Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 1046 - Medical and Physical Fitness Qualification Standards

A. Applicability. This appendix A to subpart B of part 1046 provides the minimum, medical and physical fitness qualifications, criteria and guides to be used by designated physicians and management supervisory officials in advising responsible DOE officials whether the medical and physical condition of protective force personnel to be employed by DOE contractors reasonably assures that they can effectively perform their normal and emergency duties without undue hazard to themselves, fellow employees, the plant site and the general public.

B. Application of Medical and Physical Fitness Qualification Standards.

(1) The standards in this appendix are the minimum necessary to determine the medical and physical capability of protective force personnel to perform all normal and emergency duties effectively and safely.

(2) Security police officer applicants shall meet the applicable medical and physical fitness standards in this appendix prior to assignment to security police officer duties.

(3) Incumbent security police officers shall meet the applicable physical fitness standards in this appendix within one year of the effective date of theses standards and once every twelve months thereafter or shall be relieved of security police officer duties subject to the provisions in paragraph G of this appendix.

(4) Incumbent security police officers shall meet the applicable medical standards prior to assignment to security police officer duties and annually thereafter, subject to the provisions of paragraph G of this appendix.

(5) Security officers shall meet the applicable standards in this appendix prior to assignment to security officer duties and biennially thereafter, subject to the provisions of paragraph J of this appendix.

(6) The determination of whether or not the examinee meets the medical standards in this appendix shall be made by a designated physician.

(7) The determination of whether or not the examinee meets the physical fitness standards in this appendix shall be made by a designated management supervisory official in coordination with a designated physician.

(8) When a designated physician determines that special medical evaluations and practical performance tests are necessary in order for an examinee to demonstrate the examinee's abilities to perform all normal and emergency duties, a determination of the adequacy of performance shall be made by a designated physician.

(9) For those facilities where it is necessary to determine the medical qualification of security police officers or security police officer applicants to perform special assignment security police officer duties which might require exposure to unusually high levels of stress or physical exertion, field office managers may develop more stringent medical qualification requirements or additional medical or physical tests as necessary for such determinations. All such additional qualification requirements shall be forwarded, with justification, for the approval of the Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, prior to application and if approved, shall be implemented in the same manner that these qualification standards have been implemented.

(10) The provisions of DOE 5480.1A, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SAFETY, AND HEALTH PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR DOE OPERATIONS, of 8-13-81, Chapter VIII, Part 4 (including any updates) apply for return to work after recovery from a temporarily disqualifying medical or surgical condition.

C. Administrative Procedures and Requirements.

(1) Medical Confidentiality and Retention of Medical Reports.

(a) The medical information and data on each employee or applicant shall be maintained as confidential, privileged medical information and shall not be released by a designated physician without the written consent and release of the employee or applicant, except as permitted or required by law.

(b) When an individual has been examined by a designated physician, all available history and test results should be retained by the responsible DOE or DOE contractor medical department, in accordance with DOE 5480.1A, Chapter VIII, Part 4, whether or not the individual completes the examination, and whether or not potentially disqualifying defects are recorded.

(2) Change of Health Status of Protective Force Personnel.

(a) It is the specific responsibility of protective force employees to report immediately to their supervisor any known or suspected change in their health which might impair their capacity for duty or the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.

(b) Supervisory personnel have the responsibility to make a timely report to a designated physician on any behavioral and health changes and deterioration in work performance that is observed in protective force personnel under their jurisdiction. Examples of areas that may indicate medical and emotional problems include: incidents of ineptness, poor judgment, lack of physical or emotional stamina, social incompatibility, excessive absence, lateness, and a tendency to become accident prone.

(3) Use of Corrective Devices.

(a) When the use of corrective devices, such as eyeglasses and hearing aids, is required to enable an examinee to meet successfully medical qualification requirements, a determination shall be made by a designated line supervisory authority that the use of all such devices is compatible with all emergency and protective equipment that the examinee may be required to wear or use while performing his or her assigned job duties.

(b) It is incumbent upon cognizant field office management to exercise all reasonable and practicable effort to accommodate required emergency and protective equipment to the use of corrective devices, including the provision of equally effective alternate equipment if such is available.

(c) If eyeglasses are used, they shall be of the safety glass type.

D. Security Police Officer Medical Qualification Standards.

(1) General Qualifications. The examinee shall possess mental, sensorial, and motor skills as required to perform safely and effectively all assigned job duties. Such qualifications include:

(a) Mental alertness and reliable judgment;

(b) Acuity of senses and ability of expression sufficient to allow accurate communication by written, spoken, audible, visible, or other signals; and,

(c) Motor power, range of motion, neuro-muscular coordination and dexterity.

(2) Specific Minimum Qualifications.

(a) Head, Face, Neck, Scalp. Configuration suitable for fitting and effective use of personal protective equipment when the use of such equipment is required by assigned normal or emergency job duties.

(b) Nose. Ability to detect odor of products of combustion and of tracer and marker gases.

(c) Mouth and Throat. Capacity for clear and audible speech as required for effective communication on the job.

(d) Ears. Hearing loss in the better ear not to exceed 30 db average at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz with no level greater than 40 db in any of these frequencies (by ISO 1964 and ANSI 1969 audiometry). If a hearing aid is necessary, suitable testing procedures shall be used to assure auditory acuity equivalent to the above requirement.

(e) Eyes

(1) Distant Visual Acuity.

(a) Uncorrected acuity of no less than 20/200 in the better eye.

(b) Corrected acuity of at least 20/30 in the better eye and 20/40 in the other eye.

(c) If uncorrected distant vision in the better eye is not at least 20/40, security police officers shall carry an extra pair of corrective lenses.

(2) Near Visual Acuity. Corrected or uncorrected vision of at least 20/40 (14/28 Snellen) in the better eye.

(3) Color Vision. Ability to distinguish red, green, and yellow. Special color vision testing and certification shall be required where fine color discrimination is critical to the safe or effective performance of assigned job tasks.

(4) Peripheral Vision. Field of vision in the horizontal meridian shall not be less than a total of 140 degrees.

(5) Depth Perception. Adequate depth perception as measured by stereopsis or demonstration in a practical operational test.

(f) Cardiorespiratory.

(1) Respiratory. Capacity and reserve to perform physical exertion in emergencies at least equal to the demands of the job assignment, and ability to utilize respiratory protective filters and air supply masks when this emergency equipment is required by assigned job requirements.

(2) Cardiovascular. Normal configuration and function. Capacity for exertion during emergencies. Normal resting pulse; regular pulse. Full symmetrical pulses in extremities and neck. Normotensive, with tolerance to rapid postural changes. If an examination reveals significant cardiac arrhythmia, murmur, enlargement, hypertension, hypotension, or other evidence of cardiovascular abnormality, an evaluation by a specialist in internal medicine or cardiology may be required and evaluated by a designated physician.

(g) Abdomen and Viscera. No clinically significant abnormalities.

(h) Musculo-Skeletal. Normal symmetrical structure, range of motion, and power.

(i) Skin. No significant abnormal intolerance to chemical, mechanical and other physical agents. Capability to tolerate use of personal protective covering and decontamination procedures when required by assigned job duties.

(j) Endocrine/Nutritional/Metabolic.

Endocrine/nutritional/metabolic status adequate to meet the stresses and demands of assigned normal and emergency job duties. Ability to accommodate to changing work and meal schedules without potential or actual incapacity.

(k) Hematopoietic. Normal function.

(l) Lymphatic. Normal.

(m) Neurological. Normal central and peripheral nervous system function.

(n) Mental and Emotional. Normal mental status and an absence of neurotic or psychotic conditions which would affect adversely an ability to handle firearms safely or to act safely and effectively under normal and emergency conditions.

(o) Laboratory.

(1) Hemogram. Freedom from clinically significant abnormalities of the formed elements of the blood that could reasonably be expected to affect the safe and effective performance of assigned duties.

(2) Urinalysis. Absence of proteinuria and glycosuria unless the absence of a disqualifying systemic or genitourinary condition and the absence of significant microscopic abnormality has been demonstrated.

(3) Other Studies. Any other medical investigative procedure, including electrocardiogram and chest x-ray, which a designated physician considers necessary for adequate medical evaluation.

E. Security Police Officer Medical Disqualification Standards.

(1) Freedom from Incapacity. The examinee shall be free of any condition, habit, or practice which could reasonably be expected to result in sudden, subtle, or unexpected incapacitation.

(2) Conditions for Medical Disqualification. The presence of any of the following conditions shall disqualify the examinee from employment as a security police officer.

(a) Respiratory. Significant pulmonary pathology or decrease in pulmonary function which could interfere with the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.

(b) Cardiovascular.

1. Ischemic Heart Disease

2. Myocardial Infarction

3. Coronary Insufficiency

4. Angina Pectoris

5. Heart Failure

6. Significant Arrhythmia

7. Arterial Aneurysm

8. Significant Peripheral Vascular Insufficiency

9. Corrosive Heart Surgery

10. Corrective Arterial or Great Vessel Surgery

11. Prosthetic Valve

12. Artificial Pacemaker

(c) Endocrine/Nutritional/Metabolic.

(1) Any endocrine, nutritional, or metabolic condition that would not allow the examinee adequately to meet the stresses and demands of assigned normal or emergency job duties.

(2) Inability to accommodate to changing work schedules or to a delay in meals without potential or actual incapacity.

(3) Inability to tolerate prolonged use of wearing of protective garments such as respirator masks, air masks, or bullet resistant garments.

(4) Diabetes mellitus requiring the use of insulin. Uncontrolled diabetes, ketoacidosis, or diabetic coma within the previous 2 years.

(5) Obesity of such degree that it would interfere with the safe and effective performance of normal and emergency job duties.

(d) Skin. Recurrent severe dermatitis or hypersensitivity to irritants or sensitizers sufficient to interfere with wearing required personal protective equipment or likely to be aggravated by or interfere with established or required decontamination procedures.

(e) Hematopoietic Dysfunction. Clinically significant hematopoietic disorders which may interfere with the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.

(f) Malignant Neoplasms. Malignant neoplastic disease.

(g) Neurological.

(1) History of epilepsy or other convulsive disorder.

(2) History of any disturbance of consciousness or neurological disease or any other presently existing condition that may interfere with the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.

(h) Eyes. Total blindness in one or both eyes.

(i) Mental and Emotional. An established history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:

(1) Any psychological or mental condition which could cause impaired alertness, judgment, or motor ability. A history of clinically significant emotional or behavioral problems shall require thorough clinical evaluation which may include, but not necessarily be limited to, psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation.

(2) Attempted suicide or an expressed threat of suicide.

(3) A condition in which a person's intake of alcohol is sufficient to damage his or her physical health, job performance, personal functioning, or when alcohol has become a prerequisite to his or her daily functioning.

(4) A condition in which a person is addicted to or dependent on drugs as evidenced by habitual use or a clear sense of need for the drug.

(5) The use of prescribed or otherwise legally obtainable medication taken in such a dosage that a temporary delay in taking such medication might result in unacceptable incapacity. Examples of such medications are certain dosages or requirements for steroids, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, sedatives, and tranquilizers.

F. Physical Fitness Standards for Security Police Officers.

All persons authorized to carry firearms must meet a minimum standard of physical fitness. There are two categories for such persons: Offensive Combative and Defensive Combative. Persons not authorized to carry firearms are exempt from these physical fitness standards.

(1) Offensive Combative Standard must be met by all security police officers assigned to response force duties. The standard is a one (1) mile run with a maximum qualifying time of 8 minutes 30 seconds and a 40 yard prone-to-running dash with a maximum qualifying time of 8.0 seconds.

(2) Defensive Combative Standard must be met by all other security police officers authorized to carry firearms. The standard is one-half (0.5) mile run with a maximum qualifying time of 4 minutes 40 seconds and a 40 yard prone-to-running dash with a maximum qualifying time of 8.5 seconds.

(3) Qualification in the appropriate combative standard must be accomplished once every twelve months and under the supervision of the protective force training officer or other individuals designated by the responsible DOE field office.

(4) Medical Certification.

(a) Each individual who participates in a physical fitness training program to prepare to meet the physical fitness standards set forth in this appendix shall first be certified by a designated physician that he or she is medically fit to participate in the program. This certification shall be obtained not more than 30 days prior to each individual entering the physical fitness training program.

(b) Before any individual takes the physical fitness standards test he or she shall first be certified by a designated physician that he or she is medically fit to take the physical fitness qualification test. This certification shall be obtained not more than 30 days before taking the physical fitness qualification test.

(c) Individuals who require less than 30 days training prior to actual testing to meet the physical fitness standards need only obtain a single medical certification.

(5) Initial Qualification Time Limit. Individuals authorized to carry firearms shall meet the applicable physical fitness standard by September 30, 1994 and annually, thereafter using the date of initial qualification as the anniversary date.

(6) New Employees. Individuals authorized to carry firearms who are employed after September 30, 1993 shall meet the applicable physical fitness standard prior to his or her initial assignment to duties which requires such individual to carry firearms.

(7) Training Program. Incumbent security police officers shall participate in a physical fitness training program.

(8) Retesting. During each testing period a security police officer shall be permitted a maximum of six (6) and a minimum of two (2) opportunities to qualify or requalify before such security police officer must enter a training program or is removed from a security police officer position.

G. Waiver of Security Police Officer Medical Standards and Time Extension to Meet Physical Fitness Standards.

(1) Waivers of elements of the medical standards of this appendix may be granted for certain otherwise disqualifying medical or physical deficiencies by the cognizant field office management provided that:

(a) The DOE field organization authority, in consultation with a designated physician, determines that a certain medical or physical defect may be considered for waiver without compromising the intent of these medical standards to assure that all security police officers are capable of safely and effectively performing all normal and emergency duties.

(b) The individual demonstrates by medical examination and/or practical test, as determined necessary by a designated physician, the ability to perform effectively and safely all routine and emergency duties.

(c) A statement of demonstrated ability must be prepared by a designated physician and must clearly (1) identify the individual, (2) state the nature and degree of the specific medical or physical defect, and (3) record the satisfactory medical evaluation and/or performance of the practical test required by a designated physician.

(d) Waivers shall be reviewed, revalidated, and reissued at intervals not to exceed one (1) year.

(e) Individuals who have been adversely affected by application of the standards may appeal the denial of waiver to the cognizant DOE safeguards and security field office for review within 60 days after the adverse action. Further evidence may be offered relating solely to the medical or physical fitness of the individual involved. Such individual may select a representative of his or her own choice to assist and/or appear in the individual's behalf in any appeal. After findings and a determination have been made at the field office level, such individual has a right to petition the Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, within 30 days of the field office's determination for a final determination based upon his or her review of the record of the case.

(2) There will be no waivers granted from the physical fitness standards set forth in paragraph F of this appendix. However, time extensions not to exceed 6 months may be granted on a case-by-case basis for those individuals who, because of a temporary medical or physical condition as certified by a designated physician, are unable to satisfy the physical fitness standards within the required time period without suffering undue physical harm.

(H) Security Officer Medical Qualification Standards.

(1) General Qualifications. The examinee shall possess mental, sensory, and motor skills as required to perform safely and effectively all assigned job duties. Such qualifications include:

(a) Mental alertness and reliable judgment.

(b) Acuity of senses and ability of expression sufficient to allow accurate communication by written, spoken, audible, visible, or other signals.

(c) Motor power, range of motion, neuro-muscular coordination, and dexterity.

(2) Specific Minimum Qualifications.

(a) Head, Face, Neck, and Scalp. Configuration suitable for fitting and effective use of personal protective equipment when the use of such equipment is required by assigned normal or emergency job duties.

(b) Nose. Ability to detect odor of products of combustion and of tracer or marker gases.

(c) Mouth and Throat. Capacity for clear and audible speech as required for effective communication on the job.

(d) Ears. Hearing loss not to exceed 50 db average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in one ear (by ISO 1964 or ANSI 1969 audiometry).

(e) Eyes. Near and distant visual acuity, with or without correction of at least 20/40 in the better eye. One-eyed individuals may qualify.

I. Security Officer Medical Disqualification Standards.

(1) Freedom from Incapacity. The examinee shall be free of any condition, habit, or practice which could reasonably be expected to result in sudden, subtle, or unexpected incapacitation.

(2) Conditions for Medical Disqualification. The presence of any of the following conditions normally shall disqualify the examinee from employment as a security officer.

(a) Respiratory. Significant pulmonary pathology or decrease in pulmonary function which could interfere with the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.

(b) Cardiovascular.

1. Ischemic Heart Disease

2. Myocardial Infarction

3. Coronary Insufficiency

4. Angina Pectoris

5. Heart Failure

6. Significant Arrhythmia

7. Arterial Aneurysm

8. Significant Peripheral Vascular Insufficiency

(c) Endocrine/Nutritional/Metabolic.

(1) Diabetes Mellitus. Uncontrolled diabetes, ketoacidosis, or diabetic coma within the previous two years.

(2) Obesity. Obesity of such degree that it would interfere with the safe and effective performance of normal and emergency job duties.

(d) Hematopoietic Dysfunction. Clinically significant hematopoietic disorders which may interfere with the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.

(e) Malignant Neoplasms. Malignant neoplastic disease.

(f) Neurological.

(1) History of epilepsy or other convulsive disorder.

(2) History of any disturbance of consciousness or neurological disease or any other presently existing condition that may interfere with the safe and effective performance of assigned job duties.

(g) Mental and Emotional. An established history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:

(1) Any psychological or mental condition which could cause impaired alertness, judgment, or motor ability. A history of clinically significant emotional or behavioral problems shall require thorough clinical evaluation which may include, but not necessarily be limited to, psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation.

(2) Attempted suicide or an expressed threat of suicide.

(3) A condition in which a person's intake of alcohol is sufficient to damage his or her physical health, job performance, personal functioning, or when alcohol has become a prerequisite to his or her daily functioning.

(4) A condition in which a person is addicted to or dependent on drugs as evidenced by habitual use or a clear sense of need for the drug.

(5) The use of prescribed or otherwise legally obtainable medication taken in such a dosage that a temporary delay in taking such medication might result in unacceptable incapacity. For example, certain dosages or requirements for steroids, anticoagulants, antiarryhythmics, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc.

J. Waiver of Security Officer Medical Standards.

Waivers of elements of the medical standards of this appendix may be granted for certain otherwise disqualifying medical or physical deficiencies by the cognizant field office management provided that:

(1) The DOE field organization authority, in consultation with a designated physician, determines that a certain medical or physical defect may be considered for waiver without compromising the intent of these medical standards to assure that all security officers are capable of safely and effectively performing all normal and emergency duties.

(2) The individual demonstrates by medical examination and/or practical test, as determined necessary by a designated physician, the ability to perform effectively and safely all routing and emergency duties.

(3) A statement of demonstrated ability must be prepared by a designated physician and must clearly (1) identify the individual, (2) state the nature and degree of the specific medical or physical defect, and (3) record the satisfactory medical evaluation and/or performance of the practical test required by a designated physician.

(4) Waivers shall be reviewed, revalidated, and reissued at intervals not to exceed two (2) years.

(5) Individuals who have been adversely affected by application of these medical standards may appeal the denial of waiver to the cognizant DOE safeguards and security field office for review within 60 days after the adverse action. Further evidence may be offered relating solely to the medical or physical fitness of the individual involved. Such individual may select a representative of his or her own choice to assist and appear in the individual's behalf in any appeal. After findings and a determination have been made at the field office level, such individual has a right to petition the Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer within 30 days of the field office's determination, for a final determination based upon his or her review of the record of the case.

[58 FR 45791, Aug. 31, 1993, as amended at 71 FR 68738, Nov. 28, 2006]