Use of Qualified Staff.

DOE-STD-6005-2001

DOE O 440.1A contains a list of the DOE-prescribed Worker Protection standards. The senior

industrial hygienist should also evaluate other references and consensus standards for possible

incorporation into the Worker Protection Program as appropriate and prudent. Examples

include, but are not limited to, the documents referenced in Sections 4.1 and 4.2.

(See also DOE G 440.1-7, Section III.2.2.)

5.11 Use of Qualified Staff.

DOE and contractor line management are required to use professionally qualified industrial

hygienists to manage and implement the industrial hygiene functions of the Worker Protection

Program. [Reference DOE O 440.1A, Paragraph 4.c; Attachment 1, paragraph 5.k; and

Attachment 2, paragraphs 3 and 18.k.]

An effective Worker Protection Program must be supported by highly qualified and technically

competent industrial hygienists. Cognizant management should ensure that its industrial

hygiene staff:

Is adequately trained and knowledgeable in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and

control of occupational health hazards, and

Are provided with the resources and support necessary to maintain and enhance

proficiency in industrial hygiene through continued technical training, continuing

education, and professional development activities (e.g., preparing for professional

certification, attending professional seminars and conferences).

Because industrial hygienists have varying technical backgrounds, experience, academic

education, and job-specific needs, their professional development and training programs should

be individualized. Within the Worker Protection field, opportunities exist for cross-training

among the various health and safety disciplines. For example, an organization may benefit

from cross-training its industrial hygiene personnel in health physics, environmental protection,

industrial safety, ergonomics and/or waste management, as well as by providing management

training in administration, budgeting, and project/strategic planning.

The industrial hygiene elements of the worker protection program should be directed by a

senior industrial hygienist with appropriate background and experience, who should report

directly to a senior member of management. A senior industrial hygienist should be certified in

the practice of industrial hygiene by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) or, at

least, meet the eligibility requirements for ABIH certification. At a minimum, such individuals

must have a college or university degree in industrial hygiene, a physical or biological science,

or an engineering or technology field, plus special studies and training in the field of industrial

hygiene, and no less than 5 years of full-time employment in the professional practice of

industrial hygiene. (Contact the ABIH for detailed requirements for certification or eligibility

for certification.)

(See also DOE G 440.1-1, Section 4.1.2.3; and DOE G 440.1-7, Section III.2.8.)

UNIFYING CONCEPTS

In addition to DOE O 440.1A, other DOE directives contain programmatic requirements that relate/apply

to the industrial hygiene function. This section gives guidance for implementing industrial hygiene

management practices consistent with those requirements.