About the scheme

Professional recognition for industrial hygiene practice.

The RIH (SG) Scheme is a profession-led certification programme that recognises competence, ethical practice and technical proficiency in protecting worker health.

2015Scheme established in Singapore
2020IOHA NAR recognition achieved
4Core stages of IH practice
2Professional designations recognised

The discipline

Industrial hygiene is the science of preventing work-related ill health.

Industrial hygiene applies science, engineering and professional judgement to anticipate, recognise, evaluate and control workplace health hazards.

Industrial hygienists examine how workers may be exposed to chemical, physical, biological and ergonomic hazards. They use exposure monitoring, risk assessment, data interpretation and control verification to understand whether work may affect health.

The discipline is preventive by design. Its purpose is to identify and manage harmful exposures before they lead to occupational disease, impaired well-being or long-term health consequences.

1

Anticipation

Foreseeing potential workplace health hazards during planning, design, procurement and process change.

2

Recognition

Identifying existing hazards in the workplace that may affect worker health.

3

Evaluation

Measuring exposure, interpreting evidence and determining the significance of health risk.

4

Control

Developing, implementing and verifying practical measures that reduce exposure and protect workers.

Occupational hygienist reviewing workplace exposure monitoring equipment
Evidence-led professional practice Industrial hygienists combine workplace observation, exposure science and practical control strategies.

The professional role

Industrial hygienists turn exposure evidence into action.

Industrial hygienists support employers, workers and other stakeholders by identifying potential health risks, selecting suitable assessment methods and recommending proportionate controls.

Their work often connects occupational health, engineering, operations, laboratory analysis, management systems and regulatory compliance.

Exposure assessmentPlan and conduct air sampling, noise surveys and other workplace exposure evaluations.
Risk interpretationTranslate monitoring results and scientific evidence into clear conclusions about worker health risk.
Control strategyRecommend engineering, administrative and personal protection measures using the hierarchy of controls.
Programme assuranceReview ventilation, respiratory protection, chemical management and occupational hygiene programmes.
Professional communicationExplain complex findings clearly to workers, management, technical teams and other stakeholders.
Continuous improvementVerify controls, review trends and strengthen preventive systems as work changes.

The RIH Scheme

A structured pathway for professional recognition.

The Registered Industrial Hygienist Scheme was established in Singapore in 2015. It is administered by the RIH Board under the Occupational and Environmental Health Society.

The scheme assesses education, relevant experience, ethical standing and technical proficiency. It recognises practitioners who demonstrate the knowledge and professional judgement needed for responsible occupational hygiene practice.

RAIH (SG)

The Registered Associate Industrial Hygienist designation recognises practitioners who meet the applicable education and assessment requirements at the associate level.

RIH (SG)

The Registered Industrial Hygienist designation recognises experienced practitioners who demonstrate the required breadth, depth and professional standing.

Development and governance

Built in Singapore and connected to international practice.

2015 — Scheme established

The RIH (SG) Scheme was created to promote competent, ethical and consistent industrial hygiene practice in Singapore.

Professional administration

The RIH Board administers the scheme under OEHS and oversees professional standards, assessment and recognition.

2020 — IOHA recognition

RIH (SG) was recognised by the International Occupational Hygiene Association under its National Accreditation Recognition programme.

Ongoing professional development

Certified professionals maintain competence through continuous professional development, ethical conduct and engagement with evolving practice.

Technical proficiency

Competence across the principal occupational hygiene disciplines.

Assessment considers both technical knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in practical workplace scenarios. The professional scope includes exposure science, workplace assessment and control of a broad range of health hazards.

Air sampling Toxicology Noise and vibration Thermal environment Industrial ventilation Indoor air quality Radiation Ergonomics Biosafety Workplace lighting Pressure environments Exposure data interpretation

Professional impact

Better evidence. Better controls. Healthier workplaces.

Competent industrial hygiene practice helps organisations make informed decisions, direct resources to significant risks and safeguard worker health and well-being.

Prevent occupational diseaseIdentify and reduce harmful exposures before long-term health effects develop.
Strengthen risk managementUse credible evidence to prioritise hazards and select effective controls.
Support complianceAlign workplace programmes with relevant legislation, standards and accepted practice.
Build professional confidenceGive employers and workers confidence that health risks are being assessed competently.

Continue

Review the accreditation criteria.

Compare the education, coursework, experience and assessment requirements for the RAIH (SG) and RIH (SG) designations.

View accreditation criteria