A sanitarian, who is sometimes referred to as a public health inspector, is a person who

visits businesses in his area in order to make sure standards of cleanliness and sanitation are
enforced. He may conduct either routine or surprise inspections in order to safeguard public
health. He might also impose fines or, in some instances, force a temporary closure of an
establishment whose workers violate health and safety regulations.
Public health inspectors usually make calls on businesses like restaurants, hotels,
hospitals, nursing homes, and taverns. During these visits, a sanitarian normally checks to make
sure the establishment is using the proper procedures for cooking food or sanitizing equipment.
They might take samples of the food or test meats to ensure they are prepared to the proper
temperatures. They might also check the temperature of freezers and refrigerators to make
sure they are operating properly, so that no bacteria can grow.
Sanitarians might also watch employees who are going about their usual routines, in
order to determine whether or not the business follows the appropriate health laws and
regulations. For example, the inspector might observe whether or not workers wash their
hands after using the restroom. They might also check the overall cleanliness of the building,
and whether or not vermin or insects are present.
These individuals are not limited to inspecting facilities where food is prepared and
served. They might also check on factories, office buildings, and government agencies. During
these visits, they may check to see if there is mold in the building and if the heating system is
working properly during the winter months.
During a visit, a sanitarian usually records his findings on a form that somewhat resembles
a checklist. This paper is usually used to record deficiencies and to score the establishment
according to how well it complies with local laws. A copy of this report is usually given to the
owner of the business and another copy filed as part of an official record.
Health and safety technicians normally have a broad range of authority. They do not usually
need to seek permission from management before entering the premises. They often impose
sanctions against businesses who fail to comply with public health laws. Establishments that are
closed due to a substandard health inspection typically need to be re-inspected before being
allowed to reopen.
 Public health inspectors should be very familiar with all the health and sanitation laws in
their jurisdiction. This can mean that a sanitarian will need to pursue continuing education.
Although it is not normally required, inspectors may want to become certified by taking a
licensing exam. These individuals provide a valuable service to ordinary citizens by ensuring
laws that safeguard public health are followed and enforced.

The Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians was established in 1982 as an

independent organization to serve the needs of environmental health practitioners in
Washington State.

Becoming a registered Sanitarian

Step 1. Determine Eligibility for Registration

1. Graduation with at least a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health from an accredited

college or university and employment as a sanitarian in the field of Environmental Health
for a period of one year.
2. Graduation with at least a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a
minimum of 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours, earned in basic science courses listed
below and employment as a sanitarian in the field of Environmental Health for a period of
one year.

Basic Science Course List

Physics Biology
Microbiology Epidemiology
Math Statistics
Chemistry Environmental Health
Bacteriology Biochemistry
Civil Engineering Environmental Engineering
Toxicology
 Other courses not found on this list will be considered for approval by the board on an
individual case basis. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide sufficient information
regarding specific course content. Remedial or college preparatory level classes will not be
approved.

3. Sanitarian-In-Training: An applicant for registration as a Registered Sanitarian who has

satisfied the educational requirements specified above, but lacks the corresponding work
experience, shall, upon successful completion of the registration examination, be
registered as a Sanitarian-In-Training. Upon completion of the required work experience,
the status of Sanitarian-In-Training shall be changed to Registered Sanitarian.

Step 2. Apply for Examination

1. A completed Application Form with notarized signature.

2. Examination fees as outlined on the Exam Application Form.
3. Official transcripts of record directly from all colleges or universities attended.
4. Verification of length of employment. This can be a letter from human resources, a
statement from a co-worker, or a pay stub showing date of hire (personal information may
be deleted).
5. Two (2) letters of recommendation from currently Registered Sanitarians.

Applicants for re-examination need not submit new application, but must submit a re-
exam form and pay the appropriate exam fee.

Application By Reciprocity

1. Completed Application Form with notarized signature.

2. Verification of registration from the state in which you are currently licensed
3. Application fees as outlined on the Application Form.
4. Official transcript of record directly from any colleges or universities attended.
5. Verification of employment.
6. Two letters of recommendation from currently registered sanitarians.

Reciprocity is granted on an individual basis. The examination requirements will be

waived for those applicants who have been registered in a state where at the time of
registration, the requirements were equivalent to those of the Washington State Board of
Registered Sanitarians. More detailed information regarding the Reciprocity Policies can be
found in the WSBRS Bylaws.