How to Be Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation is a globally recognized credential that reflects a commitment to health and safety in the workplace. Becoming a CIH requires dedication and expertise in the field of industrial hygiene, a science devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of environmental factors or stresses in the workplace that could cause illness, impaired health, or discomfort. The CIH designation demonstrates a commitment to health and safety in the workplace, and can lead to greater job opportunities, better wages, and improved career advancement. With the CIH credential, one is better equipped to recognize potential health hazards and take proactive steps to limit exposure and protect employees.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the physical sciences, engineering, or a closely related field.
2. Acquire at least three years of documented professional experience in industrial hygiene.
3. Submit an application and documentation of education and experience to the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).
4. Pass the ABIH exam, which includes Part I - Fundamentals and Part II - Practice.
5. Maintain certification by completing continuing education requirements and paying annual fees.

The Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential is an important certification for industrial hygienists in the occupational health and safety field. It is important for CIHs to stay up to date and capable in order to maintain their certification and remain a valuable resource for their employers. To do this, CIHs must stay up to date on the latest developments in the field, attend educational seminars and workshops, and continuously improve their knowledge and skills.

CIHs should participate in professional organizations, such as American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), to network with other professionals in the field and gain access to resources related to the practice of industrial hygiene. By staying up to date and taking advantage of educational and professional opportunities, CIHs can ensure they remain knowledgeable and capable in their field.

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Job Description

1. Develop industrial hygiene plans to prevent, reduce, and control employee exposure to physical, chemical, and biological hazards.
2. Investigate, identify and evaluate hazardous working conditions in the workplace.
3. Develop and implement engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment programs.
4. Perform air monitoring surveys to assess worker exposure to hazardous materials.
5. Prepare reports and summaries of data collected from industrial hygiene surveys.
6. Interpret and apply regulations and standards related to industrial hygiene.
7. Develop safety training programs for workers on topics such as hazardous materials handling, personal protective equipment, and workplace safety.
8. Provide technical guidance to management on industrial hygiene matters.
9. Monitor workplace safety compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
10. Assist with the investigation of employee illnesses or accidents related to hazardous materials in the workplace.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Health hazard recognition and evaluation
2. Exposure assessment techniques
3. Control technology principles
4. Occupational health and safety regulations
5. Hazard communication
6. Risk assessment and management
7. Sampling and analysis techniques
8. Ergonomics
9. Environmental regulations
10. Industrial hygiene program development, implementation, and management

The Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is an important credential for those that wish to work in the industrial hygiene field. Having this certification provides assurance to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards. As a result, employers are more likely to hire individuals with a CIH certification as they are considered more qualified and experienced.

Furthermore, the CIH provides recognition and professional credibility to the individual, thereby increasing their chances of career advancement. The CIH certification also requires that the individual stay up to date with the latest trends in industrial hygiene and its related disciplines, such as occupational safety, health, and environmental protection. This ensures that individuals have the necessary understanding and expertise to protect workers from hazardous exposures in the workplace.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in evaluating hazardous materials and applying appropriate controls?
• Describe the most challenging industrial hygiene project you’ve worked on and how you handled it.
• How do you stay up to date on new regulations and industry best practices?
• What methods do you use to identify potential safety hazards in a work environment?
• What techniques do you use to ensure a safe work environment?
• How do you handle difficult conversations with workers about safety risks?
• Describe a time when you have successfully implemented policies or procedures to mitigate a health hazard.
• In what ways do you ensure that your reports and recommendations are accurate and reliable?
• How would you ensure that an industrial hygiene program is successful?
• What challenges have you faced when dealing with workplace safety issues?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Gas Chromatograph. An instrument used to separate and analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air samples. (e. g. Agilent Technologies 7890A Gas Chromatograph)
2. Particle Counter. A device used to measure and identify airborne particles. (e. g. TSI Instruments Model 3321)
3. Sound Level Meter. An instrument used to measure sound levels in the workplace. (e. g. Cirrus Research Model CR:253)
4. Heat Stress Monitor. A device used to monitor heat stress levels by measuring skin temperature, humidity, and air temperature. (e. g. Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Monitor)
5. Personal Sampling Pump. A device used to collect air samples at a specific flow rate. (e. g. Gilian GilAir-3 Personal Sampling Pump)
6. Indoor Air Quality Meter. A device used to measure temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and other contaminants in indoor air. (e. g. Air Quality Monitor AQM 65-2)
7. Noise Dosimeter. An instrument used to measure an individual’s exposure to hazardous noise over a specified period of time. (e. g. Quest Technologies Model QT-1A)
8. Asbestos Sampler. A device used to collect samples of airborne asbestos fibers for laboratory analysis. (e. g. Casella Measurement Asbestos Sampler)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH)
2. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
3. American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
4. Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologists (CCHEST)
5. Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
6. National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
7. Society for Risk Analysis (SRA)
8. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
9. International Society of Automation (ISA)
10. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)

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Common Important Terms

1. Occupational Health and Safety. The field of study and practice focused on preventing workplace-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.
2. Toxicology. The scientific study of the harmful effects of chemicals and other substances on living organisms.
3. Industrial Hygiene. The science and practice of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace environmental factors that may cause harm to workers' health.
4. Risk Assessment. The process of evaluating the potential risks associated with a given hazard and determining the appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate those risks.
5. Exposure Assessment. The process of measuring the concentration of a hazardous substance in the environment or workplace, which can be used to determine workers' risk of exposure.
6. Ergonomics. The science of designing workstations, tools, and other equipment to reduce physical stress and improve productivity.
7. Ventilation. The process of introducing fresh air into the workplace to control or remove hazardous substances or conditions.
8. Noise Control. The process of reducing the levels of noise in the workplace to protect workers from hearing damage.
9. Respiratory Protection. The use of respirators to protect workers from inhaling hazardous airborne particles or gases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)?

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional trained and certified to recognize, evaluate, and control potential health hazards in the workplace.

How does one become a Certified Industrial Hygienist?

To become a Certified Industrial Hygienist, an individual must have a degree in industrial hygiene or a related science, and pass the certification exam given by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.

What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Industrial Hygienist?

Becoming a Certified Industrial Hygienist offers several benefits, including professional recognition and career advancement opportunities, a higher salary, and increased credibility in the health and safety field.

How long is a Certified Industrial Hygienist certification valid?

A Certified Industrial Hygienist certification is valid for five years, after which the individual must take an exam to renew their certification.

What is the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH)?

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) is the organization responsible for certifying individuals as Certified Industrial Hygienists. It provides resources and guidance to those seeking to become CIHs, as well as continuing education opportunities for those already certified.

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Web Resources

• Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 17, § 35012 - Certified Industrial Hygienist www.law.cornell.edu
• Online Graduate Certificate in Industrial Hygiene sph.tulane.edu
• Safety Services New Certified Industrial Hygienist safetyservices.ucdavis.edu