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660 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers I
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660 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers I

Medical Surveillance

If employees are exposed to hazardous substances during their work, they may need to be monitored to detect medical conditions that could harm them. Medical surveillance consists of regular medical examinations and consultations for those who may be overexposed to hazardous substances during their work.

Which Employees Must Have Medical Surveillance
Employee Category When a Medical Exam is Required
  • Employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances at or above permissible exposure limits (PELs) or published exposure levels for those substances 30 or more days a year
  • Employees who wear a respirator for 30 or more days a year or who are required by 1910.134, Subdivision 2/I to wear a respirator.
  • Members of HAZMAT teams
  • Before assignment
  • Every 12 months unless the physician recommends a longer interval (not to exceed 24 months)
  • At termination of employment and reassignment
  • Immediately after reporting symptoms indicating overexposure
  • Employees who show symptoms of overexposure to hazardous substances
  • As soon as possible after an employee reports symptoms
  • When a physician determines that an examination is necessary

Key points about the medical examination:

  • The examination must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician.
  • The physician must have information about the employee's duties, exposure levels, and personal protective equipment.
  • The employee must receive a copy of the physician's written findings.

Keep a record of the examination, including the employee's name and the physician's written opinion regarding the employee's medical fitness to do work or to wear a respirator.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-5. When should a medical exam be performed if an employee begins to show signs of overexposure to a hazardous substance?

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