Medical Surveillance
Medical surveillance consists of regular medical examinations for employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances during their work.
Medical surveillance includes regular exams.
The HAZWOPER standard requires employers to include the following employees in their medical surveillance program:
- Employees who are or may be exposed to hazardous substances or health hazards at or above permissible exposure limits or, if there is no permissible exposure limit, above published exposure levels, without regard to the use of respirators, for 30 days or more per year;
- Employees who wear a respirator for 30 days or more per year or as required by OSHA's respirator standard, 29 CFR 1910.134;
- Employees who are injured, become ill, or develop signs or symptoms due to possible overexposures involving hazardous substances or health hazards from an emergency response or hazardous waste operation; and
- Employees who are members of HAZMAT teams.
The purpose of the examinations is to detect medical conditions that could harm employees because of their hazardous-waste-operations work.
The link below summarizes who must have medical examinations and when the examinations are required.
| 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 an examination is necessary |
Here are some 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.
10-7. The purpose of a medical examination is to _____.
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