Asbestos Surveillance Program
Purpose
To detect evidence of asbestos-related illness in employees potentially exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers, provide medical counseling regarding adverse side effects associated with exposure, and encourage smoking cessation and the use of respiratory protection devices when working with asbestos.
Eligibility
All NIH employees who are or will be exposed to airborne concentrations of fibers of asbestos at or above time weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure level and/or excursion limit while performing assigned work duties in their present position or former position as a federal employee.
Services
Asbestos Exams include review of occupational, medical, social, and exposure history, physical exam, completion of mandatory OSHA forms, pulmonary function testing, and chest x-ray (based on number of years post exposure). Counseling is provided regarding the potential health problems associated with unprotected exposure to significant concentrations of respirable asbestos fibers and the importance of properly using protective respiratory equipment and clothing.
Additional Resources
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration 1910.1001 App H - Medical Surveillance Guidelines for Asbestos Non-Mandatory
Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet
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Hearing Conservation Program
Purpose
The Hearing
Conservation Program, or HCP, is designed with the goals of prevention and
early detection of work-related hearing loss through employee education, annual
hearing tests, and protection from hazardous noise. The NIH HCP brings the
agency into compliance with hearing-related OSHA standards, including risk-based
medical support and providing hearing protection devices.
Eligibility
Any federal employee exposed to noise levels above the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) is eligible for enrollment into the program. The PEL, a limit established by OSHA, is defined as the maximum amount of noise an employee may be exposed to over a specific amount of time without experiencing potential hearing loss. Employees of the power plant, facilities management, and the Division of Fire and Rescue Services are examples of eligible enrollees.
Your supervisor or Administrative Officer will contact the DOMS to start your enrollment in the program if appropriate for your job duties. Any NIH employee who experiences a single high-level noise exposure with suspected hearing loss is expected to report to OMS for evaluation and care (see Occupational Exposure, Injury and Illness).
Services
Participants in the Hearing Conservation Program receive a baseline hearing test at OMS and are recalled annually for testing. Each annual test is compared to the baseline test to help identify a decline in hearing that may result from workplace noise exposures. If significant hearing loss is detected and meets certain criteria, OMS will advise you on further steps including specialist referral and supporting a Workers’ Compensation claim. Appointments are available year-round during normal business hours on the Bethesda campus for staff in
the DMV area. Employees may opt to receive screening from their personal
provider. At-risk NIH staff who cannot come to the Bethesda campus for
HCP-related services will be referred to local providers who are qualified to
perform required services.
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Firefighter Surveillance Program
Purpose
To identify conditions that interfere with ability to safely perform job duties, detect changes in members' health that can be related to harmful working conditions, and provide education about current health status and relevant occupational hazards.
Eligibility
Current members of the NIH Fire Department. The Fire Department will contact DOMS to schedule the exam.
Services
Annual exams for Firefighter members include review of occupational and medical history, physical exam, behavioral health screening, cardiovascular risk assessment, cancer screening, vision screening, audiometric testing, pulmonary function testing, electrocardiogram and chest x-ray (if indicated), lab testing including heavy metal screening, TB testing, and immunizations.
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