Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 216 - Department of health
Chapter 50 - Environmental health
Subchapter 15 - HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
Part 1 - Asbestos Control
Section 216-RICR-50-15-1.12 - Medical Monitoring

A. General Requirement

Asbestos Contractors must ensure that any Asbestos Supervisor, Asbestos Worker or agent who may be exposed to airborne asbestos is medically monitored in accordance with the requirements of OSHA 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1101(m) incorporated by reference at § 1.2(A) of this Part, prior to engaging in any asbestos abatement activity. Monitoring shall include, at a minimum, those elements required by OSHA 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1101(m)(2)(ii) incorporated by reference at § 1.2(A) of this Part.

B. Asbestos Supervisors and Asbestos Workers must also be given an opportunity to be evaluated by a physician to determine their capability to safely work while breathing through the added resistance of a respirator. Examining physicians should be made aware of the nature of respiratory protective hazards and knowledgeable about the specific types of respirators the Asbestos Supervisor or Asbestos Worker shall be required to wear and the work he will be required to perform. They should also be advised as to special hazards that may exist in the work place (e.g. high temperatures, toxic contaminants).

C. Chest X-rays shall be taken by a Registered Radiological Technologist and interpreted in accordance with OSHA 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1101 Appendix E incorporated by reference at § 1.2(A) of this Part.

D. Pulmonary function testing shall be conducted by a NIOSH Certified Pulmonary Technician or other health professional with training in pulmonary function testing.