Asbestos medical exams after exposure ends

March 2, 1989
Mr. Aaron Gershonowitz
Rivkin, Radler, Dunne & Bayh
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Gershonowitz:
This is in response to your letter of October 5, 1988, regarding medical surveillance issues pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) asbestos standard, 29 CFR 1910.1001 for general industry. Please accept my apology for the delay in response.
As Helen Li of my staff had indicated in her telephone conversation with you, 1) no periodic (annual) exams are required for employees whose jobs no longer subject them to asbestos exposure, and 2) that a medical exam is still required for all employees at termination of employment, except those who have had a medical exam in accordance with paragraphs 1910.1001(l)(2) - 1910.1001(l)(4) within the past one year period.
Under OSHA's asbestos standard for the construction industry, [29 CFR 1926.1101], which would apply to maintenance workers, no periodic exams are required for those no longer exposed to asbestos. In addition, no medical examination is required at termination of employment.
If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Shepich, Director
[Directorate of Enforcement Programs]
[Corrected 6/5/2005]