Job Description – Industrial Hygiene Specialist

1. Job Details

• Job Title: Industrial Hygiene Specialist

• Reports to: Research Safety Manager

• Job Family: HSE

• Job Function: HSE

2. Job Purpose

• Responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating health hazards in laboratory and research environments.

• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

• Monitor exposure to chemical, biological, radiological, and physical hazards.

• Implement control measures to protect researchers, students, and staff.

• Develop and implement industrial hygiene programs.

• Conduct risk assessments.

• Provide training.

• Coordinate emergency response efforts related to hazardous materials.

3. Job Dimensions

• Accountability for annual operating budget / project budget / sales revenue: Contributory

• Magnitude of financial accountability: n/a

• staff supervised: 0

• direct reports: 0

• contractors/others: 0

4. Key Result Areas

Industrial Hygiene & Occupational Health Compliance

• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations (OSHA, ACGIH, NIOSH, NFPA, ISO 45001).

• Develop and implement industrial hygiene policies and programs.

• Conduct workplace exposure assessments.

• Maintain records of hygiene programs, hazard monitoring data, and audits.

Laboratory Risk Assessment & Hazard Control

• Identify industrial hygiene hazards related to chemicals, biological agents, radiation, and physical stressors.

• Develop and implement exposure control strategies (engineering, administrative, PPE).

• Conduct exposure assessments using instruments and sampling methods.

• Ensure proper fume hood and ventilation system performance.

Chemical & Biological Safety

• Assess risks from hazardous chemicals, gases, and biological materials.

• Oversee chemical hygiene programs, OSHA Laboratory Standard, and GHS labeling.

• Monitor fume hoods and biosafety cabinets.

• Ensure proper waste disposal for chemical, biological, and radiological waste.

Radiation & Physical Hazard Monitoring

• Conduct radiation monitoring for personnel.

• Ensure compliance with radiation safety standards and dosimetry programs.

• Identify and mitigate physical hazards (noise, vibration, heat stress, ergonomics).

• Develop procedures for lasers, EMF, and compressed gases.

Exposure Monitoring & Air Quality Management

• Perform air sampling for toxic gases, vapors, and particulates.

• Conduct noise assessments and implement hearing conservation.

• Evaluate ventilation systems.

• Ensure compliance with indoor air quality standards.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Develop response plans for chemical spills, biological exposures, radiation incidents.

• Conduct safety drills and coordinate emergency response with first responders.

• Maintain emergency equipment (eyewash, showers, spill kits, first-aid supplies).

• Investigate industrial hygiene-related accidents and exposures.

Training & Awareness Programs

• Develop and deliver training for faculty, researchers, students, and lab personnel.

• Conduct training on PPE, respiratory protection, chemical handling, biosafety.

• Raise awareness on occupational health risks.

Inspections and Audits

• Perform inspections, audits, and fire risk assessments.

• Conduct safety inspections of facilities, equipment, and practices.

• Use checklists and tools for evaluation.

• Identify non-compliance and correct them.

• Prepare detailed reports.

• Assist with external audits.

Day-to-day Routine Activities

• Assist HSE Manager and specialists in strategies and monitoring.

• Ensure subcontractors comply with HSE procedures.

• Inspect facilities, machinery, and equipment.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Maintain safety activity records.

• Prepare and present safety reports to management.

• Contribute to monthly HSE reports.

5. Operating Environment, Framework & Boundaries

• Work performed in office and field settings.

• Travel to university buildings or agencies may be required.

• Must be available for emergencies outside working hours.

• Extreme working conditions at times.

• Exposure to hazardous animals, plants, chemicals, and substances.

• Safety gear/PPE required.

• Physical inspections may involve standing, walking, bending, climbing, lifting.

• Work in confined spaces, heights, and varying temperatures.

6. Communications and Working Relationships

Supervisor (line manager)

• Report compliance status, risk assessments, incidents.

• Provide updates on sustainability initiatives.

• Present audit/inspection findings.

• Report daily activities requiring approval/advice.

HSE Team

• Conduct assessments, audits, and training.

• Share best practices and regulatory updates.

• Collaborate on emergency response.

Facilities Management Personnel/Contractors

• Ensure integration of safety in operations.

• Address hazards and compliance issues.

• Coordinate inspections and maintenance.

Regulatory Agencies / Community & Stakeholders

• Submit compliance reports.

• Respond to inquiries and inspections.

• Collaborate during third-party evaluations.

• Implement audit recommendations.

• Participate in industry forums and networks.

7. Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Master’s degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Chemistry, Biology, or related field.

• Professional certifications preferred: CIH, CSP, NEBOSH IGC, CHST, PMP.

• Additional certifications in biosafety, radiation safety, or hazardous materials handling are a plus.

• Technical proficiencies in chemistry, engineering, ventilation, high-pressure systems, hazardous gas delivery, process safety, shop safety.

• Experience with exposure monitoring and sampling equipment.

• Hands-on experience with air sampling, noise monitoring, and ventilation assessment.

• Strong understanding of hygiene principles, exposure assessment, and control strategies.

• Minimum 3–5 years of EHS experience.

• Academic/research setting experience is a plus.

• Proven experience in risk assessments, audits, and compliance reporting.

• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, IOSH, NFPA, CDC, FEMA, DOT, Qatar Environmental law.

• Excellent communication and training skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Proficiency in ISO management systems (ISO 14001, 45001, 9001).

• Proficiency in MS Office, Power Bi, and HSE applications.