Medical Surveillance Program - Who It Applies To

OSHA states that a medical surveillance program must be implemented for the following employees:

• Individuals who are exposed (or may be exposed) to hazardous substances or other health hazards that are at or above the established permissible exposure limit (or above the published exposure levels for these substances) for more than 30 days each year
• All employees who wear a respirator for 30 days or more a year (which is required by CFR 1910.134)
• All employees who "are injured, become ill, or develop signs or symptoms due to possible overexposure involving hazardous substances or health hazards from an emergency response or hazardous waste operation"
• Members of HAZMAT teams

Note that CFR 1910.134 details respiratory protection for employees. You will learn about this code in detail in the unit about personal protective equipment (PPE); for now, it is important to note that medical surveillance requirements apply to those who need such respiratory protection for their job.

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