Industrial Hygiene
Helping identify, evaluate, and control exposures that may arise in laboratories, research, facilities, and other work environments.
Industrial hygiene focuses on the identification, evaluation, and control of health hazards that might be encountered in the workplace. Such hazards include chemical exposures, noise exposures, ergonomic stressors, and heat stress. Industrial hygiene applies science-based risk assessment and exposure recognition strategies to support safe research, daily operations, and regulatory compliance. By integrating industrial hygiene principles into research planning and daily practices, Penn State helps protect its community while enabling innovation, discovery, and responsible stewardship of people and the environment.
What We Do
Exposure assessments and monitoring (when warranted):
- We conduct exposure monitoring to better understand potential exposures and help guide next steps.
Evaluation of controls in the lab or workspace:
- We review effectiveness of existing controls such as engineering controls and PPE and help identify practical improvements.
Health hazard assessments for new or changing processes:
- We assist with health hazard assessments for new installations, modifications, or novel uses.
Ventilation and work-practice guidance:
- We provide consultation on ventilation considerations (including determining appropriate ventilation needs) and other exposure-reduction methods.
Training and instruction:
- We provide education and instruction, including online and hands-on options, aligned to the hazards present and the duties performed.
PPE selection support and hazard-assessment:
- We help supervisors and work units conduct hazard assessments and support appropriate PPE selection and use.
Ongoing technical consultation:
- We provide technical expertise to help labs and units evaluate and control health hazards in day-to-day operations.
Ergonomics:
- We provide office workplace and material handling ergonomic evaluations.
Exposure Recognition and Control
Ergonomics
Hearing Conservation
