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670 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher for Cleanup Operations
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Medical Examinations

All examinations must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician, without cost to the employee, without loss of pay, and at a reasonable time and place.

Medical Evaluations When Using Respirators

Examinations must include a medical and work history. It should also include the symptoms related to the handling of hazardous substances and health hazards and to fitness for duty, including the ability to wear any required PPE under conditions that may be expected at the worksite.

These examinations must be given as follows:

  • before job assignment and annually after that (or every 2 years if a physician determines that interval is appropriate),
  • at the termination of employment or reassignment to an area where medical examinations are not required,
  • as soon as possible for employees injured or who become ill from exposure to hazardous substances during an emergency, or who develop signs or symptoms of overexposure from hazardous substances, and
  • at more frequent times if the examining physician believes an increased frequency is medically necessary.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-8. Samuel is a general employee working on a hazardous waste site. In the middle of a shift, he begins to feel dizzy and unsteady on his feet. When must he receive a medical examination?