VII. MEDICAL EVALUATION PROGRAM
Purpose : This procedure describes the general circumstances in which routine medical evaluation, medical consultations and medical examinations will be provided to laboratory employees.
Scope : Medical evaluation following potential or measured overexposures, as well as, routine medical evaluations for such things as use of eye and respiratory protection are detailed in procedure.
Procedures:
A. Medical evaluation will be provided to lab employees under the conditions detailed below:
1. Routine medical evaluations will be provided for employees required to use personal protective equipment, such as prescription safety glasses and respiratory protection.
2. Medical evaluation is required by OSHA health Standard (29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z), where employee monitoring has indicated an exposure above the action the action level (AL) or permissible exposure limit (PEL) where no AL exists.
3. A medical consultation between a licensed physician and the affected employee(s), for the purpose of determining the need for additional medical examinations, will be provided as follows:
a. Whenever an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with hazardous chemicals that are used in their laboratory.
b. Following the occurrence of an event such as a spill, leak, or explosion involving a hazardous material which was likely to result in employee exposure.
B. Initial evaluations will be provided by or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician at university occupational health clinic. Additional evaluation, examinations or test may be conducted at the local health care facility depending on the capabilities of the in-house Medical Facility.
C. The following information will be provided to the physician before or at the time of consultation.
1. Identity of the hazardous material(s).
2. Description of the conditions under which the exposure occurred. This description will include exposure data when available.
3. Description of the signs and symptoms resulting from exposure to the hazardous chemical in question.
D. Whenever a medical consultation or examination is provided for an employee, a written opinion will be required from the physician. The following information will be required in the opinion.
1. Recommendation(s) for any medical following-up, including additional consultation, examination or tests.
2. Result of any medical examinations or test that may have been performed.
3. Any medical condition revealed during the examination that may place the employee at increased health risk as a result of exposure to a hazardous material found in the lab.
4. A statement that the examining physician has informed the employee of the results of the examination and that the physician has informed the employee of any condition that may require further examination or treatment.
E. IMPORTANT NOTE: For the employee's protection, the physician will be informed that no condition, unrelated to the occupational exposure, shall be revealed at any time to the employer.
- All medical consultations, examinations and tests resulting from this procedure will be provided to the employee at no expense.