KAUST Health & Safety | Health Monitoring & Surveillance

Health, Safety
and Environment

Overview

Health monitoring and surveillance are the processes of evaluating the health of worker(s) as it relates to their potential exposure in the workplace or lab to biohazardous agents, monitor the results of an exposure, and arranging for and monitoring post-exposure prophylaxis.

Health monitoring and surveillance are a systems of ongoing health checks. All medical information is kept in strict confidence within the Occupational Health department.

Health Surveillance Is Necessary Where There Is Exposure To:

Health Surveillance Is Necessary Where There Is Exposure To:
Sensitizers, animal allergens and respirable toxins
Noise, laser, and radiation
Substances with systemic toxicity e.g., lead

Health Surveillance Is Conducted When:

An individual being exposed to a hazardous substance that is linked to an identifiable disease of adverse health effect
There is a reasonable chance that the disease or adverse health effect may occur under the conditions of work
There are valid techniques of detecting disease or adverse health effects

Health Surveillance Is Important For:

Detecting ill-health effects at an early stage, and ensuring better controls to prevent them getting worse
Providing data to help evaluate health risks in the workplace
Enabling employees to raise concerns about how work affects their health
Highlighting lapses in workplace control measures and providing invaluable feedback to the risk assessment
Providing an opportunity to reinforce training and education of employees on the impact of health effects and the use of protective equipment

Animal Exposure Program

The goal of KAUST’s Animal Exposure Program is to provide a safe work environment and prevent injury and illness for those exposed to animals during their work. The main emphasis is on prevention, avoidance, control, or elimination of hazards associated with exposure to and handling of animals. Enrollment in this program is mandatory for all IACUC protocol participants and others exposed to animals in the course of their work. Those exposed to animals will be enrolled into the program by their supervisor.

Who Needs To Be Enrolled In The Animal Exposure Medical Evaluation Program?

Laboratory personnel working with any human or human derived materials (cell lines, tissues, bodily fluids, etc.) should receive the Hepatitis B and Tetanus Diphtheria (TD) vaccination. The TD and Hepatitis B vaccine and the subsequent titer testing (Hepatitis B only) is made available to all employees and students with occupational exposure.

What Do I Do If Need A Vaccine Booster?

If it has been identified that you require a tetanus diphtheria, Hepatitis B or Rabies vaccination through a health surveillance program (e.g., Animal Exposure program screening program, Blood borne pathogen exposure program) you will require documentation to support your vaccination status (including titer where vaccination records cannot be produced). In the Kingdom, vaccinations can be provided at KAUST health. More information can be found by visiting the Immunization Program here.

Tetanus Diphtheria

Hepatitis B

Rabies

What Do I Do If I Work Or Believe I Should Be Enrolled In A Health Monitoring And/Or Surveillance Program?

Those who have workplace exposure will be enrolled into the appropriate program by their supervisor.

Noise Surveillance Program

The Noise Surveillance Program is designed to protect employees from the harmful effects of workplace noise exposure. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to irreversible hearing loss and other health issues. This program ensures that noise levels in the workplace are regularly monitored, and employees are provided with the necessary protective measures.

Employees working in environments where noise levels consistently exceed 85 decibels (dB) should be included in the Noise Surveillance Program. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals working with heavy machinery, power tools, or in areas with high ambient noise.

Noise Monitoring:
Regular assessments are conducted by Industrial Hygiene to measure noise levels in various work areas. These assessments help identify areas where noise exposure may be harmful and determine the need for protective measures.

Hearing Protection:
Employees identified as working in high-noise areas are provided with appropriate hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. The use of this equipment is mandatory in designated areas.

Audiometric Testing:
Employees enrolled in the program will undergo baseline and annual audiometric tests to monitor hearing levels over time. This helps identify any early signs of hearing loss, allowing for timely intervention.

Reporting and Follow-up:
Any changes in hearing ability or concerns about noise exposure should be reported to Occupational Health immediately. Follow-up testing and consultions will be arranged as needed.

Your Responsibilities:

Use Hearing Protection: Always wear the provided hearing protection in designated areas. Failure to do so can result in hearing loss and other health issues
Attend Audiometric Tests: Participate in scheduled audiometric tests to monitor your hearing. These tests are essential for detecting early signs of hearing loss.
Report Issues: If you experience any hearing difficulties or notice high noise levels in your work area, report them to Occupational Health promptly.

Need more information on the program Hearing Conservation Program

Working with Lasers

This program applies to personnel, post-doctoral researchers, university students, visiting students, visiting researchers, consultants, service providers, and tenants who perform work as defined by KAUST while on or off campus directly involved with the use of lasers (Class 3b and 4) in KAUST facilities. In alignment with ANSI Z136.1-2022, personnel working with Class 3b (3B) and/or Class 4 lasers or laser systems are not required to obtain either a pre- employment or post-employment medical examination specific to laser use.

In the event of any accidental or suspected eye exposure to laser radiation, the individual must report to KAUST health emergency room as soon as possible (within 48 hours). A thorough eye examination shall be conducted by a qualified ophthalmologist, as specified in ANSI Z136.1-2022. In addition to the acute symptoms, consideration shall be given to the exposure wavelength, emission characteristics and exposure situation to ensure appropriate medical referral (see Laser Eye Injury Description Sheet).

Respiratory Sensitizers

Respiratory sensitizers are substances that can cause an irreversible allergic reaction in the respiratory system when inhaled. Once sensitized, even minimal exposure can trigger symptoms. These substances can irritate and damage the nose, throat, and lungs, though sensitization often develops over months or years of exposure.

Common respiratory sensitizers include: