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

The committee is in the process of:

  • Writing a Sampling Quality Assurance manual.
  • Writing a framework for sampling for SARS-CoV-2 in air and on surfaces.
  • Working with the AIHA Laboratory Accreditation Programs, LLC to include cassette wall depositions in the sample analysis.

Examples of recent projects include development and promulgation of a chemist certification program, publishing an updated Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual to address the changes in ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and awarding the first SLAC Scholarship in 2020. In August 2021, members of the committee published a Synergist article titled Sampling for SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, every year members of the committee present at the AIHCe.

Products Produced by the Group

  • Certification program for laboratory professionals.
  • Introduction to IH analytical Chemistry- New second module.
  • Laboratory QA manual new revised edition.

Recognition

  • 2020 – AIHA Soaring Star Award (for continued excellence).
  • 2018 – AIHA Shining Star Award (for best-in-class committees).
  • Outstanding Volunteer Group 2018-2021.
  • AIHA Shining Star 2017.
  • AIHA Soaring Star 2018-2019.

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.

  1. AIHA Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual
  2. Introduction to IH Analytical Chemistry
  3. AIHA Laboratory Accreditation Programs LLC: www.aihaaccreditedlabs.org List of accredited laboratories, accreditation policies, and more
  4. Published industrial hygiene method links

Join Us

We always welcome new members and 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 on 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.

Important Links

    Topics Exposure Assessment Regulation & Public Policy
    Industries Laboratories