Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

For how many years must exposure records to toxic substances be maintained?

1. 10 years

2. 15 years

3. 30 years

4. 5 years

The correct answer is: 30 years

The correct answer is based on the regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). According to OSHA standards, employers are required to maintain exposure records for toxic substances for a minimum of 30 years. This long duration is essential due to the potential long-term health effects that exposure to toxic substances might have on workers, which may not manifest until many years later. By maintaining these records, employers support employees' rights to assess their exposure throughout their employment, facilitate medical evaluations, and aid in any necessary compensation claims related to occupational diseases. Hence, the requirement to retain exposure records for 30 years ensures that critical information about an employee’s exposure history is available for their entire working life and beyond, underscoring a commitment to workplace safety and health.