Occupational Hygiene

Thlago Environmental Health & Safety Solutions is an Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) providing Occupational Hygiene services to businesses across various industries within and outside of South Africa. Thlago Environmental Health & Safety Solutions is registered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and has been approved by the Department of Employment and Labour as a Type A, Approved Inspection Authority: Occupational Hygiene. Additionally, it is accredited in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17020:2012 by the South African National Accreditation System(SANAS).

As one of the largest organically grown Occupational Hygiene AIAs in Southern Africa, Thlago Environmental Health & Safety Solutions employs 7 Registered Occupational Hygienists, 4 Registered Occupational Hygiene Technologists, and several Registered Occupational Hygiene Assistants.

Occupational Hygiene Legislation

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993, employers are required to provide a workplace that is, as far as reasonably practicable, free from health risks for employees. Specific regulations falling under Occupational Hygiene include:

• Environmental Regulations for Workplaces
• Thermal Requirements
• Lighting
• General Ventilation
• Facilities Regulations
• Lead Regulations
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations
• Ergonomics Regulations
• Hazardous Chemical Agents Regulations
• Asbestos Abatement Regulations

Some of these regulations require quantitative monitoring by an AIA.

Occupational Hygiene Assessments

Thlago Environmental Health & Safety Solutions offers Occupational Hygiene Assessments:

Health Risk Assessments

This assessment provides baseline Health Risk information to facilitate future progress monitoring and assists management with implementing effective Health and Safety programs.

Noise Risk Assessments & Monitoring

This assessment complies with the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations, 2003, evaluating employees’ noise exposure and providing recommendations for mitigating risks.

Illumination Risk Assessments & Monitoring

This assessment ensures adequate lighting in workplaces to contribute to worker safety and well-being through regular measurement.

Hazardous Chemical Agents Risk Assessments & Monitoring

This assessment identifies and manages chemical exposure risks in the workplace, with air monitoring for high-risk exposure groups.

Ventilation/Indoor Air Quality Assessments & Monitoring

This assessment evaluates airborne contaminants and ventilation systems for compliance with applicable regulations.

Ergonomic Risk Assessments

This assessment identifies biomechanical risks associated with tasks, considering exposure levels and duration.

Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessments & Monitoring

This qualitative assessment estimates bio-hazardous agent exposure, considering frequency, duration, and severity.

Lead Risk Assessments & Monitoring

This survey identifies locations, quantities, conditions, and health risks of lead and Lead Containing Materials.

Thermal Stress Risk Assessments & Monitoring (Heat & Cold)

This assessment determines heat or cold stress levels in the workplace to identify potential health hazards.

Chemical Compatibility Assessments

This evaluation examines storage facilities and methods for Hazardous Chemical Substances.

Vibration Risk Assessments & Monitoring

This survey measures whole-body vibration exposure during daily work tasks.

Facilities Audits

This audit assesses site facilities for compliance with the Facilities Regulation, 2004, including safekeeping facilities, changing rooms, dining rooms, drinking water, and seating.

Respirator Fit Testing

This assessment tests if respirators fit employees correctly, ensuring no leaks and proper sizing for better protection.

Fatigue Risk Assessments

This assessment identifies operations that cause physical and psychological fatigue, providing recommendations to promote employee well-being.

Occupational Hygiene Testing Methodologies

Thlago Environmental Health & Safety Solutions follows procedures, guides, and standards such as:

• South African National Standards (SANS) Codes of Practice
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) HSG Guides
• National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Analytical Techniques
• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Standards
• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Methods & Standards