California Code of Regulations: Employers Required to Follow Asbestos Regulations

Read the California Code of Regulations regarding asbestos disease here. This section details the duties of employers in trades where their employees are at risk for exposure to asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

The employer is required to make the prescribed tests available at least annually to those employees covered; more often than specified if recommended by the examining physician; and upon termination of employment.

The employer is required to provide the physician with the following information: a copy of this standard and appendices; a description of the employee's work assignments as they relate to asbestos exposure; the employee's representative level of exposure to asbestos; a description of any personal protective and respiratory equipment used; and information from previous medical examinations of the affected employee that is not otherwise available to the physician. Making this information available to the physician will aid in the evaluation of the employee's health in relation to assigned duties and fitness to wear personal protective equipment, if required.

The employer is required to obtain a written opinion from the examining physician containing the results of the medical examination; the physician's opinion as to whether the employee has any detected medical conditions that would place the employee at an increased risk of exposure-related disease; any recommended limitations on the employee or on the use of personal protective equipment; and a statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the results of the medical examination and of any medical conditions related to asbestos exposure that require further explanation or treatment. This written opinion must not reveal specific findings or diagnoses unrelated to exposure to asbestos, and a copy of the opinion must be provided to the affected employee.

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

Courtesy of the California Code of Regulations: http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5208h.html

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