Under what circumstances is a full medical surveillance program required?

A full medical surveillance program is required when an employee works with lead for 30 or more days in a year. This requirement is established to protect workers who may be at an increased risk of lead exposure due to their prolonged interaction with lead-containing materials or environments. Such a program is essential because lead exposure can have serious health consequences, and regular medical surveillance helps in early detection and intervention for potential lead-related health issues.

This program typically includes routine blood lead level monitoring, health assessments, and educational components regarding lead exposure risks and safety practices. The implementation of a medical surveillance program becomes particularly critical after reaching the threshold of 30 days due to the cumulative risks associated with lead exposure over that period, thereby ensuring that appropriate precautions and monitoring strategies are in place to safeguard employee health.