How long must exposure records be maintained after an employee has left the organization?

The correct duration for maintaining exposure records after an employee has left the organization is 30 years. This guideline aligns with federal regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which mandates that certain exposure records related to hazardous substances must be kept for at least 30 years. This long retention period is crucial because health effects from exposure to hazardous materials might not manifest until many years after the exposure has occurred.

By keeping these records for 30 years, organizations ensure that necessary information is available to support former employees in the event they experience health issues linked to their occupational exposure. This requirement ultimately contributes to worker safety and provides accountability for the organization regarding the health risks associated with hazardous work environments.