262Medical examinations

262  Medical examinations

(1) An employer performing limited asbestos removal work must arrange for appropriate medical examinations to be conducted by a registered medical practitioner for each employee engaged in ongoing asbestos removal work if there is a risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres in excess of one half of the asbestos exposure standard.

(2) Respiratory protective equipment must not be taken into account in establishing whether there is a risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres in excess of one half of the exposure standard.

(3) The employer must ensure that medical examinations are provided—

(a) before the employee commences asbestos removal work for the first time for that employer unless the employee has had an appropriate medical examination within the preceding 2 years; and

(b) at intervals of not more than 2 years; and

(c) within 30 days after the employee has ceased asbestos removal work unless the employee has had an appropriate medical examination within the preceding year.

(4) In this regulation the duties of an employer in relation to medical examinations extend to an independent contractor.