What is the requirement for testing members for tuberculosis? How often should fire department personnel be screened for tuberculosis?
Cal/OSHA regulation, Title 8, section 5199 is the standard when working with patients who have, or are suspected of having an Airborne Transmissible Disease (ATD). The requirements for protecting and screening for TB are in this standard. This standard requires annual TB tests and mandated medical follow-up if the test indicates positive for TB. Additionally, the employer is also required to provide vaccinations for a variety of ATDs, including mumps, measles and rubella, as well as tetanus and annual influenza vaccine. The full text of the ATD standard can be found here: http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5199.html. Additional information is available from NIOSH regarding TB respirators – Protect Yourself from TB.
