Scope of Work
Striving to provide information regarding methods of industrial hygiene sample collection and analysis to AIHA members who work in industry, government, and academic areas. The committee consists of a group of roughly 60 dedicated professionals in the sampling and laboratory analysis disciplines supporting the occupational health and safety field, including:
- Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs).
- IH Laboratory technical directors, QA professionals, chemists, and more.
- Members from North America and Europe.
Goals and Objectives
The committee activities seek to do the following:
- Provide a forum for exchanging information and ideas
- Develop training and guidance, in print and online, for the IH sampling and laboratory analysis communities.
- Explore emerging topics and issues, such as cannabis.
- Identify, evaluate, and comment on proposed legislation, regulations, and standards affecting sampling and laboratory analysis.
- Advocate for standardized sampling and analysis methods.
- Collaborate with other AIHA committees in areas of common interest.
- Assemble, evaluate, and disseminate information relating to industrial hygiene sample collection and analysis.
- Develop annual objectives and performance measures at each year’s AIHce annual meeting.
Current Projects
- Sampling QA manual under development
- Outreach to students and the greater IH community
- IH Sampling Framework Document
Products Produced by the Group
- Certification program for laboratory professionals.
- Introduction to IH analytical Chemistry- New second module.
- Laboratory QA manual new revised edition.
Awards
- AIHA Outstanding Volunteer Group (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008)
- Awarded the AIHA Shining Star Award (2021, 2020, 2017) and Soaring Star Award (2019, 2018)
Collaboration Efforts
- ASTM committee D22, ISO TC 146.
Group dynamics
Our members range from students to early and career-long professionals, with a varied mix of IH/OEHS practitioners from industry, academia, government, and consulting. Our members encompass field personnel taking samples and scientists working in the laboratory. We also have several members from industries that manufacture the IH tools needed to be successful in the field. We are a friendly and active group. We hold regular meetings throughout the year and are very active in publishing and presenting information to IH community.
Members can choose a level of involvement that fits their schedule by:
- Joining a project team.
- Publishing in the journal or Synergist.
- Presenting at AIHCE either as an education session or as part of a PDC.
- Participate in monthly meetings.
- Mentorship and professional development.
- Leadership development (serving as an officer of the group, project team leader).
Resources
Following are resources and tools that could be helpful to members of the sampling and analysis community.
- AIHA Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual
- Introduction to IH Analytical Chemistry
- AIHA Laboratory Accreditation Programs LLC: www.aihaaccreditedlabs.org List of accredited laboratories, accreditation policies, and more
- Published industrial hygiene method links
- OSHA methods, https://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/toc.html
- NIOSH methods, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/
- NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards,https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/
- Ambient air methods from EPA, inorganic constituents (IO methods): https://www.epa.gov/amtic/compendium-methods-determination-inorganic-compounds-ambient-air
- Ambient air methods from EPA, toxic organics (TO methods) https://www.epa.gov/amtic/compendium-methods-determination-inorganic-compounds-ambient-air
Join Us
We always welcome new members; you can become as involved as your schedule allows. We generally have a conference call every quarter. You can choose your level of committee involvement, such as:
- Participating in our conference calls.
- Participating in a project team.
- Participating in a leadership role, starting as Secretary-Elect and advancing to Chair.
- Opportunity to network and meet people who can assist you with professional questions and challenges.
- Learning more about methodologies and quality assurance for sampling and analysis.
- Broaden your perspective to understand issues outside of your current professional role.
- Opportunity to boost your resume.
- Know that you are contributing to the IH community and the protection of workers.
If you would like an opportunity to bring your perspective to contribute to the industrial hygiene world of sampling and analysis, give us a try. The benefits of joining a volunteer group are many.
We also meet at AIHce each year, giving you a chance to meet several of your SLAC colleagues in person.
Qualifications to Join
Members must be an AIHA member in good standing. If you are interested in learning more about membership, please visit https://www.aiha.org/membership.
Important Links
- AIHA Enterprise Strategic Plan (2022-2024) & the Role of Volunteer Groups
- NEW! AIHA Volunteer Groups Handbook
- AIHA Volunteer Groups Policy (Revised June 2021)
- Code of Conduct