Who is primarily responsible for identifying hazards, assessing exposures, and recommending controls in BE?

• A. Purchasing agent buys PPE.
• B. Industrial hygienist identifies hazards, assesses exposures, recommends controls, ensures regulatory compliance and training.
• C. Maintenance technician repairs equipment.
• D. Security guard monitors access.

Answer: (B)

Hazard identification, exposure assessment, and control design are fundamental tasks in bioenvironmental engineering, carried out by an industrial hygienist. This professional systematically recognizes potential hazards, measures or estimates how much workers are exposed to those hazards, and recommends controls to reduce risk. They bring together engineering controls (like ventilation or process changes), administrative controls (work practices and training), and appropriate PPE, while also ensuring regulatory compliance and worker education. Other roles mentioned—purchasing PPE, repairing equipment, or monitoring access—touch on safety or maintenance activities but do not lead the hazard identification and exposure assessment process or drive the selection of controls. That’s why the industrial hygienist is the best answer.