Occupational Hygiene Unit

What the Occupational Hygiene Unit does and information about the staff.

What is Occupational Hygiene?

Occupational Hygiene is the application of scientific, technological and managerial principles to the protection of the health of persons at work, and those outside the workplace, through the prevention or reduction of risks to health which are presented by chemical, physical or biological agents.

What services does the Unit provide?

The Occupational Hygiene and Projects Manager can provide guidance on general health and safety matters as well as specific occupational hygiene related subjects.

These include:

  • Noise monitoring and advice
  • Temperature and humidity monitoring and advice
  • Dust monitoring and advice
  • Lighting measurements and advice
  • Respirator face-fit testing and guidance on wearing of respirators
  • Chemical / hazardous substances safety
  • Accident investigations
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) advice
  • Transport and travel safety advice and guidance
  • General health and safety issues

Procure external services for monitoring or sampling of hazardous substances if required.

Guidance on most of the above is available at https://www.ed.ac.uk/health-safety/guidance

Contact

Occupational Hygiene Unit

Health and Safety Department

The University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Senior Health and Safety Adviser

Currently Vacant

Vacant

 

Health and Safety Projects Assistant

Angharad Jenkins

Angharad has a BSc in Environmental Geosciences and an MSc in Ecosystem Services, awarded by the University of Edinburgh.

She also has the following health and safety qualifications: IOSH 'Managing Safely', NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health.

Angharad is involved in a number of projects including, the personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEPs) system and the COSHH Health Passport System. In addition, Angharad acts as the School Safety Adviser for the Department.

Angharad Jenkins

Health and Safety Projects Assistant

  • Occupational Hygiene Unit

Contact details

Health and Safety Technical Assistant

Scott McLaughlin

Scott joined the department in January 2023. His role is split evenly with Occupational Hygiene and the Radiation Protection Unit.

He has an HND in Engineering Systems with renewable energies and SEMTA Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering Modern Apprenticeship qualification, as well as the IOSH 'Managing Safely' qualification. He has over 13 years of experience managing research laboratory facilities and working in mechanical workshops within The University of Edinburgh.

Scott is the department’s main Face Fit tester, providing training in respect of respiratory protective equipment and the Operator of the radiation instrument test facility. He is involved in a number of additional projects for both units, such as assisting with the management of the accident & incident reporting system, radiation leak testing and radiation waste uplift.

Scott McLaughlin

Health and Safety Technical Assistant

  • Occupational Hygiene Unit

Contact details

Related links

The British Occupational Hygiene Society

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health

University Chemical Safety Forum

Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists

American Industrial Hygiene Association

Institute of Safety in Technology and Research