Office of Security, Safety and Risk Management

Chemical Hygiene Plan

Appendix B

B.	Medical Consultation and Examination The details of medical consultations and examinations are determined by the physician. The purpose of a medical consultation is to determine whether a medical examination is warranted. When, from the results of an exposure assessment, it is suspected or known that an employee was overexposed to a hazardous chemical or chemicals, the employee should obtain medical consultation from or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. When warranted, employees also should receive a medical examination from or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician who is experienced in treating victims of chemical overexposure. The medical professional should also be knowledgeable about which tests or procedures are appropriate to determine if there has been an overexposure; these diagnostic techniques are called "differential diagnoses". These provisions apply to medical consultations and examinations:
		1.	You must provide all employees who work with hazardous chemicals an opportunity to receive medical consultation and examination when:
			a.	The employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory.
			b.	Monitoring, routine or otherwise, suggests that there could have been an exposure above the action level, or PEL if there is no action level, for a chemical for which a substance-specific standard has been established.
			c.	There is a spill, leak, or other uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical.
		2.	Provide the physician with:
			a.	The identity of the hazardous chemical or chemicals to which the employee may have been exposed.
			b.	The exposure conditions.
			c.	The signs and symptoms of exposure the victim is experiencing, if any.
		3.	Ordinarily, physicians will furnish to the employer in written form:
			a.	Recommendations for follow-up, if determined to be pertinent.
			b.	A record of the results of the consultation and, if applicable, of the examination and any tests that were conducted
			c.	Conclusions concerning any other medical condition noted that could put the employee at increased risk.
			d.	A statement that the employee has been informed both of the results of the consultation or examination and of any medical condition that may require further examination or treatment.
		4.	These written statements and records should not reveal specific findings that are not related to an occupational exposure.

Appendix B - Section B1