Initial Medical Surveillance

Employees who are exposed at any point to lead above the action level of 30 micrograms per cubic meter of air must be provided with initial medical surveillance at no cost to the employee. Initial medical surveillance consists of blood sampling and analysis of lead and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels. Employers must also offer a medical examination if a worker tells his or her employer that he or she is experiencing any signs or symptoms of lead exposure. Workers must also be given a medical examination or consultation if they want advice about the effects of lead exposure on their ability to have a healthy child.

If initial surveillance reveals a worker's blood lead level to be 40 micrograms per deciliter or more, the employer must provide full medical surveillance, which will be covered later in this section. Employers must tell workers the results of blood tests within five days of receiving those results.

To learn more about Construction Lead Exposure visit our Cal/OSHA Construction Lead Exposure Online Training web page.