Medical Surveillance & Certifications

An annual exam for personnel who perform direct care of animals. The initial exam should be completed prior to the start of work.

For personnel who may encounter asbestos in the course of their work or who were formerly exposed to asbestos during their work at LBNL. This exam is renewed every two years.

This program evaluates beryllium-associated workers every three years. Included in the evaluation are the following:

• Detailed medical and work history
• Completion of a respiratory symptom questionnaire
• Physical examination with emphasis on the respiratory system
• A blood test is known as the Beryllium-Lymphocyte Proliferation Test, or Be-LPT (a test that can determine beryllium sensitization)
• Other medical evaluations thought appropriate by the examining physician
• Chest x-ray (at baseline and every five years)

The data is used to determine whether you may have been sensitized to beryllium in the course of your work here at the Laboratory or at another DOE facility. The data collected in the evaluation will be stored in your confidential medical file in the Health Services Department at LBNL. The results of your medical tests will also be included in the Beryllium Registry maintained by the Department of Energy, but your data will not be identified by name.

Aside from some possible soreness or bruising of your arm from venipuncture (if you choose the blood test), there is essentially no risk involved in participating in this program. If your Be-LPT test is positive, you may benefit from this information in terms of possible treatment and avoidance of further exposure to beryllium.

For your convenience, you can complete the Beryllium Baseline Respiratory Symptoms Questionnaire or the Beryllium Interval Occupational Exposure History Questionnaire and Respiratory Symptoms Update prior to your scheduled visit to Health Services. 

The Lab will offer voluntary testing for COVID-19 to asymptomatic employees who regularly work at a Lab site. The testing is only available to those who regularly work at a Lab site. It is not available to teleworkers who have been at a Lab site for incidental reasons.

Employees are eligible for testing if they:

1. Are asymptomatic.

2. Have obtained supervisor authorization to work at a Lab site.

3. Have been assigned to, and accepted conditions of, a WPC Activity with the Lab’s COVID-19 controls.

4. Completed LBL0012 Training (Working Safely At LBNL During COVID-19 Pandemic).

5. Do not access the site irregularly (e.g. a one-time visit to pick up computer equipment).

For personnel who operate cranes under 2 tons of capacity. This exam is renewed every three years. 

This exam is for personnel who drive vehicles for the Lab that require commercial driver’s licenses. 

The medical evaluation is for personnel who are required to have Hazwoper Training per LBNL permits and/or requirements.

• An annual exam for personnel who have noise exposures equal to or above an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on an A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent.
• Audiogram Questionnaire

All Class 3b and Class 4 laser users who will be at LBNL for more than one month must complete a special LBNL laser eye examination administered by an optometrist through Health Services. This required exam should be performed prior to participation in laser work.

For personnel who complete lead construction of lead training courses and are actively involved in lead work. This exam is renewed every two years.

One time exam for nanoparticle researchers who have the potential for significant exposure to unbound nanoparticles.

For personnel who drive a powered industrial truck must be qualified as to visual, auditory, physical, and mental ability to operate the equipment safely. This exam is renewed every three years. 

• Mandatory SCBA Respirator
  • An annual exam for personnel referred from respiratory evaluation for mandatory wearing of SCBA. The exam performed prior to wearing a respirator.
• Voluntary Elastomeric full-face or half-face  Respirator
  • One-time exam for personnel referred from respiratory evaluation for mandatory wearing of Elastomeric full-face or half-face Respirator. The exam performed prior to wearing a respirator.