Mixing chemicals to devise a solution used for cleaning has been performed for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, that is how long people have been unknowingly exposing themselves to the harmful side effects emitted by the noxious gases of chemical compound solutions. The discovery of certain gases as harmful to human beings was discovered thousands of years ago. In fact, history records state that Hippocrates, in four hundred years B.C., noticed lead toxicity involved in the mining industry. In the last fifty years, people have developed the ability to conduct tests through science to identify what chemical compounds can be detrimental to a person’s health. This is why he U.S. Congress passed three landmark pieces of legislation relating to safeguarding workers’ health: the Metal and Nonmetallic Mines Safety Act of 1966, the Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

OSHA Compliant

Today, almost every employer is required to implement the elements of industrial hygiene and safety, occupational health, or hazard communication programs, as well as to be responsive to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the OSHA Act, and its regulations. Under the Act, OSHA develops and sets mandatory occupational safety and health requirements applicable to the more than six million workplaces in the U.S. OSHA relies on industrial hygienists to evaluate jobs for potential health hazards. Developing and setting mandatory occupational safety and health standards involves determining the extent of employee exposure to hazards and deciding what is needed to control these hazards, thereby protecting the workers. More than forty percent of the OSHA compliance officers who inspect America’s workplaces are industrial hygienists.

Industrial Hygienists

Industrial hygienists play a major role in developing and issuing OSHA standards to protect workers from health hazards associated with toxic chemicals, biological hazards, and harmful physical agents. They also provide technical assistance and support to the agency’s national and regional offices. OSHA also employs industrial hygienists who assist in setting up field enforcement procedures, and who issue technical interpretations of OSHA regulations and standards. Industrial hygienists analyze, identify, and measure workplace hazards or stressors that could cause sickness, impaired health, or significant discomfort in workers through chemical, physical, ergonomic, or biological exposures. Two roles of the OSHA industrial hygienist are to spot those conditions and help eliminate or control them through appropriate measures.

Looking for an Eco-Friendly Chemical Supplier?

Companies need to make sure their industrial cleaners are OSHA compliant. Ecolink is a company that can help industrial businesses ensure their industrial cleaners are OSHA compliant. Ecolink knows the mandated requirements to become OSHA compliant, and can make sure your industrial cleaners are safeguarded when used by workers. Once Ecolink evaluates your industrial cleaners, they will help you make the transition to a safe industrial cleaner, if need be. Contact us today!