Industrial Hygiene Consulting

What Industrial Hygiene Consulting Is

Industrial hygiene consultants help businesses ensure their workplaces are safe and in compliance with OSHA and other regulatory requirements.  They focus on how chemical, physical, biological, and other hazards can affect employees.

Key Services They Provide

1. Hazard Identification

Consultants assess the workplace for:

• Airborne contaminants (dust, fumes, vapors, & gases)
• Noise exposure
• Heat or cold stress
• Radiation (ionizing and non‑ionizing)
• Biological hazards (mold, bacteria)
• Ergonomic risks (repetitive motion, workstation design)

2. Exposure Monitoring & Testing

They perform:

• Air sampling
• Noise dosimetry
• Surface sampling
• Ventilation assessments
• Indoor air quality testing

3. Risk Evaluation

They compare measured exposure levels against:

• OSHA standards
• NIOSH recommended limits
• ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)

This determines whether workers are at risk and what level of action is required.

4. Control Measures

If hazards are found, consultants recommend:

• Engineering controls (ventilation, isolation, substitution)
• Administrative controls (policies, job rotation)
• Personal protective equipment (respirators, hearing protection)

5. Compliance & Documentation

They prepare:

• OSHA-compliant reports
• Written Exposure Control Plans
• Respiratory protection programs
• Training materials for employees

6. Training & Education

Consultants often conduct training on:

• Hazard communication (HazCom)
• Respiratory protection
• Chemical handling
• PPE use
• Ergonomics best practices

Who Uses Industrial Hygiene Consulting?

Pretty much any company where workers could be exposed to health hazards, including:

• Manufacturing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Construction
• Food processing
• Healthcare
• Warehouses and distribution

Why It Matters

A good industrial hygiene program:

• Reduces worker illness and injury
• Lowers liability and workers’ compensation claims
• Avoids OSHA fines
• Improves productivity and morale
• Creates a safer, healthier workplace