How to Be Environmental Health and Safety Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 27, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of an Environmental Health and Safety Technician is very important in the workplace. When a technician is employed, they are responsible for creating a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers and the community. They work to identify potential hazards, establish safety protocols and develop policies to reduce the risk of injury or illness.

By doing so, they play a vital role in preventing accidents, controlling pollution, and reducing risks of exposure to harmful materials. they are also responsible for tracking and documenting safety incidents, providing training on safety protocols and performing regular inspections to ensure that existing safety regulations are being followed. The positive effects of employing an Environmental Health and Safety Technician can be seen in the form of improved workplace safety, decreased costs associated with worker's compensation claims, and improved employee morale.

Steps How to Become

Obtain the necessary educational credentials. Most environmental health and safety technicians require at least a four-year bachelor's degree in an environmental health and safety related field, such as environmental science, occupational health and safety, or industrial hygiene.
Gain experience in the field. Entry-level environmental health and safety technicians typically receive on-the-job training from experienced staff. Volunteering to work on environmental health and safety projects can be a great way to gain valuable experience.
Obtain certifications. Many employers prefer to hire technicians who have obtained certifications in their specific field of expertise. Consider obtaining a professional certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), or a similar organization.
Apply for jobs. Look for job postings that match your qualifications. When applying, make sure to include your educational credentials, experience, and any certifications you may have obtained.
Maintain certifications and stay current with industry trends. Environmental health and safety technicians must stay up to date on changes in regulations and safety standards. Consider taking additional courses or attending seminars to stay abreast of industry trends.

The role of an Environmental Health and Safety Technician is critical to ensure safe and healthy conditions for workers in the workplace. They are responsible for inspecting equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations, identifying potential hazards, and developing preventive measures to reduce the risk of injury or illness. An ideal Environmental Health and Safety Technician must possess a wide range of knowledge in health and safety regulations, hazard identification, and prevention.

They must also have good communication skills to effectively explain safety rules and procedures to workers. Furthermore, they must be competent in developing and implementing appropriate safety protocols and procedures. the combination of knowledge, communication, and competency will help to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

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Job Description

Monitor the workplace to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Implement safety policies and procedures.
Inspect workplace equipment and machinery for any potential hazards.
Train staff in safety protocols and best practices.
Conduct routine audits of safety equipment and systems.
Prepare reports on hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and other safety-related issues.
Report any accidents or injuries to appropriate personnel.
Investigate workplace accidents and illnesses to determine root causes.
Develop and implement safety training programs.
Coordinate with outside vendors to arrange for safety inspections and maintenance of equipment.
Record and track safety incidents and corrective actions taken.
Monitor chemical inventories and ensure proper storage of hazardous materials.
Maintain records of safety inspections, training, and other safety activities.
Develop emergency response plans and coordinate drills to prepare employees for potential hazards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations
Knowledge of hazardous materials management systems
Knowledge of health and safety protocols
Ability to identify and anticipate potential hazards
Ability to effectively analyze and interpret data
Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
Proficiency in record keeping and data entry
Ability to read, understand, and interpret plans, schematics, and drawings
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
Ability to work collaboratively with teams
Knowledge of industrial hygiene principles and practices
Knowledge of safety standards and best practices
Ability to investigate accidents, incidents, and hazards
Knowledge of ergonomics
Knowledge of First Aid/CPR/AED

The Environmental Health and Safety Technician is a vital position that requires a variety of specialized skills in order to ensure the safety of people, equipment and the environment. One of the most important skills for this role is the ability to anticipate potential hazards and act quickly to mitigate any risk. This includes identifying and assessing potential risks, understanding regulations and codes, and having the knowledge and experience to create effective safety plans.

The technician must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to effectively interact with colleagues, supervisors and other stakeholders. By using these skills, the Environmental Health and Safety Technician can protect workers, equipment and the environment, while at the same time reducing costs and improving efficiency.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in environmental health and safety?
How would you handle a situation where safety or health regulations were not being followed?
What steps do you take to keep up with developments in the field of environmental health and safety?
What challenges have you faced in environmental health and safety and how did you overcome them?
Describe your experience with auditing and reporting on safety compliance.
How do you handle difficult conversations when it comes to enforcing safety regulations?
What strategies have you used to ensure employee compliance with safety regulations?
How do you evaluate potential risks in the workplace and develop strategies to reduce them?
Describe your experience managing hazardous materials.
What techniques do you use to ensure that safety protocols are followed?

Common Tools in Industry

Hard Hat. A protective headgear used for safety when working in hazardous conditions (eg: construction sites).
Safety Glasses. Protective eyewear designed to guard against debris, dust and other hazards (eg: working with cutting tools).
Ear Protection. Earplugs or earmuffs used to reduce noise levels in the workplace (eg: industrial settings).
Respirators. Masks worn to filter out airborne particles to protect respiratory health (eg: spray painting environments).
Gloves. Protective garments worn to reduce the risk of cuts, scrapes and chemical exposure (eg: handling hazardous materials).
Safety Harness. A device worn to secure a person to an anchor point in order to prevent falls (eg: working at heights).
Fire Extinguisher. Portable device used to extinguish small fires (eg: kitchen fires).
First Aid Kit. A collection of supplies used to treat minor injuries (eg: cuts, burns and sprains).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
National Safety Council (NSC)
Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH)
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

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Common Important Terms

Hazardous Materials Handling. The practice of safely storing, handling, and disposing of hazardous materials.
Risk Assessment. A process used to identify potential hazards and evaluate the associated risks in order to make an informed decision about how to manage them.
Industrial Hygiene. The science of protecting the health and safety of workers in the workplace.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A federal agency dedicated to the enforcement of worker safety regulations and the prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses.
Emergency Preparedness. The practice of planning and preparing for potential emergencies or disasters.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment.
Ergonomics. The study of how people interact with their environment, particularly in regards to workplace design, equipment and processes.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Clothing, equipment, or devices designed to protect an individual from hazards in the workplace.
Fire Prevention. The practice of preventing fires through the implementation of measures such as education, training, and inspections.
Air Quality. The measure of the quality of air in a given location based on factors such as pollutants and other contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Environmental Health and Safety Technician?

An Environmental Health and Safety Technician is a professional who ensures that workplaces meet safety regulations, as well as environmental laws and regulations.

What qualifications are needed to become an Environmental Health and Safety Technician?

To become an Environmental Health and Safety Technician, individuals typically need a Bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, environmental science, or a related field. Additional certifications in safety may be required depending on the employer.

What are the duties of an Environmental Health and Safety Technician?

The primary duties of an Environmental Health and Safety Technician include assessing the workplace for potential hazards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, developing safety protocols and procedures, monitoring safety performance, conducting safety training, and investigating any safety incidents.

What is the average salary for an Environmental Health and Safety Technician?

The average salary for an Environmental Health and Safety Technician is around $60,000 per year.

What is the job outlook for Environmental Health and Safety Technicians?

The job outlook for Environmental Health and Safety Technicians is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational health and safety technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029.