On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at the Universitas Indonesia (UI) hosted a guest lecture featuring an international speaker, Ang Keng Been, Ph.D., Adjunct Lecturer at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The lecture, titled “Basics of Industrial Hygiene Sampling for Chemical Hazards in the Workplace,” was held at the G Auditorium of FPH UI for students in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Program.
The purpose of this lecture was to provide insights and a deeper understanding of the importance of measurement and sampling practices in industrial hygiene, particularly regarding chemical hazards in the workplace. In this session, Dr. Ang Keng Been discussed various sampling methods used to assess chemical exposure in the workplace and how this relates to efforts to control health risks for workers.
Dr. Been explained that one of the greatest challenges in managing chemical risks in the workplace is the ability to detect and measure the concentration of chemicals that could harm workers’ long-term health. By using the appropriate sampling techniques, OHS professionals can identify potential hazards and design effective interventions.
“Air and surface samples in the workplace can provide a picture of chemical exposure levels, which is crucial in determining the appropriate preventive measures,” Dr. Ang Keng Been stated during his presentation.
Additionally, Dr. Been emphasized the importance of understanding international standards in chemical sampling, such as those from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and how these standards are applied across different industries.
The lecture was attended by more than 100 OHS students, who were eager to hear practical explanations from Dr. Been. The students were also given the opportunity to engage directly with him and ask questions regarding sampling techniques, data analysis, and practical methods for identifying potential chemical hazards in the workplace.
In addition to the lecture, Dr. Been also shared his experience on best practices in managing industrial hygiene in Singapore. This was expected to inspire students to apply the knowledge gained in addressing occupational health and safety challenges in Indonesia.
“I hope this guest lecture opens the minds of OHS students at UI about the critical role of sampling in protecting worker health and creating safer workplaces,” said Mila Tejamaya, S.Si., MOHS., Ph.D., Head of the OHS Department at FPH UI, in her opening remarks.
Through this lecture, FPH UI OHS students are expected to gain a better understanding of various sampling techniques and the application of effective industrial hygiene methods in identifying and controlling chemical hazards in the workplace, ultimately contributing to the creation of healthier and safer work environments in the future. (wrk)