Proper CIH Signature in California

Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs) that "create reports, opinions, or official documents prepared for submission to an employer, government agency, or other consumer" must affix a stamp and signature on such final documents. This is required per California Business and Professions Code Section 20702.

Any individual, company, or other organization that hires a CIH in California should review final documents to ensure that both a stamp and signature are included. The stamp should include an identification number and name of the certified individual. This provides the consumer some assurance that work has indeed been completed by a professional certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

While I'm certainly not suggesting that there are individuals conducting work under the CIH moniker that are not certified, it is possible. consumers should be aware of titles that could mislead them in thinking an individual is a CIH. A couple examples are “competent industrial hygienist” or “consulting industrial hygienist.” Neither has the same training or expertise as a licensed CIH.