INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TECHNICIAN

Industrial Hygiene Technician

As an Industrial Hygiene Technician, GS-0640-10, this position is located in the Environmental Management (EM) Office of the Support Group Commander for the installation Wing Commander. Its purpose is to plan, schedule, execute, manage, and administer the Industrial Hygiene/Bioenvironmental Engineering (IH/BEE) Program, which includes occupational health/industrial hygiene, radiation safety, and environmental monitoring to maintain and promote the health and wellbeing of military and technician personnel.

Ensures statutory and regulatory compliance with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Air Force Occupational Safety and Health (AFOSH) directives. Serves as an advisor concerning OSHA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and US Air Force on installation health matters, such as health hazard identification, evaluation and abatement; workplace surveillance; industrial casefile documentation; Issue Exception Codes (IEX); asbestos abatement; lead-based paint; ionizing and non-ionizing radiation; thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD); air emissions; drinking water; wastewater discharges; hazardous wastes; Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) activities; pesticide use; environmental noise; environmental assessment; environmental sampling; and other environmental monitoring.

Surveys, inspects, and evaluates operational facilities and various activities to eliminate health hazards. Determines appropriate survey methods and techniques. Performs no-notice, spot and special inspections of operational facilities and shops when statistical analyses and conditions dictate need; when new equipment is to be installed; and/or when hazardous conditions may exist. Identifies potential physical, biological and chemical health hazards in the workplace; evaluates exposure to workers; and prescribes corrective measures, which can include changing work processes/procedures, adding/modifying ventilation systems, making chemical substitutions, or using personal protective equipment. As necessary, invokes authority to cease any operation due to unhealthy conditions. In the case of serious or acute conditions, chronic illnesses, etc., performs follow-up interviews with the affected or involved employee(s), physician, hospital/clinic, and supervisor(s) to prevent future similar situations.

Reviews plans for new and existing facilities construction projects. Ensures applicable OSHA, AFOSH, EPA criteria are incorporated, and where deficiencies are noted, recommends appropriate changes to facilities' environments that would assure integration of occupational/environmental health and industrial hygiene controls to prevent adverse health and environmental impact.

Assesses installation environmental sampling, analysis and monitoring requirements, and performs ambient, source and substance monitoring. Compiles pollution emission inventories to include air, wastewater and hazardous materials/wastes.

Acts as the installation point of contact and coordinator for ATSDR activities, including assembling and maintaining an inventory of information sources and documents; providing information and advisory services relative to ATSDR health assessments/risk, and prepares related correspondence and reports.

Directs, implements, and manages the installation AF Hazard Communication Standard as mandated by OSHA. Interprets Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for employees, management and other health professionals, and maintains the base master MSDS file. Interfaces with manufacturers of hazardous materials in order to obtain the most current health hazard information available.

Authorizes Issue Exception (IEX) Code for hazardous or toxic substances. Researches an item's composition and toxicity, and instructs Base Supply concerning IEX code assignment for substances. Periodically reviews and authenticates master listing of all hazardous or toxic substances used on the installation.

Monitors the receipt and disposal of radioactive materials. Performs leak tests of incoming and outgoing materials, takes swipe samples of radioactive waste, and documents results. Assists users of radioactive materials to properly prepare required documentation. Approves transfer and shipment of radioactive materials.

Serves as Base Radiation Safety Officer for radio frequency radiation, ionizing radiation, and laser radiation. Interprets TLD reports as they apply to the base program, ensures unit operating instructions comply with applicable directives, and develops and monitors local emergency cleanup procedures for accidental releases.

Performs other duties as assigned.