Medical Surveillance
Medical surveillance consists of regular medical examinations for employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances during their work.
The purpose of the examinations is to detect medical conditions that could harm employees because of their hazardous-waste-operations work.
Medical Examination Requirements
| Employee Category | When a Medical Exam is Required |
|---|---|
|
HAZMAT specialists
Employees who wear respirators for 30 or more days a year Members of HAZMAT teams |
Before assignment
Annually, more frequently if recommended by a physician At termination of employment or 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:
- It must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician.
- The physician must know about the worker's duties, exposure levels, and personal protective equipment.
- The employee must receive a copy of the physician's written findings.
- The employer must 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 hazardous-waste work or to wear a respirator.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-7. The purpose of a medical examination is to _____.
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