Occupational Hygiene Inspection Body
Occupational Hygiene consulting provides information to employers and employees to allow informed decision-making regarding exposure to physical and chemical hazardous agents in the workplace. In SA and the UK, these services are referred to as Occupational Hygiene; in the USA it is referred to as Industrial Hygiene.
It is the legal responsibility of every person conducting a business or undertaking to ensure that exposure to occupational hazards in the workplace do not exceed occupational exposure standards and are as low as reasonably practicable. This is outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, no 85 of 1993 and its regulations as updated. Short title is OHS Act 85 of 1993.
The scope of Occupational Hygiene outlines how the hazards that an employer / worker are exposed to, can be addressed in the workplace, the interpretation of technical data, conducting of research, and assistance in the development of guidelines and procedures that support workplace health and wellness.
A hazard may be chemical, biological or physical in nature:
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Chemical hazard:
Any chemical capable of causing bodily injury or illness.
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Biological hazard:
Any biological organism that is infectious or pathological to humans.
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Physical hazard:
Arises from the interaction of matter and energy related to the science of physics such as noise, light, vibration, and radiation that could result in an occupational injury or illness.
About us
OCCUFIT Occupational Hygiene Inspection Body (OHIB) was awarded Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) status by the Department of Employment and Labour in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993 and is a SANAS approved OH AIA (OH0237 – SANS 17020).
The AIA status for OccuFit (Pty) Ltd covers the following services: Chemical factors such as Hazardous Chemical Agents (including Lead and Asbestos) and Physical Factors such as Noise. In addition, we also perform non-SANAS accredited services such as Illumination, Ventilation, Ergonomics, and Electro Magnetic Frequency (non-ionising EMF) monitoring amongst others.
Our services:
Risk Assessments (HIRA)
To address occupational hygiene issues in a consistent manner, a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), also known as a Risk Assessment or Health risk assessment, is performed.
A Hazard Assessment investigates the employee / worker’s work activities, the exposures to hazards, their responsibilities and the procedures. The occupational hygiene process is initiated when a chemical, biological, or physical hazard is identified on this hazard assessment. Following the risk assessment process, a formal method of measurement is performed by means of Surveys or Exposure Assessment.
Occupational Hygiene Surveys
Surveys / Exposures assessments
Surveys are implemented as a means to sample exposure following the identification of risk exposures from the risk assessment. The survey is used to determine what actual exposures are for employees and what action is required to reduce these to safe levels. Its a quantitative evaluation of exposure. Chemical and physical stressors can be measured, and findings compared against the relevant legal limit or standard. The survey provides information to make recommendations and improvements in line with the hierarchy of controls.
All assessments and surveys are required to be repeated at least every 24 months in most instances or when any changes are made to the work environment, as per regulations in the OHS Act 85 of 1993.
Accreditation
OCCUFIT (PTY) LTD is a South African National Accreditation System accredited Inspection Body to undertake TYPE A inspection provided that all SANAS conditions and requirements are complied with.
OCCUFIT (PTY) LTD is an Approved Inspection Authority by the Department of Employment and Labour in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993, for the Monitoring of Asbestos, Lead, Hazardous Chemical Substances and Noise.
OCCUFIT (PTY) LTD Has satisfied the requirements of the Constitution of the Institute and on recommendation of the Professional Certification Committee is registered as an Occupational Hygienist (OH)
