Credential Recognition
IHMM credentials are preferred by many companies, states, and the federal government. They identify professionals who are certified to deal with hazardous materials management, dangerous goods transportation, environmental protection, health, and safety. Corporate leaders know that their products and operations are safe, secure, and compliant when IHMM credentialed professionals are on their staff. Governments know that they have hired the very best professionals in the top 1% of their professions.
Accreditation Recognition
IHMM certification credentials have been granted accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The CHMM and CHMP credentials were accredited in 2009 and CDGP was accredited in 2015. The ANSI accreditation program is based on the International Standard ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons. IHMM credentialing programs have been reaccredited each year via a vigorous ANSI annual surveillance process. ANSI accreditation is recognized both nationally and internationally and has become the hallmark of a quality certification program.
The IHMM CHMM and CHMP certification programs are accredited by The Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). CESB is an independent, voluntary membership body for organizations that recognize, through specialty certification, the expertise of individuals practicing in engineering and related fields. Accreditation is earned by demonstrating adherence with CESB Accreditation Guidelines, including a robust review program of compliance to those standards.
State Recognition
CHMMs in Connecticut may supervise and sign off on wastewater permits/aquifer protection plans. In the State of New York, CHMMs are recognized as Qualified Environmental Professionals to certify Institutional Controls/ Engineering Controls (ICs/ECs), for Environmental Restoration Projects, State Superfund Projects, Brownfields Cleanup Projects, and Voluntary Cleanup Program Projects. Also in New York see DER-10 / Technical Guidance for Site Investigation and Remediation. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the CDGT and CHMM and recognized as Accident and Illness Prevention Service Provider under 1001(a) and (b) of the act (77 P.S. Sec 1038.1 (a) and (b)). The State of Washington has provided limited recognition of the CHMM within the scope of existing law at the time [2013], in areas of the UST program, Petroleum Contaminated Soils guidance, and Voluntary Cleanup Program guidance. The State of Nebraska under 178 NAC Chapter 24 of the Department of Health and Human Services regulations recognizes the CHMM as eligible for remediation services. The State of Indiana authorizes CHMMs to do a wide variety of UST work including characterization plans, corrective action plans and serve as a Senior Project Manager under the Indiana Liability Trust Fund. The State of Colorado recognizes the CHMM as a Health & Safety Officer under Department of Transportation contracts, as well as for certifications under 40 CFR Part 261 Subparts C and D, and for compliance under CERCLA, Section 101 [14], as amended. The State of Minnesota recognizes the CHMM for its regulated material management handling needs. The State of Arkansas adopted 40 CFR 312.10 Environmental Professional, The State of California adopted 40 CFR 312.10 Environmental Professional, The State of Ohio adopted 40 CFR 312.10 Environmental Professional, The State of Oklahoma adopted 40 CFR 312.10 Environmental Professional. The State of Georgia adopted adopted 40 CFR 312.10 Environmental Professional.
Federal Recognition
Federal agencies seeking qualified personnel to fulfill their needs are also turning to professionals with the CHMM certification. The US Army Center for Health Promotion & Preventive Medicine recognizes the CHMM as a USACHPPM Professional Certification. The Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, requires a CHMM for many of its hydroelectric dam construction and operational personnel. The US National Park Service requires supervision by a CHMM in many of their requests for proposal. Contracts that include the CHMM credential have also been issued by the US Air Force, the US EPA, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the FDIC, and other Federal and state agencies.
The IHMM CHMM is an Environmental Professional under 40 CFR § 312.10 Definitions
Under federal regulation 40 CFR § 312.10 Definitions, the US EPA constructed an objective standard for evaluating private certifications against the elements of what is defined as an “Environmental Professional.” IHMM provides this crosswalk between the contents of the CHMM credential and the elements of the definition of an Environmental Professional under 40 CFR § 312.10 Definitions, in which the CHMM with 5 or more years of experience either meets or exceeds the regulatory definition. The crosswalk is seen here.
U.S. Small Business Administration Recognizes the IHMM CHMM
SBA’s environmental policies and procedures apply to all SBA Lenders on all 7(a) and 504 loan programs, except where otherwise indicated. For 7(a) loans, failure to comply with the provisions of this paragraph may result in a denial of SBA’s guaranty. Prudent lending practices may dictate additional Environmental Investigations or safeguards. These policies are embodied in SBA SOP 50 10 6, Lender and Development Company Loan Program.
Appendix 4 of the SBA SOP requires that an “Environmental Professional,” as defined by 40 CFR §312.10, perform the Phase 1 or Phase II environmental assessments that may be required prior to closing an SBA-backed loan.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recognizes IHMM CSHM
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Safety and Health Requirements Manual (EM 385-1-1) is the gold standard for Safety and Occupational Health regulations. The manual holds a long history dating back to 1941 and is designed to facilitate the standardization of all safety programs. The EM 385-1-1 prescribes the safety and health requirements for all Corps of Engineers activities and operations. The USACE is soliciting comments on the proposed revisions to EM 385-1-1. USACE intends to update the manual and periodically thereafter, to reflect such public input, experience, and innovation. The agency will address significant comments received in the next revision of this manual.
USACE EM 385-1-1 is undergoing revisions and recognizes the IHMM Certified Safety and Health Manager [CSHM] credential.
IHMM is submitting comments to the proposed revisions to the EM 385-1-1 to also include the CSMP and CHMM credentials. Comments are due by June 13, 2022 and you will find IHMM’s comments here.
Private Industry Recognition
Corporations throughout the country have recognized the significance of credentialing their environmental professionals, and their preference is the CHMM certification. Some of the companies encouraging their professionals to attain the CHMM credential include AstraZeneka AARCHER, ENSR, 3E, Teris, Tetra Tech, Shaw Group, URS, Terracon, Sara Lee, Public Service Electric and Gas (NJ), Boeing, Delphi, and General Motors Corp.
IHMM & AHMP Launch 45 in 5 – National Credential Recognition
In 2019 Mark Bruce from AHMP and Gene Guilford from IHMM worked on a project to get the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to recognize the CHMM and CDGT credentials. With Mark’s work on the ground in Pennsylvania, we succeeded.
- We have already succeeded in 13 states – New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Ohio, North Dakota, and Georgia. [Red states in the map above]. These are states where IHMM credentials are cited or 40 CFR 312.10 is cited by reference.
- We have partially succeeded in another 16 states – Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. [Orange/Black Stripe states in the map above] These are states where the requirements of an “environmental professional” or QEP are cited that coincide with an IHMM credential so that relatively little work would need to be done to clarify the desired outcome.
- We have 21 states where no reference to an IHMM credential is made in either statute or regulation, nor is there anything defined in the area of an environmental professional. These states will require legislation or regulatory work. [Yellow states in the map above].
In January 2021 Mark at AHMP and Gene at IHMM has launched 45 in 5, getting the other 45 states to recognize our credentials in 5 years. If we can find a volunteer like Mark in other states [see above] we can work with those volunteers on crafting the right message to the right agencies in state governments across the country. If we find enough volunteers we can get this done in less than 5 years.
in January 2022 Gene Guilford released the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation that states a private certification that meets or exceeds the requirements of the regulation is an Environmental Professional under the regulation. Here is the crosswalk between the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation and the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager [CHMM] blueprint. The CHMM meets or exceeds the requirements of an Environmental Professional.
Here’s what we ask each volunteer to do:
- Watch legislative and regulatory developments in your state that provide an opportunity for us to create amendments or other interventions
- Be willing to speak with regulators and legislators in your area about the recognition efforts we craft together