Department of the Interior
Departmental Manual
Effective Date: 3/12/99
Series: Safety Management
Part 485: Safety and Occupational Health Program
Chapter 17: Industrial Hygiene Program
Originating Office: Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety
485 DM 17
17.1 Purpose. To specify the minimum Safety and Occupational Health Program (Program) requirements for providing employees adequate protection from chemical, physical and/or biological stressors, such as noise, chemical exposures, excessive temperatures, dusts, mists, and vapors.
17.2 References.
A. Executive Order 12196.
B. 29 CFR 1960, Subpart C, Standards.
C. Department of the Interior Occupational Medicine Program Handbook.
17.3 Requirements.
A. The Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety (MRPS) and each bureau will have readily available the services of an industrial hygienist(s).
B. Each bureau shall evaluate potential health hazards in the workplace and control them using appropriate means. Engineering controls shall be used as the primary means to prevent exposure to hazards. Administrative controls and personal protective equipment will supplement engineering controls as appropriate.
C. Each bureau shall provide a respiratory protection program for employees who are exposed to potentially harmful gases, vapors and particulates. The written program will comply with current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, as a minimum. Medical evaluations of respirator users shall be conducted prior to issuing respiratory equipment and should be performed consistent with guidelines in the Department of the Interior Occupational Medicine Program Handbook.
D. Each bureau shall provide a hearing conservation program for employees who are exposed to noise equal to or exceeding an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA. The written program will comply with current OSHA regulations, as a minimum. Medical evaluations of employees exposed to noise in excess of the standards shall be conducted prior to employees assignments to the noise hazard area and should be performed consistent with guidelines in the Department of the Interior Occupational Medicine Program Handbook.
E. Each bureau shall provide a hazard communications program for employees potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals. The written program will comply with current OSHA regulations, as a minimum.
F. Each bureau shall provide a medical surveillance program for employees who are exposed to chemical, physical and/or biological stressors at concentrations exceeding the applicable OSHA Action Level. The written program will comply with current OSHA regulations, as a minimum. Medical evaluations of such employees shall be conducted prior to employee assignment to the hazard area and should be performed consistent with guidelines in the Department of the Interior Occupational Medicine Program Handbook.
G. Employee medical records shall be maintained in accordance with current OSHA regulations and the Privacy Act. Current guidance on maintenance of employee medical record can be found in the Department of the Interior Occupational Medicine Program Handbook.
3/12/99 #3247
Replaces 6/10/91 #485A-1