Medical Consultations & Examinations

Laboratory employees and students who work with hazardous chemicals should be given an opportunity to receive medical attention, including any follow-up examination that the examining physician determines to be necessary,

1. whenever an employee or student develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which he/she may have been exposed in the laboratory, or
   
   
2. whenever an event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure.

All medical examinations and consultations shall be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician and shall be provided without cost to the employee or student, without loss of pay for the employee, and at a reasonable time and place.

The Chemical Hygiene and Safety Officer, or the University Safety Director, should provide this information to the physician:

1. identity of the hazardous chemical(s) to which the employee may have been exposed;
   
   
2. description of the conditions under which the exposure occurred including quantitative exposure data, if available;
   
   
3. description of the signs and symptoms of exposure that the employee is experiencing, if any.

For medical consultations required under OSHA Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450, the Chemical Hygiene and Safety Officer, or the University Safety Director, shall obtain a written opinion from the examining physician which shall include this information:

1. any recommendation for further medical follow-up
   
   
2. results of the medical examination and any associated tests
   
   
3. any medical condition which may be revealed in the course of the examination which may place the employee at increased risk as a result of exposure to a hazardous chemical found in the workplace
   
   
4. a statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the results of the consultation or medical examination and any medical condition that may require further examination or treatment

The written opinion shall not reveal specific findings of diagnoses unrelated to occupational exposure.