ABHP Degree Requirement - Background and Perspective

["Brian Fairchild" <Brian_Fairchild@fernald.gov>]

     Roger Fenner,
     
     
     
     On Sep. 15, You wrote:
     
     "We should all strive to be like IH's. Give them a certification, 
     teach them how to spell a few words (like radiation safety) and they 
     are an instant expert.  Just look at the trends taking place on 
     college campuses in the "Environmental" safety offices around the 
     country."
     
     I would like to know what you mean by this.....I am not CHP, and I am 
     not CIH, but I have extensive experience in both and I am an OHST.  I 
     agree with you that there are a lot of individuals in these 
     disciplines that have the knowledge and skill base of the 
     "Professionals" with degrees, but, there is no reason to bash those 
     "Professionals".  I have researched both the CHP and CIH and I am 
     currently working toward my BS in Nuclear Engineering.  I will 
     probably never go up for either certification, but I know and 
     understand the level of knowledge required for both.  It appears to me 
     that you don't think very highly of the CIH.  You must not know any of 
     them.  I am totally amazed at their level of knowledge, even in 
     relation to Health Physics.  It is a little know fact that HP is also 
     a subset of Industrial Hygiene.  CIHs are even tested on health 
     physics in order to receive their certification.  They are required to 
     know both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation protection and theory.
     
     I just wanted you to know my opinion...and it is only worth the time 
     it takes to delete this message......
     
     Brian Fairchild, OHST
     Fluor Daniel Fernald