Professional Training

In 2012, we commenced an initiative to introduce the OHTA (Occupational Hygiene Training Association) training program with the objective of developing an international level of Industrial Hygiene skills and understanding, to support our industries here in Trinidad and Tobago. In the last five (5) years, more than 140 participants have completed the OHTA principle and intermediate levels courses in Trinidad. Participants mostly comprised of Trinidad and Tobago nationals, along with some international participants from St. Lucia, Canada and the USA.

The OHTA was formed to better promote standards of occupational health practice throughout the world. The Association promotes an international qualifications framework so that participants can be trained to a consistent, high standard, recognised in all participating countries. ROSE Environmental Limited currently offers the following OHTA courses:

1. Fundamental Basic Level OHTA module
   1. W201 Basic Principles in Occupational Hygiene
2. Four core Intermediate Level OHTA modules

1. 1. W501 Measurement of Hazardous Substances
   2. W505 Control of Hazardous Substances
   3. W507 Health Effects of Hazardous Substances
   4. W503 Noise – Measurement and its Effects

1. Two optional Intermediate Level OHTA modules
   1. W506 Ergonomics Essentials
   2. W504 Asbestos and Other Fibres

Who are these courses for?

Awareness level: Occupational doctors and nurses, HSE professionals, engineers and managers who simply need a better understanding of occupational hygiene, so that they can deal with simple problems and know when to call in a specialist.

Intermediate level: Working technicians and technologists in occupational hygiene, requiring the technical knowledge and hands-on practical training that will enable persons to take measurements, assess exposure and check the effectiveness of control measures.

Overall Module Objectives:

• To provide persons with the opportunity to increase competencies within specific individual fields of Industrial Hygiene.

• To provide persons with an opportunity to pursue the International Occupational Hygiene Certificate (see below).

Course Delivery:

• Day 1 – Day 4, 8am-5pm: class-room type taught course, with practical, hands-on training. Persons are required to demonstrate that they can carry out basic practical assessments under the supervision of the course tutors.
• Day 5, 8am – 1pm: Course material review, and BOHS exam.

Course Certification:

Part A: Participants can opt to complete specific identified OHTA Modules suitable to their Job Descriptions, Manager’s Requests or personal interests, or skill requirements.

On successful completion the participant will receive:

• A participation certificate from ROSE/Golder, indicating completion of the course, regardless of passing the course exam; and
• A certificate of Award of Successful Course Completion from British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) for the module, upon passing the proctored course examination.

Part B: Participants who decide to complete all four (4) core W500 modules and the two (2) optional W500 modules will now be eligible to apply for the International Occupational Hygiene Certification. The participant will be required to:

• Complete and submit to the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) a Personal Learning Portfolio (PLP), with field experience evidence.
• Once this is acceptable, participants will then be invited to take part in an oral examination with the BOHS. (Online examination methods are currently being explored, such as via ‘Skype’).

Once successful on obtaining the International Certificate, ICertOH, participants can now use this notation in their respective signature block.

Course Faculty:

ROSE Environmental Limited hosts these courses with lecturer facilitation via Golder Associates Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida. Golder has been one of the first International Industrial Hygiene Consulting firms to be an approved training provider for all currently offered OHTA Courses.

The Training Program Director for the OHTA and Occupational Hygiene Courses offered by Golder in Trinidad through ROSE Environmental Limited is Mr. Andreas Wagner (M.Eng., CIH, ROH).

Mr. Andreas Wagner (M.Eng., CIH, ROH) is a Principal and Senior Consultant with Golder. He has over twenty-four (24) years of consulting experience that includes: expert witness testimony, asbestos/lead/silica/PCB control and abatement, microbial assessments and remediation, indoor air quality and odor evaluations, vapour intrusion studies, occupational hygiene projects, and training. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Registered Industrial Hygienist (ROH). Andreas is a Senior Practice Leader for Industrial Hygiene Services for the US Operation of Golder, and also serves as the Operations Manager for the Florida Operations.

Mr. Wagner is usually assisted by other professionals in the specific subject fields, as necessary.

Why become CAOHC certified?

The Occupational and Safety Act 2004 (as amended 2006) of Trinidad and Tobago, under Noise and Vibration, with respect to the hazard of noise in the workplace: Section 34 (1) indicates compliance with prevention of hearing impairment caused by noise; and, Section 34 (2)indicates the use of protective equipment for hearing protection as well as the medical examination of and assessment of those employees who are exposed to the risk of injury to their hearing, and to keep a record of the results of such examinations and assessments which includes audiometric testing and monitoring the work environment, as well as arranging programs for hearing conservation.

Compliance with this section of the OSH Act 2004 of Trinidad and Tobago can be positively achieved through the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) course, which will add value to companies interested and/or needing to develop and implement an Effective Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) for the well-being of their employees.

Course Content and Training Outcomes:

The Course focuses on best practices for Occupational Hearing Conservation through lectures, examinations, and “hands-on” practical workshops of hearing testing, equipment calibration checks, othoscopic screening, and all hearing protection fitting. The course addresses the OSHA, MSHA, and FRA Regulations and includes all relevant “current best approaches”.

After successfully completing the course, the participant will be trained to:

• Conduct Valid Hearing Tests
• Check performance and maintain hearing test equipment.
• Implement an employee referral system.
• Provide employee training and education.
• Properly fit and trouble shoot hearing protection
• Develop accurate record keeping.
• Understand pertinent regulations and company policies.
• Participate on a Hearing Conservation Team.
• Comprehend basic principles of noise measurement and control.

Practical Sessions:

The practical components of the course will include Otoscopic Examination, Audiometric Testing and Fit Testing. Sessions will be conducted in accordance with CAOHC requirements with a ratio of one audiometer for every two participants. The equipment for these sessions will be provided at the course facility.

CAOHC Certification:

The course will be approved by CAOHC for certification or re-certifications as an Occupational Hearing Conservationist. Participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible for certification/recertification, as applicable. Persons with current certification that has not expired past 60 days, and those nearing their current certification expiry date will be eligible for re-certification.

Course Faculty:

The course is facilitated by “Associates in Audiology Inc.” (AIA) of Denver Colorado. The AIA Course Directors are CAOHC-certified, and hold the highest credentials in audiology, and are recognized for expertise in occupational hearing conservation. The course also utilises the expertise and knowledge of a local, qualified and experienced Certified Industrial Hygienist, Occupational Health or Noise Control Engineering practitioner through ROSE Environmental Limited, as a Guest Speaker, to fulfil the curriculum requirements.

The scheduled Course Director is Dr. Theresa Small, board certified in audiology, Certified Professional Supervisor in Audiometric Monitoring. Theresa H. Small, Au.D., CPS/A is an occupational audiologist consultant, CAOHC certified professional supervisor and owner of Associates In Audiology, Inc., a professional consulting firm specializing in occupational audiology, and hearing loss prevention. Dr. Small has been practicing audiology since 1999, with a 100% focus on hearing loss prevention since 2007.

This NIOSH-approved spirometry training course deals with all aspects of spirometry testing.

Spirometry (meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs), measuring lung function, specifically the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. These tests therefore look at how well the lungs work. Lecture and practicum materials include the new ATS spirometry guidelines published in September, 1995. Participants are provided the most up to date training materials available.

Course Objectives:

• To provide the participant with the information needed to properly conduct and understand spirometry testing.
• To ensure the participant learns the proper technique necessary to obtain test results meeting all NIOSH and American Thoracic Society (ATS) requirements.
• To ensure the participant learns how to calculate specific test results and understand their meaning.

Who is this course for?

Occupational doctors and nurses, occupational medical laboratory personnel, and Occupational Health Professionals who will conduct lung function testing. Successful completion of this course will satisfy all NIOSH training requirements.

Prerequisites:
None. Prior experience conducting pulmonary function tests is NOT needed. Students must, however, have basic math skills (division, multiplication, decimals, percentages, etc.) and be able to perform simple calculations using a hand-held calculator.

Course Delivery:

This course uses a combination of lectures and hands-on practice to learn spirometry testing. Technique and problem solving sessions will be conducted using small groups with no more than six (6) students per instructor. All lectures are given by Dr. Roy McKay consisting of three (3) full days. A combination of comprehensive training manuals and impressive visual aids is used to enhance the training experience.

Course Certification:

On successful completion and passing the final examination, the participant will receive an authorised Certificate from the Training Provider.

Course Faculty:

The Training Program Director and Lecturer is Roy T. McKay Ph.D. of the University of Cincinnati.

Roy T. McKay Ph.D. has taught lung function testing for nearly three (3) decades at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He has also taught respiratory protection and pulmonary function testing worldwide with training programs given in Australia, India, England, Germany, China, Japan, South & Central America and many other locations. His training programs are nationally known for their high quality instruction and practical advice.

Dr. McKay is also director of “Occupational Pulmonary Services” within the Center for Occupational Health. His clinical programs include all aspects of lung function testing, inhalation challenge studies, exercise stress testing, respirator fit testing, and respirator program administration. In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. McKay maintains a full time faculty appointment at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine. His responsibilities include teaching, research, and clinical practice.

Dr. McKay stays current with the latest technology and testing procedures. He consults with numerous manufacturers of pulmonary function testing equipment and has published several papers on lung function testing procedures, equipment, and design. He is a member of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and has recently worked with the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) to develop new technician training guidelines. Dr. McKay has published extensively in peer review journals including the American Review of Respiratory Disease, Seminars in Respiratory Medicine, Chest, Occupational Medicine State of the Art Reviews, and others. In 1996, Dr. McKay was appointed to serve on the ATS Committee on Proficiency Standards for Clinical Pulmonary Laboratories. This committee has responsibility for developing pulmonary function standards and guidelines.

The course begins with a review of OSHA fit testing requirements and emphasizes solutions to common fit testing problems. The emphasis is on quantitative fit testing with the TSI PortaCount, although many of the concepts are applicable to other fit test methods. The course will decrease the frequency of switching between different respirator sizes & models. It provides an opportunity to discuss advanced topics not covered during a typical 2-day fit testing workshop due to time limitations.

Who is this course for?

• Anyone with the responsibilities that includes respirator fit testing and/or fit test policy, fit test operator, program administrators, chemical hygiene officers, supervisors, managers, industrial hygienists, health professionals (nurses, physicians, etc.) and others.

• Persons who are familiar with fit testing procedures, but have limited formal training, need a refresher, or need a better understanding of fit testing.

• Persons who needs to understand why poorly fitting respirators pass and why good fitting respirators fail.

• Respirator program administrators who need a better understanding of fit testing procedures and assurance that their fit testing program is being run properly.

Prerequisites:
This course is NOT an initial training course. It is NOT a substitute for those who require a “hands-on” fit testing workshop. This is a comprehensive course open to all persons who need to improve their understanding fit testing. You are not required to be a respirator expert, but familiarity with fit testing is helpful. Course content is comprehensive, but not difficult.

Course Certification:

On successful completion, the participant will receive an authorised Certificate from the Training Provider.

Course Faculty:

The Training Program Director and Lecturer is Roy T. McKay Ph.D. of the University of Cincinnati.

Indoor Air Quality:

We spend greater than 90 percent of our time indoors, so the quality of indoor air and the indoor environment is a significant influence on the occupants’ health.  It is paramount that appropriate steps are taken to provide a safe and healthy environment in our buildings and to minimize occupational exposure to chemicals and biological agents, such as mold and bacteria in our residences and workplaces. It is widely recognized that maintaining good Indoor Air Quality in the work place leads to significant benefits in terms of good health, decreased absenteeism, increased productivity, motivated staff, and reductions in non-productive time.

The overall course objectives are to have the participant become familiar with the basic principles of IAQ assessment techniques, to utilize various sampling equipment and methodologies, and to be able to develop and implement an effective IAQ assessment plan Facilities and/or HSE Departments are empowered to take required steps for managing and improving the quality of the indoor environment, and reduce exposures of employees to any toxic or harmful substances.

Topics covered can include:

• Introduction to Indoor Air Quality;
• Factors affecting IAQ;
• Potential effects of IAQ;
• Air pollutants, pathways and controls;
• Guidelines and Regulations;
• Assessing IAQ;
• An introduction to HVAC systems and HVAC Inspections;
• Interpreting IAQ Data (qualitative and quantitative); and
• Resolving IAQ problems.

Mold Awareness:

Mold inspection and testing has rapidly increased over the last few years as a response to greater concern over indoor environment quality.

The Mold Training Course aims to provide insight into recognizing indoor mold, the causes of mold growth and control and the most important indoor molds and mycotoxins that may occur in an indoor environment, developing effective sampling strategies and interpreting laboratory results. Participants will acquire a detailed understanding of the methods used to investigate mold growth in buildings and the types of samples to collect.

Topics covered can include:

• An Overview of Various Types of Molds
• How to Recognize Indoor Mold Growth
• How to Develop Effective Sampling Strategies
• How to Interpret Laboratory Results
• Equipment hands-on training
• Becoming familiar with the basic principles of mold remediation and control.

Course Delivery:

The training will be PowerPoint-based and instructor-led. Upon completion, each participant will receive a certificate of training. Each participant will also receive a handout which includes copies of all slides presented and any reference material.

Course Faculty:

ROSE Environmental Limited hosts these courses with lecturer facilitation via Golder Associates Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida.

The scheduled Course Director is Mr. Andreas Wagner (M.Eng., CIH, ROH), Principal and Senior Consultant. Mr. Andreas Wagner may be assisted by other professionals in the field, including Microbiologists.

The objective of this program is to introduce the concepts of the occupational hygiene risk assessments, risk management and the management of typical occupational hygiene and health risks associated with working in the upstream and downstream process facilities. At the end of this course, participants would have a more comprehensive understanding of the risks involved and the technologies available for monitoring, managing and controlling these risks.

Course Faculty

The course will be facilitated by Course Directors from Golder Associates Inc., of Jacksonville, Florida, whom are certified Industrial Hygienists with over 20 years of experience.