10.2 Medical Surveillance

Medical surveillance is a series of medical services provided by a physician or other qualified individual for the primary prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses, including a review of occupational and medical history, physical exams, diagnostic and performance testing, and/or vaccinations. The following is a description of some common hazardous exposures and job-related tasks that could trigger medical surveillance procedures:

Research Animal Handling — Allergenic Animal Proteins

Exposure to Hazardous Noise Levels

Employees who are exposed to noise levels above acceptable levels are placed in the University of Minnesota Hearing Conservation Program. This program ensures that employees’ exposures to noise are evaluated and steps are taken to conserve employees’ hearing through the use of hearing protection devices, training, and other accepted measures. All employees included in this program are subject to mandatory audiometric testing.  For further information on the Hearing Conservation Program, or for enrollment into the program, see the University of Minnesota Hearing Conservation Program website. 

Respirator Use

Working with Bloodborne Pathogens or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM)

Work at Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3)

Exposure to Certain Radioisotopes 

When types and quantities of radioactive material used by personnel present a potential for inhalation or other uptake by the individual, the Radiation Protection Division (RPD) will require bioassay procedures to determine the quantity of the uptake resulting dose. All bioassay procedures will be performed by HSRM personnel or by persons or organizations approved by the RPD. Contact the RPD at 612-626-6002 to schedule bioassay or for questions regarding this program

Tritium

Individuals who use greater than 100 millicuries (mCi) of Tritiated(3H) water, gas, sodium borohydride, or 3H-labeled nucleotide precursors in a single experiment must have an assay performed on his/her urine. This assay must be completed within one week of the use of material. If these quantities of Tritiated material are used routinely, a weekly analysis of the urine must be made.

Iodine

Individuals who use greater than one mCi of 125I or 131I in procedures where volatilization is likely (e.g., protein labeling, column separation, dialysis) must have an assay to determine if there was any thyroid uptake within 10 working days following the procedure. For continuing operations, monthly thyroid counts are required.

Accidental Exposures/Spills

Bioassays may be required as incident follow-up when skin or clothing contamination involving any isotope is found.