Occupational Health Medical Surveillance

Georgetown University’s (GU) Medical Surveillance Program provides information, training, prevention, and clearance procedures for GU personnel with potential exposure to hazardous environments such as noise, chemicals, animal contact, animal allergens, or other hazards related to occupational exposures at Georgetown University. GU personnel will participate in this program in compliance with OSHA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, AAALAC Int., OLAW, District of Columbia codes, and Georgetown University policies.

Areas of Focus

Animal Exposure Medical Surveillance

Individuals who work with or near animals in a modern research setting are at risk for animal-related allergy, injury, and infectious disease. The risks vary depending on the species being used, the source of the animals, the quantity and quality of contact with or exposure to the animals, and other factors. Individuals who work with hazardous chemicals for extended periods face the risk of acute or chronic health effects. Georgetown University’s Occupational Health program establishes policies for distinct user categories to negate the hazards associated with chemical and animal use.

Occupational Noise Exposure

In workplaces with high noise levels, there is a risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss if proper precautions are not taken. GU has implemented a Hearing Loss prevention program to monitor employees who are exposed to higher levels of occupational noise and to mitigate the effects by providing audiometric exams, training, and personal protective equipment. Employees exposed to noise levels greater than 85dB or above, measured as an 8-hr TWA, or a one-time exposure to 95dB or greater are enrolled in the hearing conservation program. Additional information can be found on our Hearing Conservation Program webpage.

Respiratory Protection Program

Employees who use respiratory protective equipment are required to be medically evaluated to determine if the worker is free from any physiological or psychological conditions that may prevent the use of the selected respirator. Respiratory protection is required when workers have to perform tasks in atmospheres that are oxygen-deficient or contain airborne chemical or biological contaminants above occupational exposure limits. Additional information can be found on our Respiratory Protection Program webpage.

Formaldehyde Exposure

This program extends to employees exposed to formaldehyde at concentrations at or exceeding the action level (AL) or exceeding the short-term exposure limit (STEL), employees who develop signs and symptoms of overexposure to formaldehyde, and all employees exposed to formaldehyde in emergencies.

Cholinesterase Surveillance

The Cholinesterase Surveillance Program is a mandatory employee health monitoring program. Its objective is to ensure that working with cholinesterase-inhibiting compounds such as organophosphate and carbamate pesticides do not adversely affect workers’ health by measuring
cholinesterase levels in blood.

Cholinesterase Surveillance Program Plan (COMING SOON!)

For more information please contact the Occupational Health group at gu-ehs@georgetown.edu