Respirator surveillance exams are required by OSHA for individuals who use respirators and are exposed to regulated toxic chemicals. It is an exam to determine if the worker is exhibiting signs or symptoms associated with exposure to these chemicals or compounds and requires reporting to both the employer and employee with any recommendations for respirator use, specialist referral or methods to limit exposure for each. Although there exist numerous surveillance programs defined by OSHA, our facility provides these services for three specifically:
- Hexavalent Chromium – a chemical found in paint and plating;
- Crystalline Silica – a chemical found in stone dust and concrete in general industry, and in the construction and maritime industries.
Exams and testing may vary based on the requirements of each OSHA standard but may include Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry), laboratory testing, or chest x-rays based on the standard.