Exposure Evaluation Techniques

• Walkthrough surveys and hazard recognition checklists.
• Air monitoring equipment and calibration.
• Ventilation assessment: airflow measurement, smoke tests, HVAC performance.
• Noise mapping and dosimetry.
• Surface sampling for lead, asbestos, and biological contaminants.

7. Control Strategies and Program Development

• Hierarchy of controls in practice.
• Engineering vs administrative controls.
• Respiratory protection programs and fit testing.
• Emergency response for chemical releases, spills, and confined spaces.

8. Documentation and Reporting

• Exposure assessment reports.
• Sampling logs and calibration records.
• Corrective action plans.
• Communication of findings to workers and management.

9. Practical Scenarios and Case Studies

• Welding fumes in fabrication shops.
• Heat stress for rooftop HVAC technicians.
• Mold and IAQ issues in schools.
• Chemical storage and mixing hazards.
• Noise exposure in machine shops.

Additional Layer: How This Course Supports Real-World Safety Work

A well-designed IH course strengthens:

• Risk assessment skills for maintenance and technical staff.
• Decision-making when selecting controls or recommending improvements.
• Coordination with other safety programs like confined space, LOTO, and emergency response.
• Training capability, especially when you’re guiding apprentices or coworkers.