Who is covered: Covered employees (8 CCR 5192(f)(2)): (i) exposed at/above the PEL or published exposure level (without regard to respirator use) for 30+ days/year; (ii) wear a respirator 30+ days/year or as required by 8 CCR 5144; (iii) injured, ill, or developing signs/symptoms of overexposure from an emergency or hazardous-waste operation; (iv) members of HAZMAT teams. California applies a single section 5192 across general industry and construction.
Evaluation performed by: Licensed physician (exam by or under the supervision of a licensed physician)
🩺 Baseline / Pre-Placement
Prior to assignment to covered work — (f)(3)(i)(A)
- Medical and work history with special emphasis on symptoms related to handling hazardous substances and health hazards, and on fitness for duty including the ability to wear required PPE under expected work conditions — 8 CCR 5192(f)(4)
- Physical examination and the specific tests/studies the ATTENDING PHYSICIAN determines are appropriate for the exposures (no fixed mandatory test panel) — 8 CCR 5192(f)(4)(ii)
🕒 Periodic / Routine
Interval-based while covered — NOT result-triggered
Schedule: At least once every 12 months for each covered employee, UNLESS the attending physician believes a longer interval (not greater than biennial / every 2 years) is appropriate — (f)(3)(i)(B)
- Medical and work history with special emphasis on symptoms related to handling hazardous substances and health hazards, and on fitness for duty including the ability to wear required PPE under expected work conditions — 8 CCR 5192(f)(4)
- Physical examination and the specific tests/studies the ATTENDING PHYSICIAN determines are appropriate for the exposures (no fixed mandatory test panel) — 8 CCR 5192(f)(4)(ii)
🚪 Exit / Termination
At termination of employment or reassignment to an area without medical-surveillance coverage, if the employee has not had an exam within the last 6 months — (f)(3)(i)(C)
- Medical and work history with special emphasis on symptoms related to handling hazardous substances and health hazards, and on fitness for duty including the ability to wear required PPE under expected work conditions — 8 CCR 5192(f)(4)
- Physical examination and the specific tests/studies the ATTENDING PHYSICIAN determines are appropriate for the exposures (no fixed mandatory test panel) — 8 CCR 5192(f)(4)(ii)
Abnormal results & exposure-event protocols
Abnormal Results & Exposure-Event Protocols
- Employee notifies the employer of signs/symptoms indicating possible overexposure to hazardous substances/health hazards, OR an emergency/incident involving exposure above PEL/published level without respiratory protection 8 CCR 5192(f)(3): Provide a medical examination AS SOON AS POSSIBLE; content determined by the attending physician based on the exposure. Tests: Medical and work history with emphasis on symptoms related to the exposure and fitness for duty, Physical examination and any tests the attending physician determines are indicated by the exposure (no fixed panel)
Reporting Requirements
| Who performs the evaluation | Licensed physician (exam by or under the supervision of a licensed physician, no cost, no loss of pay) — 8 CCR 5192(f)(5). |
|---|---|
| Reported to employer | Employer obtains the physician's WRITTEN OPINION covering: any detected medical condition that would increase the employee's risk of material health impairment from work; recommended exposure/work limitations and on respirator/PPE use; results of the exam (if the employee requests); and a statement that the employee was informed of the results and of any condition requiring further evaluation/treatment. Findings unrelated to occupational exposure are NOT included — 8 CCR 5192(f)(7). |
| Reported to / for the employee | Employee informed of exam results and of any medical condition requiring further evaluation or treatment; a copy of the written opinion is provided — 8 CCR 5192(f)(7). |
| Time limits | No fixed numeric turnaround stated; written opinion obtained before the employer assigns/continues the employee in the covered work. |
| Recordkeeping | Medical surveillance records retained for the duration of employment plus 30 years per 8 CCR 3204 — 8 CCR 5192(f)(8). |
Medical Removal Protection
No MRP. Physician-discretion exam content; physician written opinion on fitness for duty and PPE use. Emergency/post-symptom exams are handled as soon as possible (see abnormal_protocols).