08/16/95 B

This is the first class in the Industrial Hygienist series. Positions in this class conduct surveys, reviews and inspections of industrial, manufacturing and construction work sites to identify potential health hazards and evaluate work site conditions through observation, environmental monitoring of chemical and physical hazards, and interviews with employees and employers; or serve as consultants to businesses and industries on health practices and training needs. Positions recommend abatement procedures or measures to control or eliminate occupational hazards or disease; assure compliance by issuing formal citations to employers; and monitor employer's progress in hazard abatement. Positions in this class are typically assigned to inspect businesses, industries, or construction sites utilizing less intricate manufacturing, assembly or production methods. This class is distinguished from the Industrial Hygienist Senior class which has responsibility for inspecting or supervising the inspection of businesses or industries involved in complicated manufacturing or fabrication techniques, or the operation of highly industrialized, complex work sites or plants.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty involving independent judgment in the inspection of workplaces/sites in order to ensure compliance with occupational health standards. Prior to inspection, researches technical literature and federal and state regulations related to the particular industry. Inspections typically involve the review of employer safety and health programs through the examination of employer records and the on-site observation of employees' work environments. Personal and environmental monitoring may be conducted based on industrial processes, toxicity and quantity of chemicals, the presence of air contaminants including asbestos, sound level meter readings and other pertinent observations. Calibrates equipment, such as personal sampling pumps, noise dosimeters, sound level meters, and other technical equipment. Uses equipment to sample dusts, vapors,noise and other potential workplace health hazards. Observes employee handling of chemicals and use of equipment. Investigates and

evaluates adequacy of ventilation, engineering plans, exhaust equipment, acoustical engineering plans for noise control, protective plans for biohazards such as AIDS and hepatitis, lighting, and other factors affecting employee health in the workplace. Reviews results of laboratory analyses and makes calculations to determine if permissible exposure limits have been exceeded, based on knowledge of state and federal regulations. If violations of laws, standards or regulations are found, issues citations and provides documentation to support violations cited. Informs employer of violations to be cited and advises employer and employee representatives of their legal rights and the right to contest citations. Researches engineering controls" for cited health hazards and evaluates technical and economic feasibility. Recommends feasible engineering and/or personal protective equipment controls and establishes abatement schedule. Monitors employer for compliance by conducting follow-up inspections as indicated by seriousness of hazards. Testifies in court or at administrative hearings as a state witness in contested cases. Positions in voluntary compliance assist in establishing plant health committees and programs by providing employer/employee training through the use of certified industry and construction courses and health seminars. Positions update existing training programs and assist employers in securing outside assistance from sources such as trade associations, colleges and government agencies.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from an Industrial Hygienist Supervisor. May receive guidance from an Industrial Hygienist Senior when assigned inspection work of large or complex industries or plants.

Scope: Actions affect the recognition, control, and abatement or elimination of occupationa1 health hazards and diseases in inspected industries in a specific geographical work area, which affects the health and well-being of employers, employees and the general public in the prevention of long-term health problems/ diseases and the prevention of work related accidents and fatalities.

Impact of Actions: Ineffective or inappropriate measures or recommendations could result in loss of life, injury or long-term illness to employees and the public and would incur long-term significant costs to employers and the Commonwealth in terms of time, money, services, production and the safety, health and goodwill of employers/employees, the community, clients and/or the general public. Effective job performance facilitates the agency's goal of controlling and/or eliminating occupational health hazards and diseases; reduce workers' compensation claims and reduces the frequency and seriousness of employer violations of federal and state health regulations.

Personal Contacts: Frequent external contact with employees, employers, union and other employee representatives, and the public for the purpose of investigating and resolving complaints and alleged violations of health standards; and with laboratories which analyze samples obtained during inspections. Frequent internal and external contact with other state and federal agency personnel involved in environmental regulatory enforcement for referral and information exchange. Occasional external contacts with consultants for technical expertise; with Commonwealth Attorneys to prepare contested cases; with the media to provide information on regulatory questions and publicized cases; and with State Medical Examiner's office and local police to obtain information regarding accident and fatality investigations. Frequent internal contact with safety enforcement personnel in order to exchange information concerning possible safety violations.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of the basic principles of industrial hygiene, inspection/investigation techniques, chemistry and physics. Some knowledge of occupational diseases and toxicology; and of federal and state regulations related to industrial health.

Skills: Working skill in the operation, calibration and maintenance of sampling and monitoring equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently plan, organize and conduct inspections of workplaces/sites; to analyze and interpret inspection results; to interpret and apply state and federal regulations and laws; and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of employees and management.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in industrial hygiene, biology, chemistry, physics, environmental health, engineering or another field related to the work.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in industrial hygiene, health/safety related investigative work, or the application and interpretation of health/safety principles and regulations.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This is a new class established in February 1989 as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class replaces the Industrial Hygienist A class.

Class title change only; formerly titled Industrial Hygienist.