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County of Riverside Human Resources Logo

County of Riverside Human Resources

Riverside County Seal Logo
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Industrial Hygiene

The Industrial Hygienist may be involved with the assessment and control of physical, chemical, biological or environmental hazards in the workplace or community that could cause injury or disease. Physical hazards may include noise, temperature extremes, illumination extremes, ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, and ergonomics. At the NIH, chemical exposures that are evaluated include formaldehyde, xylene, ethylene oxide, and waste anesthetic gases. Other related areas including Indoor air quality (IAQ) and safety may also receive the attention of the Industrial Hygienist.

 

 

 

The Industrial Hygienist, through a site visit, can:
 

  • Identify health & safety problems in the workplace
  • Conduct worksite sampling for exposure levels of chemicals, lead, asbestos, silica, mold and noise
  • Develop and /or recommend corrective measures to eliminate hazards and prevent future problems.
  • Assist in developing mandated health & safety programs
  • Consult on design of engineering controls and work practices
  • Interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS)

Industrial Hygiene Service Request Form

Industrial Hygiene Service Request Form

The Tools

IAQ Meter

Indoor Air Quality Meters Our air quality meters are the staple of our instruments. Our direct read meters measure a variety of air quality parameters. Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Temperature, and humidity.

Moisture Meter

Drywall or plasterboard is one of the most commonly used materials for walls and ceilings within a building structure. Moisture-related problems on drywall can cause structural damage and potential health problems. Drywall is a porous material that absorbs moisture easily. It is important that any moisture-related issues are dealt with as early as possible. Moisture is not always visible on the surface and can be hidden and trapped behind the drywall layer within the building structure. Using our moisture meter, we can detect the exact location of the moisture in drywall and remove to prevent mold growth.

Noise Dosimieter

Per OSHA standards, employers must implement a hearing conservation program if employees are exposed to noise levels greater than 85 decibels (dBA) over an 8-hour workday. Our noise dosimeters can measure noise exposure and determine if noise control methods (elimination, substitution, administrative, engineering, personal protective (PPE), etc.) must be employed to reduce noise exposure.

Light Meter

The light meter is used to measure light in the foot candles. Title 8 (Cal-OSHA requires employees to provide minimum levels of illumination (light) for their employees’ safety depending on the task or location. Low or inadequate lighting could result in a citation. Talk to your supervisor if you feel you are provided inadequate illumination in your work area.

Gas Meter

Our combustible gas detector is used to detect the presence of explosive or flammable gases according to their LEL (Lower Explosive Limit). It is used for the detection of explosive combustible gas leaks such as natural gas, butane, propane, hydrocarbons, solvents, or alcohols.

Wet Bulb

A WBGT instrument is a measurement tool that factors ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind, and solar heat from the sun to calculate a measure that can be used to monitor environmental conditions during outdoor work and exercise. Establishing WBGT guidelines that dictate activity modifications (work: rest ratios, hydration breaks, equipment worn, length of practice) at given WBGT temperatures play a huge factor in helping to prevent heat stress and illness.

Particle Counter

PM 2.5 is one of five parameters (the other four being ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide) established by the EPA used to measure and classify air quality (Air Quality Index). PM 2.5 consists of particles of a diameter of 2.5 microns (or micrograms). Unlike larger ones, particles of this size are of concern because when inhaled, they can lodge deep in the body’s respiratory tract, even the bloodstream. So, in addition to coughing, watery eyes, and scratchy throat, this can increase one’s susceptibility to lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, and other health complications beyond the respiratory system. For more information on the Air Quality Index, visit the Air Now web site: AirNow.gov

Infrared Meter

Used in conjunction with our moisture meter, the infrared meter uses noninvasive thermal imaging to detect cool spots in walls, some flooring, ceiling panels and other materials to help locate moisture intrusion in walls. An internal camera allows for capturing images to be embedded in reports for verification.