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661 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers II
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Medical Surveillance

The table below shows 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 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.

Employers should 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.

Medical Evaluations for Workers Who Use Respirators

Employers should also be aware that there are medical surveillance requirements in other OSHA substance-specific standards that may be applicable for individual sites where these hazardous substances are present (e.g., lead, asbestos, and benzene). These substance- specific standards are included under 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-10. Kathy is scheduled to receive an examination as part of the medical surveillance program. What information will a physician need to carry out the medical examination?