Occupational Hygiene Modules
The Occupational Hygiene Modules are aimed at those who want to gain a qualification in a particular topic of occupational hygiene to demonstrate technical expertise in that area or, grouped together, to gain exemption from the Faculty’s professional level Certificate Core examination.
These examinations are usually taken at the end of training courses run by independent Course Providers who are registered with BOHS. It is possible to sit (or re-sit) the examination only, as an external candidate. In either case, all bookings and payments are made directly with the Course Providers and not through BOHS.
Transition to International Occupational Hygiene Modules
All of our Occupational Hygiene Modules are available as UK ['M' and 'S'] or International ['W'] Modules. By 2013, all of these Modules will be aligned under the international system and known by their 'W' titles.
BOHS has played a leading role in the development of the Occupational Hygiene Training Association (OHTA)’s international training and qualification scheme, and in particular the intermediate level International Occupational Hygiene Module course syllabuses and examination system. In endorsing the scheme's fundamental aim to promote an international qualifications framework so that all occupational hygienists are trained to a consistent, high standard, recognised in all participating countries, the Faculty has taken the decision to adopt the international courses and examinations in place of the original Occupational Hygiene ['M' and 'S'] Modules which have been running in the UK, and on which the International Modules have been based.
The transition between the current (UK) Modules and the International Modules will occur over the next year with the current Modules being gradually phased out as the equivalent International course is introduced. Course providers may offer both versions of the Modules up to the end of 2013. The examination system for the 'W' Modules replaces the existing end-of-course closed book examination with an open book examination, followed by an assessment of a personal learning portfolio (PLP) on successful completion of six Modules. The PLP is designed to demonstrate learning through experience. Candidates who have already started on the current, UK modular route towards the Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene will get full credit for the examinations they have already passed, and will not be required to demonstrate any further learning for those completed Modules as part of their PLP. Full syllabus details and more information on the PLP process can be found on the International Modules page, including a range of student guidance. More information on transition arrangements for current UK students can be downloaded from this page, see the Downloads box on the left.
Subject areas
M101 Health Effects of Hazardous Substances
M102 Measurement of Hazardous Substances (including Risk Assessment)
M103 Control of Hazardous SubstancesM104 Noise and an Introduction to Vibration
M201 Thermal Environment and Non-Ionising Radiation (including Lighting)
M202 External Environment
M203 Ergonomics Essential (including Manual Handling and DSE)
M206 Skin at Work
S301 Asbestos and other fibres
S301 Refresher in Asbestos and other Fibres
How to study
Students can choose to take one or more of these courses, aiming for stand-alone qualifications in areas of specific interest and relevance. Any one of these qualifications (except the S301 Refresher) enables entry to the Faculty at the new Associate grade.
For those wanting to work towards the BOHS Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene, these Modules can also be grouped together as one way to gain exemption from the Certificate Core examination. Individuals must pass all four core Occupational Hygiene Modules, M101, M102, M103 and M104, plus a further two from the remaining Modules, and then will be eligible to apply for the Certificate Oral Examination. The 'Routes To and Through The Faculty' flyer in the Downloads box gives an overview of how all of our qualifications fit together and link into Faculty membership.
Pre-requisites
There are no formal educational requirements for people wishing to study for any of the Occupational Hygiene Module qualifications. However, the courses do require some knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, statistics, engineering and biology. Students without a scientific educational background or practical work experience in these areas may find the courses and examinations difficult. Recommendations for levels of prior knowledge are given on each syllabus.