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>> The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program visits workplaces across the country to find out if hazards pose a risk to workers' health. We offer guidance in how to make workplaces safer. But, what actually happens when we come to a workplace? To answer that question, we brought a camera crew along, on a visit to Cleanlites, an electronics recycler. We want to show you some of our activities, and let you hear from the employer and employees, about their experience with us. In this video, you'll see one of the ways we learn about chemicals in the air, what's there, and how much.

>> Ready?

>> Yes.

>> Thank you very much.

>> 4, 5, 7.

>> My name is Catherine Beaucham. I'm an industrial hygienist with NIOSH. Industrial hygienists do a lot of different things. It's very concerned about the health and safety of the worker, based on workplace exposures. Here at Cleanlites, we are assessing exposures to metals, flame retardants, and hexavalent chromium. We are taking area, as well as personal breathing zone samples for metals.

>> It hasn't been bad, it all depends on what you're doing. But for the most part, if you just-- for what I've been doing, it hasn't been really bothering me.

>> No, when I'm out here I don't hear it. Maybe when I'm in the office, where it's quiet, then you'll hear a little bit, but that's it.

>> I'm pretty sure nobody really minds, you know. We just mostly appreciate what we're-- what you all are doing.

>> Typically, after we collect measurements, and have determined what employees are being exposed to, we will prepare recommendations in the form of a written report, and we will get those air sample results directly back to the employee, as well as to the-- summary results to the employer, to make sure that the employer understands what employees are being exposed to, and how to prevent those exposures. Working with the employees has been a great experience. One of the things I love about being an industrial hygienist, and being at NIH, at NIOSH, is the ability to go out and interact with employees in the work environment, and these employees here have been wonderful. They've been interested in participating with us, and been very responsive to any question we've had.

>> It's been a great experience, actually, like, because I ask them questions about what's going on with every instrument and stuff, so, they explained to me the whole process of what does what. So, it's a great learning process.

>> I think it is important that employees know, it is a time for us to work together, and to be management, employees, NIOSH, working together to improve the health and safety of their workplace.

>> The main reason I agreed, I was supposed to not, honestly, but the main reason I agreed is because I believe in what the program is doing.

>> I thought I was getting into something that I didn't want to be in. But, I understand why they doing it because this is something that's new, and they want to find out what the employee, or what the workers are getting into. I respect them for that. I'm glad they're doing it.

>> I already started actually talking about it, and saying I believe this is a good program, and everyone, you know, should kind of, at least consider it, you know. I believe other jobs should, you know, but, all I can do is just pass the word around for right now.

>> Spread the word to your friends. Share this video and encourage them to request a health hazard evaluation from NIOSH.

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