Page 1 of 25

Certificate of Operational Competence in

Occupational Hygiene

and

International Certificate in Occupational Hygiene

Qualification Guide

PQC-POL002 Version 1.0

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 2 of 25

Contents

1. Qualification Overview............................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Qualification Introduction.................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Entry Requirements and Pathways ....................................................................................... 3
1.3 Completing the qualification ................................................................................................ 4
1.4 Application ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Using the Online System...................................................................................................... 5
2. Personal Learning Portfolio ...................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Preparing a PLP ................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.1 Objective of the PLP ......................................................................................................... 6
2.1.2 Contents of the PLP .......................................................................................................... 6
2.1.3 Examples of Items to Include ............................................................................................ 6
2.1.4 Format ............................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Submitting a PLP ................................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Assessment and Results....................................................................................................... 7
2.4 The Next Step ..................................................................................................................... 8
3. Oral Examination ..................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Booking your Exam.............................................................................................................. 9
3.2 The Oral Examination .......................................................................................................... 9
3.2.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................... 9
3.2.2 Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.3 The Examiners ............................................................................................................... 10
3.2.4 Exam Duration ............................................................................................................... 10
3.2.5 Questions within the Oral Examination............................................................................ 10
3.2.6 Further Information ....................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Results ............................................................................................................................. 11
3.4 Progression to the Diploma................................................................................................ 11
Appendix 1: Core Competencies of the Cert OH and ICert OH Qualification ................................. 12
Appendix 2: Further Information about the Certificate Core Examination .................................... 22
Appendix 3: Explanation of Exemptions to Entry Requirements .................................................. 23
Appendix 4: PLP Experience Record Example .............................................................................. 24
Appendix 5: PLP Additional Learning Record Example ................................................................. 25

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 3 of 25

1. Qualification Overview

1.1 Qualification Introduction

The Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene and the International

Certificate in Occupational Hygiene are the entry level professional qualifications. Award of either
of these certificates qualifies the holder to become a Licentiate Member of the Faculty of
Occupational Hygiene, and demonstrates knowledge and competence in the broad principles and
practice of occupation hygiene.

1.2 Entry Requirements and Pathways

There are two routes to this qualification, depending on a candidate’s previous qualifications and
experience. For all three pathways, candidates are expected to have;

• At least 3 years of comprehensive occupational hygiene practice

• Strong science, mathematics or engineering education background at degree level or
equivalent.

Pathway 1 is for those candidates who hold six occupational hygiene modules. Candidates must
have completed the four compulsory modules, along with a further two optional modules:

Compulsory Occupational Hygiene Modules Optional Occupational Hygiene Modules

W501 Measurement of Hazardous W502 Thermal Environment

Substances
W504 Asbestos and other Fibres
W503 Noise and its effects
W506 Ergonomics Essentials (including
W505 Control of Hazardous Substances Manual Handling and DSE)

W507 Health Effects of Hazardous

Substances

Exemptions apply for candidates who hold other qualifications – see appendix 2 for further details.

Candidates taking this pathway need to complete two components in order to achieve the
qualification: a Personal Learning Portfolio and an oral examination.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 4 of 25

Pathway 2 is for those candidates who hold a BSc or postgraduate degree in occupational hygiene
that is accredited by BOHS. Candidates taking this pathway need to complete two components in
order to achieve the qualification: a Personal Learning Portfolio and an oral examination.

This pathway is not available to candidates outside of the UK.

Additional Option

A further option is available for candidates holding a non-accredited degree or a different set of
qualifications. Candidates wishing to use this option will be asked to sit the core written
examination (see further details of the exam in appendix 1).

1.3 Completing the qualification

The allowed timeframe for this qualification is 18 months from the point of acceptance, and
candidates are advised to check the BOHS website for information to help them with planning their
time effectively.

Applicants should note that some of the components of this qualification are assessed online, and
therefore access to a computer and the internet is essential.

1.4 Application

Applicants may request to enter for this qualification by submitting a comple ted application form.
The form is located on the BOHS website. Applicants should follow the instructions for completion
carefully. Applications are considered on an academic and relevant educational background along
with their experience to ensure that entry requirements have been fully met, using all the
information provided. Candidates will be sent an email to inform them of the outcome of their
application and the relevant pathway to complete the qualification.

There is no charge for the application. Successful applicants are liable to pay fees for each
component as they progress through their qualification pathway. A full list of current fees is
available on the BOHS website.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 5 of 25

1.5 Using the Online System

Candidates will create their own account for the www.bohs-hub.org website which will then give
them access to;

• Pay for each qualification component

• Access templates for the compilation of the PLP
• Submit the Personal Learning Portfolio (if applicable)
• View feedback comments and assessment results
• Book their oral examination appointment

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 6 of 25

2. Personal Learning Portfolio

The Personal Learning Portfolio is a structured record of the candidate’s workplace learning,
practical experience and skills development.

2.1 Preparing a PLP

2.1.1 Objective of the PLP

To prepare a portfolio (a collection of evidence) that demonstrates the breadth and depth of
practical occupational hygiene experience.

2.1.2 Contents of the PLP

The content of the PLP should show and address core competencies of the qualification

The PLP should comprise of:

 Experience Records. An example is included in appendix 3

 Additional Learning records. An example is included in appendix 4.

For both the Experience Records and the Additional Learning Records, candidates should include a
minimum of five and a maximum of ten items.

 Reports covering core and optional subjects (Candidates should provide a total of 3 reports
of which 2 cover core subjects and 1covers an optional subject)
 Certificate of authorship for each Report. The template for this can be downloaded fro m
www.bohs-hub.org to be completed and added to the submission.

2.1.3 Examples of Items to Include

Candidates can utilise a variety of different types of item as evidence within the portfolio. The
following list sets out examples of what these might be.

• A Diary of relevant experience of practical application in all of the relevant subject areas.
This will include records of personal input into surveys, reports etc. An example of a record
sheet for recording this information is given in appendix 3.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 7 of 25

• Evidence of any relevant additional learning such as meetings and training courses attended,
further reading in subject areas etc. An example of a record sheet for recording this
information is given in appendix 4.
• Copies of three relevant reports produced by the candidate. The reports must cover
different core areas of occupational hygiene practice. This must include assessment and
control of exposure to hazardous substances and assessment and control of exposure to
noise in the workplace. These reports will not be formally assessed but will be used to
inform the discussion the assessor has with the candidate during the interview.

2.1.4 Format

The PLP should be compiled in an electronic format, into either a Microsoft Word or a PDF
document. The online submission facility allows either one document or a collection of individual
documents to be submitted. The submission systems allows a maximum of 1mb per document;
candidates wishing to submit any documents larger than this should break the contents in separate
documents and number them accordingly.

2.2 Submitting a PLP

Having completed the PLP, candidates will submit this for marking through www.bohs-hub.org.
Instructions on how to create an account and how to make a submission is included in the
qualification acceptance email.

The PLP must be submitted in either Microsoft Word or a PDF format and use the candidate’s name
and as the filename – e.g. smithj1.pdf, smithj2.pdf The PLP may be submitted as a series of
documents (see section 2.1.4) labelled with sequential numbers following the candidate’s name e.g.
smithj1. pdf, smithj2.pdf etc.

Full details of how to submit the PLP files is on the PLP submission faculty on the www.bohs-hub.org
website.

2.3 Assessment and Results

The PLP is allocated to an assessor who will review the submission.

The assessment of the PLP considers the quality of the individual items and evidence of the
application of the core competencies at a practical level.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 8 of 25

If the PLP is assessed as acceptable, the candidate will be notified through email that they have
passed this component. The email will contain information about the next stage of the qualification
which will be an oral examination.

If the PLP is assessed as unacceptable in terms of content or quality, or if the assessor requires
further information to evaluate the PLP, the candidate will be contacted directly through the
www.bohs-hub.org website and asked to upgrade the submission. Candidates are given the
opportunity for two further re-submissions (constrained by the overall 18 month timescale of the
qualification) before the application will lapse and the PLP submission and assessment fee will be
forfeited.

2.4 The Next Step

Once a candidate has successfully completed this component, they will move on to book for an oral
examination. Instructions on how to do this will be sent by BOHS through email.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 9 of 25

3. Oral Examination
The final component required to achieve this qualification is the oral examination. This section
explains how to book your oral examination, how to prepare for it and what to expect on the day.

Candidates should be mindful of the fact that the total timeframe for completing this qualification
is 18 months from the date of acceptance, and therefore they should plan their time carefully to
ensure that they complete the oral examination within this timeframe.

3.1 Booking your Exam

Once a candidate has received a successful assessment of their Personal Learning Portfolio, they
receive notification from BOHS advising them to proceed onwards to book the oral examination.

Candidates book the examination through the www.bohs-hub.org website, which they have used
previously in this qualification to make assessment submissions. Full instructions on how to do this
will be included in the notification email from BOHS.

The oral examination is conducted online, through a video conference facility. BOHS will provide
candidates with the appropriate links to set this up on their computer. Candidates will need to have
access to a computer with a microphone or headset (which is preferable) and a camera (either built
in or as a peripheral device), a good internet connection and a private room or office in which to
conduct the examination.

Once the appointment has been booked, the candidates receive an automatic confirmation email.

3.2 The Oral Examination

3.2.1 Overview
For candidates of the Certificate on Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene, the oral
examination will take about 60 min and will include reference to UK legislation as appropriate. For
candidates of the International Certificate in Occupational Hygiene, the oral examination will also
take about 60 minutes and will include reference to International exposure limits and regulations as
appropriate.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v1 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL002
Document Status: Final
 Page 10 of 25

3.2.2 Purpose

The purpose of the oral examination is to:

• assess whether the candidate has the necessary practical skills to apply that knowledge in
real-life practical situations and by doing so can provide competent occupational hygiene
advice

The purpose of the oral examination is NOT to;

• retest technical knowledge
• assess how the candidate is performing in his/her current job

3.2.3 The Examiners

Examiners are appointed by BOHS based on their professional background. The examiners are all
qualified Occupational Hygienists with a wide range of experience and hold the Diploma of
Professional Competence in Occupational Hygiene.

Wherever possible the oral examination panel is made up of three members, but exceptional
circumstances may dictate that only two panel members are present. In all cases there is a
nominated Chair of the panel.

3.2.4 Exam Duration

The oral examination takes approximately 60 minutes in total.

3.2.5 Questions within the Oral Examination

Candidates should expect to be questioned on the four compulsory topics and at least two of the
optional topics (see table on page 3). In each of the subject areas, the questioning may, where
relevant, test the candidate’s ability to:

• Analyse the problem and recognise hazards that may exist

• Carry out practical assessments of risks, including appropriate equipment selection
• Where appropriate carry out necessary hygiene measurements and select and operate
any sampling or measurement equipment correctly
• Calculate and interpret measurement results as appropriate
• Understand the basics of control (hierarchy) and be able to assess existing controls (LEV
systems/RPE/PPE)

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 11 of 25

Questions will be generally based around real life situations. The scenarios will cover a broad
spectrum of hazards and are designed to test the underpinning knowledge and practical ability of
the candidate.

3.2.6 Further Information

Additional information is available about oral examinations is available on the www.bohs-hub.org

website.

3.3 Results

Results are issued to the candidates via email within two weeks of attending the oral examination. If
the candidate has passed the oral examination, they receive notification by email followed by the
certificate of successful completion of the qualification by post.

If the candidate has not passed the oral examination, they will receive information from BOHS by
email detailing how to rebook the oral examination. In this case, feedback is given in order to help
the candidate prepare for a further attempt. Candidates will be allowed to retake the oral
examination for a two further attempts (at the current fee for an oral examination) provided that
they remain within the 18 month allowable timeframe for the qualification. If candidates exceed the
18 month allowable timeframe, or are unsuccessful after their third attempt at the oral examination,
then the candidate will be required to reapply for the qualification.

3.4 Progression to the Diploma

Candidates holding either the BOHS Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene
or the International Certificate in Occupational Hygiene may progress professionally to the Diploma
of Professional Competence in Occupational Hygiene. More information about the pathways to this
qualification can be found at www.bohs.org.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 12 of 25

Appendix 1: Core Competencies of the Cert OH and ICert OH Qualification

At Certificate level, candidates are required to demonstrate knowledge across the full breadth of occupational hygiene practice. This includes, but is
not confined to, subject areas covered in the W500 series of International Occupational Hygiene modules. Within the core topics of hazardous
substances and workplace noise, candidates are expected to be able to recognise hazards, carry out on-site environmental monitoring, interpret
exposure data, assess health risks and propose appropriate and viable control strategies. In other occupational hygiene topic areas, candidates are
expected to demonstrate an understanding of hazards, health risk assessment (including measurement methods if appropriate) and risk reduction
principles. In addition to technical skills, candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to manage health and safety risks in the workplace, to
communicate effectively via technical reports and other means, and to understand the principles of ethical behaviour in occupational hygiene. The
table in the following pages presents an overview of the knowledge and skills required of holders of the Certificate of Operational Competence in
Occupational Hygiene.

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Hazardous Knowledge of Health Understand principles of toxicology Provide definitions of commonly used
substances Effects toxicological terms
Describe the main routes by which hazardous Identify factors which influence the absorption,
substances can enter the body distribution, storage and elimination of hazardous
substances in the body
Be aware of the main sources of information on Provide examples of information sources
hazardous substances and processes
Describe the main features of the principal target Identify factors which influence the degree of
organs affected by hazardous substances at work harm to target organs
Describe the main routes of exposure and toxic Give examples for commonly encountered
and health effects for hazardous substances hazardous substances
commonly encountered in the workplace
Be aware of the relevance of epidemiology to Carry out basic interpretation of the results from
occupational hygiene epidemiological studies.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 13 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Practical skills: Select appropriate equipment to measure specific Relate to validated sampling methods
Measurement airborne contaminants
Understand the analytical laboratory Give examples of specific sampling methods and
requirements for collected air samples related analytical requirements
Appreciate the nature of sampling errors and how Describe quality assurance processes to minimise
to minimise these error in measurement procedures
Devise suitable sampling strategies for specific Be aware of non-inhalation routes (including
exposure scenarios ingestion) and methods for measuring surface
contamination, dermal exposure
Technical knowledge: Describe how airborne contaminants are Give relevant examples of specific processes and
Risk Assessment and generated by industrial processes, how this contaminants
Control impacts on the control strategy, and how control
solutions can thereby be optimised
Recognise the range of approaches to risk Be able to apply the hierarchy of control to a given
reduction embodied in the hierarchy of control exposure scenario
Describe the meaning of “adequate control”, Relate to UK regulatory requirements (and
particularly in relation to personal exposures local/national legislation for ICertOH)
Understand the importance of design (and human Give example of processes where risk can be
factors) considerations in terms of the workplace, reduced by good design and/or ergonomics
process, and plant, as a means of reducing considerations
occupational exposures;
Describe the principal elements of a l ocal exhaust Know how to carry out the necessary
ventilation system and give examples of typical measurements to assess whether a local exhaust
installations. ventilation system is effective and operating to
the design specification
Understand principles of LEV system design Recognise design defects in local exhaust
(hoods, ducting, fans, filters, exhaust discharge) ventilation systems and understand how these
may be overcome
Describe the main features of personal protective Describe how PPE programmes can be used in an
equipment for hazardous substances effective manner to control risks

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 14 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Recognise the impact that control measures may Understand the need to take a holistic approach
have on other workplace hazards . to the design of control solutions .
Noise Knowledge: Health Describe the consequences to health and Differentiate between NIHL and effects such as
Effects wellbeing of excessive exposure to noise TTS and tinnitus
Knowledge: Physics of Understand nature of sound Define key acoustic terms and understand
Sound relationships between parameters of sound
pressure, intensity and frequency
Understand how sound propagates in workplaces Describe different sources of noise and effects of
source/receiver distance on noise level
Practical skills: Describe instrumentation used to measure Describe key features of sound level meters and
Measurement workplace noise and exposures personal dosimeters
Describe how measurement instrumentation can Describe a noise survey for a typical workplace,
be used to assess workplace noise risks ideally involving use of both SLMs and dosimeters
Understand current workplace noise exposure Be able to correctly quote exposure action and
standards limit values and describe their significance in
assessing risks
Understand the process for evaluating Describe measurement protocols and standards
environmental noise nuisance used for evaluating potential noise nuisance
Technical knowledge: Understand the principles of noise reduction at Give examples of how noise can be reduced at
Risk Control source source in common industrial processes
Describe options for controlling noise between Give examples of good enclosure design, use of
the source and the receiver damping, vibration isolation, reduction of
reverberant noise, acoustic treatment and
refuges, etc
Describe how ear protection can reduce Describe selection process for ear protection and
workplace noise risks key features of different ear protector types
Describe principal features of an effective hearing Describe processes for managing noise risks in the
conservation programme workplace via quiet purchasing policies, survey
data, equipment modification and maintenance
and use of audiometry
PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018
Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 15 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Vibration Hazard recognition Describe typical sources of hand-arm vibration Give examples of occupations with an elevated
(HAV) hazard in the workplace and the health HAV exposure risk. Describe typical symptoms of
effects of HAV exposure HAVS and Raynaud’s phenomenon
Describe typical sources of whole-body vibration Give examples of occupations with an elevated
(WBV) hazard in the workplace and the health WBV risk. Describe known health effects of
effects of WBV exposure excessive WBV exposure
Risk assessment Describe techniques for measuring HAV levels in Include risk assessment techniques that do not
the workplace and estimating HAV exposure involve direct measurement of HAV
Describe techniques for measuring WBV levels in Include risk assessment techniques that do not
the workplace and estimating WBV exposure involve direct measurement of WBV
Risk reduction Identify practical measures for reducing risks from Include risk reduction via adaptation to plant and
HAV and WBV exposure equipment, alternative work processes,
management of exposure and role of PPE
Asbestos Hazard recognition Understand the main health hazards associated Describe the nature of respiratory diseases
with asbestos associated with asbestos exposure. Describe
other health effects linked to asbestos
Describe the properties of asbestos and its Identify the main commercial asbestos types, their
historical uses different mineral backgrounds and the uses to
which asbestos has been put
Describe typical applications for asbestos and Give examples of where ACMs can be found in
asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings buildings
Risk assessment Understand the rationale and practice of building Describe in general terms how an asbestos survey
asbestos surveys can be carried out whilst minimising risks to the
surveyor and building occupants
Identify factors that affect the risk of fibre release Contrast the fibre release risk for various types of
from ACMs ACM, from asbestos cement (low) to sprayed
asbestos coatings (high) and give a rational
explanation for differences

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 16 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Identify options for managing risks from ACMs Describe non-removal options to manage risks
from ACMS, including encapsulation and
condition monitoring
Risk control Be aware of current good practice for the safe Describe features of a typical asbestos removal
removal of ACMs and remediation of areas from operation and measures required to minimise
which ACMs have been removed risks to operators and building occupants
Understand principles of airborne asbestos fibre Describe how to collect airborne fibre samples
measurement and clearance testing and how to evaluate samples by phase contrast
microscopy
Ergonomics Hazard recognition Understand the main sources of ergonomics risks Describe the anatomical, physiological and
in the workplace psychological factors that determine the ‘fit’ of
the work environment and work equipment to the
human operator. Describe effects of mismatches
on health and task performance.
Understand the causes of upper limb and other Give examples of typical tasks with an elevated
musculoskeletal disorders risk of musculoskeletal injury and outline the risk
factors involved
Risk assessment Describe the principles of risk assessment as Identify the main considerations within a manual
applied to manual handling activities and DSE handling risk assessment (task, individual, load,
work environment) and how these can apply in a risk
assessment. Identify the main considerations in a
DSE risk assessment.
Risk reduction Understand the principles of good workstation Give examples of practical application of good
design ergonomic design in the workplace – e.g at DSE
workstations, control rooms, vehicle cabs etc.
Identify the key options for reducing manual Give examples of reducing manual handling injury
handling injury risks risks through automation, job redesign,
environmental changes and risk management
measures.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 17 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Understand the importance of environmental Give examples of how changes to noise, lighting,
factors in reducing ergonomics risks in the thermal and other environmental parameters can
workplace reduce ergonomics risks.
Thermal environment Hazard recognition Understand the nature of thermal strain on the Describe the body’s physiological and behavioural
body responses to extremes of hot and cold, and
examples of health effects caused by exposure to
extreme thermal environments
Identify sources of thermal stress in the workplace Describe the main sources of heat stress (radiant
heat, warm and/or humid air, hot surfaces,
sunlight, confined spaces, heavy work schedules
etc) and cold stress (low temperatures, high air
velocity, water immersion etc). Understand the
contribution of metabolic heat and clothing
insulation to thermal stress.
Understand the concept of thermal comfort in the Identify the main factors causing thermal
workplace discomfort in indoor workplaces
Risk assessment Understand the principles of thermal environment Describe instrumentation to measure air
measurement techniques temperature, humidity, radiant heat and air
movement and explain how they are used
Describe the derivation and use of thermal indices Define WBGT, Required Sweat Rate and other
commonly used indices of heat stress (eg.,
Effective Temperature, Heat Stress Index). Define
Wind Chill Index or other indices of cold stress.
Give practical examples of how thermal indices
can be applied in real situations.
Understand the principles of using thermal indices Outline the content of ISO 7243 or ISO 7933 as a
to assess risk means of estimating heat stress. Include
reference to the individual’s metabolic rate and
clothing regime.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 18 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Describe principles of assessing environments in Outline the content of ISO 7730 and use of PMV
terms of thermal comfort/ discomfort and PPD indices to assess the likelihood of an
environment being assessed as thermally
comfortable.
Risk reduction Describe typical measures that can be used to Identify engineering and administrative controls
reduce risks from heat stress that can be used to mitigate risks from heat
stress. Identify appropriate PPE and its limitations.
Describe typical measures that can be used to Identify engineering and administrative controls
reduce risks from cold stress that can be used to mitigate risks from cold stress.
Identify appropriate PPE (clothing insulation) and
its limitations.
Describe typical measures that can be used to Identify practical measures that can be used to
reduce the likelihood of thermal discomfort in a adjust thermal parameters in moderate
workplace environments
Lighting Hazard recognition Understand the effects of workplace lighting on Identify health effects (eyestrain, migraines etc)
health and work efficiency and discomfort issues (glare, etc) linked to poor
workplace lighting. Identify adverse effects on
work efficiency linked to poor lighting (accidents,
distraction, reduced productivity etc)
Risk assessment Describe the methodology for workplace lighting Describe features of a light meter and outline how
investigations this can be used to monitor lighting levels in a
workplace.
Interpret workplace illuminance data in terms of Indicate information sources for acceptable
risks to health and work efficiency illuminance values for workplaces
Risk reduction Describe measures to optimise the lighting Indicate principle of good lighting practice in
environment workplaces
Biological hazards Hazard recognition Understand the health effects from exposure to Explain the health effects associated with
hazardous biological agents in the workplace legionella spp., blood borne pathogens, moulds
and fungi, animal-related allergens and zoonoses

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 19 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Identify environments and workplaces where Identify areas where legionella spp., blood borne
hazardous biological agents may be present pathogens, moulds and fungi, animal -related
allergens and zoonoses can present an exposure
risk
Risk assessment Describe the principles of assessing risks from Identify typical sources of legionella infection in
exposure to legionella spp. water systems, risk factors and the rationale for
assessing risks
Describe the principles of assessing risk from Identify typical workplaces where blood borne
exposure to other workplace biological agents pathogens, moulds and fungi, animal-related
allergens and zoonoses may present a risk and
explain the rationale for assessing these risks
Risk reduction Identify risk reduction measures for legionella spp. Describe typical legionella risk management
measures for domestic and industrial hot and cold
water systems and other specific risk areas
Identify risk reduction measures for other Describe typical risk management measures for
workplace biological agents blood borne pathogens, moulds and fungi, animal-
related allergens and zoonoses
Non-ionising Hazard recognition Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and Identify the common characteristics of
radiation (NIR) identify the relative positions of various NIR types electromagnetic radiation types and rank their
within it position on the electromagnetic spectrum in
terms of frequency or wavelength
Understand the health effects of various types of Describe the relationship between energy and
NIR frequency or wavelength and how this affects
health hazard potential for the main NIR types.
Identify the most significant health effects from
exposure to ultraviolet, infrared, microwave and
radiofrequency radiation. Refer to health effects
from exposure to high levels of visible light (e.g.
via lasers).

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 20 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

Risk assessment Describe the principles of assessing risk from Identify sources of information on exposure
exposure to NIR standards for various NIR types. Identify
measurement instrumentation, if appropriate.
Risk reduction Identify risk reduction measures for NIR types Describe typical risk management measures for
NIR including engineering and administrative
controls and use of PPE
Ionising radiation Hazard recognition Describe the nature and sources of ionising Identify typical workplace sources of α- and β-
radiation in the workplace radiation, X-rays etc
Understand the health effects of exposure to Explain the fundamental difference between
ionising radiation ionising and non-ionising radiation in terms of
potential effects on human health. Outline the
main health effects from exposure to IR
Risk assessment Describe the principles of assessing risk from Outline instrumentation types for IR
exposure to ionising radiation (contamination meters, dose badges etc) and how
these are used in practice.
Risk reduction Identify the principles of risk reduction for ionising Describe typical risk management measures for IR
radiation including engineering and administrative controls
and use of PPE
Management skills Planning and Describe how to plan and execute occupational Describe preparation stages for occupational
resource hygiene fieldwork in an efficient and cost- hygiene investigations and conduct of survey
management effective manner work. Explain how decisions on sampling regime,
number of samples, groups to be sampled and
sample locations and duration are arrived at.
Refer to statistical and economic considerations
governing sampling frequency. Identify potential
sources of error in fieldwork and how these can
be minimised.
Team-working Understand the benefits of team work and Describe typical interactions with health and
interaction with fellow professionals in safety, occupational health and/or ergonomics
occupational health and safety

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 21 of 25

Topic Competency area Required competency Further information

professionals and other occupational hygienists in
the course of occupational hygiene investigations.
Communication and Ability to prepare technical reports that are Prepare reports that are grammatically correct,
interpersonal skills accurate and comprehensible to the client technically accurate and as concise as practicable.
Take account of the report recipient(s) in arriving
at the style and content of the report.
Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) Indicate how details of technical occupational
technical information on occupational hygiene hygiene information can be communicated
issues to all levels of personnel effectively to stakeholders, including
management, workforce, employee
representatives etc.
Ethics Recognise situations in professional practice Be aware of ethical issues in relation to
where ethical decisions need to be made competence, integrity of behaviour,
confidentiality and conflicts of interest
Understand the imperative of working within the Be aware of the content of the Faculty Code of
BOHS Faculty of Occupational Hygiene Code of Ethics
Ethics (or equivalent national or IOHA code for
ICertOH)

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 22 of 25

Appendix 2: Further Information about the Certificate Core

Examination

Paper 1 Paper 2
Part 1A – 65 short answer 3 hours in total Part 2A – 65 short answer 3 hours in total
questions to be answered in questions to be answered in
approximately in 2 hours 15 approximately in 2 hours 15
minutes. minutes.

Part 1B – 5 micro essay Part 2B – 5 micro essay

questions (from a choice of questions (from a choice of
8) to be answered in 8) to be answered in
approximately 45 minutes. approximately 45 minutes.
The short answer questions in these two papers are based on the syllabi for the above modules.
Short-answer questions can gain up to 4 points for a correct answer and 0 points for an incorrect
answer or no answer. Micro essay questions can score up to 20 points each.

To achieve a pass it is necessary to obtain an average of at least 50% in each paper (70% or above
in each paper for a credit)

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 23 of 25

Appendix 3: Explanation of Exemptions to Entry

Requirements

1.0 Holders of CoC Measurement of Hazardous Substances are exempt from the core module
W501 and the associated section of their PLP.

2.0 Holders of CoC Noise are exempt from the core module W503 and the associated section of
the PLP.

3.0 Holders of CoC in Control of hazardous substances are exempt from the core module W505
and one non-core module and their respective sections of their PLP

4.0 Holders of CoC in Health Effects of Hazardous Substances are exempt from the core module
W507 and the associated section of their PLP.

5.0 Holders of CoC in Thermal Environment are exempt from the optional module W502 and the
associated section of their PLP.

6.0 Holders of CoC Asbestos are exempt from the optional module W504 and the associated
section of their PLP.

7.0 Holders of CoC in Ergonomics are exempt from the optional module W506 and the
associated section of the PLP

8.0 Holders of CoC Legionella are exempt from an optional module and the associated section of
the PLP

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 24 of 25

Appendix 4: PLP Experience Record Example

Field Sample answers

Current role/position

Title of survey/project* Heat stress survey in Copper Smelter

Date of survey/project

Type of survey/project Walk-through survey

Scope of survey/project Identify potential heat exposure areas for future

monitoring program

Personal involvement Assisted the site hygienist during walk-through,

prepared initial draft report

To which course module(s) does the survey/project Thermal Environment, Asbestos

relate

Limitations with the survey/project Survey only conducted on one day. The ambient
temperature was low for the time of year so may not
have identified all critical areas. Senior foreman was
on sick leave so we were not able to discuss the process
with him.

Problems encountered/learnings Exposed asbestos lagging identified during walkthrough.

Immediate control action instigated. Site hygienist
made significant changes to my draft report and
discussed these with me. It was brutal but
enlightening!!

Verification that work performed as stated

Manager Name Joe Bloggs

Manager signature

Date 20/05/10

*This could be a monitoring survey, walk-through survey, talk to operators/management, and development of a sampling
strategy or safe operating procedure.

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final
 Page 25 of 25

Appendix 5: PLP Additional Learning Record Example

Field Sample answers

Meeting / course name Managing asbestos in premises

Date 19th May 2010

Location Cardiff

Learning outcomes/technical content Covered the new HSE guidance – Managing Asbestos in
Buildings that has replaced the existing MHDS100
surveyors guide. Speakers provided an overview of the
new guidance, issues relating to reports, and surveys,
litigation and insurance, management issues, the role
of the CDM co-ordinator and the role of both UKAS and
ABICS.

Programme attached.

Duration 09.30 – 17.00

Key speakers Ken Hill, Collette Willoughby and Martin Stear

Verification of attendance

Manager Name Joe Blogs

Manager signature

Date 20/05/10

PQ Qualification Guide for CertOH v4 12.04.2018

Document Reference: PQC-POL001
Document Status: Final