Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials like sand, stone, and concrete. When these materials are cut, drilled, or crushed, they release tiny silica dust particles into the air.
Inhaling these particles can lead to serious health issues like silicosis, lung cancer, and kidney disease. That’s why it’s so important to have a robust system in place to monitor and mitigate silica exposure in the workplace.
One of the key components of a comprehensive silica safety program is the silica physical exam.
In this article, we’ll break down what this exam entails and why it’s crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of your team.
Related Article: How to Protect Your Team from the Effects of Silica
Related Article: New OSHA Initiatives to Combat Silica Exposure in Engineered Stone Industry
Understanding the OSHA Silica Standard
In 2017 OSHA began to enforce its new silica rule for the construction industry. Less than a year later, the updated standard went in effect for general industry and maritime.
OSHA reduced the permissible exposure limit for silica (PEL) on a work site substantially – about 1/5 of the previous limit.
Industry groups argued that several of the provisions, including the PEL drop, were both unnecessary and economically unfeasible. Despite the challenges, the rule stuck.
Now, employers for the 2.3 million workers exposed to respirable (airborne) silica must take precautions to lower exposure levels, update equipment, and implement exposure control plans.
If you’re part of that group, then you also must implement a medical surveillance program, which includes silica physical exams.
- See OSHA Instruction: National Emphasis Program – Respirable Crystalline Silica
- See OSHA Standard on Respirable Crystalline Silica Focused Inspection Initiative in the Engineered Stone Fabrication and Installation Industries
FAQs About The Silica Physical Exam
What is the purpose of medical surveillance testing?
Medical surveillance identifies any health effects in an employee associated with silica exposure, among other hazardous materials.
Early detection allows employees to seek appropriate action fast.
Testing also determines whether or not any current conditions, such as COPD, make an employee more sensitive to silica exposure.
- See OSHA Publication on Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1053.
When is a Silica Physical Required?
Is your team required to wear respirators for 30 days or more per year? Are those respirators required to protect them from silica dust exposure?
If so, OSHA requires you to complete silica physical exams, if the exposure meets or exceed the action level.
One standard paver cut releases enough silica dust to meet the PEL for over 29 years worth of shifts. So, it really doesn’t take much to reach the limit – 50 micrograms per cubic meter over an 8-hour shift.
Now, cut that in half – 25 micrograms per cubic meter. That’s your action level.
As for the respirator use, any amount of respirator use on a given day, even just for a few minutes, counts as a full day toward the 30 day limit. Remember, that 30-day limit is over a 365-day period.
However, employers do not have to keep track of when workers wear respirators with another employer.
All silica physical exams should be:
- Available at no cost to employees
- Available at a reasonable time and place
- Performed by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP)
- Offered at least every three years following the initial exam, unless recommended more often by a PLHCP.
- The baseline silica physical must be offered within 30 days of the worker’s first day on that job
What’s Included in the Silica Physical?
Medical and Occupational History Review
The silica physical exam requires that a PLHCP reviews the employee’s complete medical and job history.
Employees will be asked about exposure to silica and other chemicals, breathing problems, tuberculosis, tobacco use, and any heart conditions.
This information must be updated every three years, if working conditions remain the same.
Physical Examination
The physical exam, with special emphasis on the respiratory system, must be performed during the baseline silica exam. It should be completed during the baseline silica physical, and every three years after.
The PLHCP examines the cardiac system, extremities, and other pertinent organ systems.
The silica physical exam also includes a suite of diagnostic tests, such as:
- Skin & blood tests: To check for any indicators of TB, kidney or liver issues
- Chest X-ray: To detect any signs of lung damage or disease
- Pulmonary Function & Spirometry: To measure lung function and capacity
Testing for Tuberculosis (TB)
The TB test must be completed with the initial examination.
There are two types of TB tests: Skin & blood. The blood test does not require a follow-up, so it is more common for silica physical.
If the PLHCP determines that the employee is at higher risk for TB, he/she may request to perform this testing annually. Also, if the employee does have TB, then he/she will be referred to a specialist.
Chest X-Ray with B Reader
The baseline exam requires an initial chest X-ray, and one ever three years following the first exam.
Chest X-rays help to properly diagnose silicosis, and monitor its progression.
B readers, experts at reading x-rays for dust diseases of the lung, receive and review the results. These B readers are approved by NIOSH.
Pulmonary Function & Spirometry Test
The initial exam requires a PFT & spirometry test, and at least every 3 years following.
A PFT & spirometry tests breathing by measuring lung capacity. The testing must be administered by a spirometry technician with a current certification from a NIOSH-approved spirometry course.
Written Medical Opinion For the Silica Physical Exam
Both the employer and employee receive a written medical opinion. The documents include any recommended limitations on the employee’s future exposures.
Employees may also receive additional private medical information. The PLHCP only shares this information with that employee, unless he/she offers written consent to also give it to his/her employer.
This enhances privacy and encourages employees to participate in testing without retaliation or discrimination based on medical findings.
Respirator Requirements
If you need silica physical exams, then you likely need respirator fit testing and medical clearances.
Depending on the type of mask(s), you’ll need one of two types for each: Qualitative and/or quantitative.
A qualitative fit test relies on the employee’s sense of taste or smell, or his/her reaction to a substance (test agent) in order to detect leakage into the respirator facepiece. It’s a pass/fail exam.
A quantitative fit test utilizes a machine to measure the amount of leakage into the facepiece, instead of relying on senses.
First, though, the employee(s) require medical clearance to wear a respirator. That part of the testing can be completed online prior to fit testing.
Related: Complete Your OSHA Respirator Medical Clearance Today From Any Device
The Importance of Regular Silica Physicals
Regular silica physical exams are not only a regulatory requirement but also a critical component of protecting your employees’ health.
By catching any potential issues early, you can take proactive steps to mitigate the risks and ensure your team can continue to work safely and effectively.
Remember, the health and safety of your employees should always be your top priority. By understanding the importance of the silica physical exam and taking the necessary steps to protect your team, you’re not only fulfilling your legal obligations but also investing in the future of your business.
How do I Schedule?
You’ll need to find a medical provider in your area that specializes in occupational health.
In the case of Worksite Medical, we make that easier with mobile medical testing.
With Worksite Medical, you can get all the resources of a lab brought directly to your worksite. We’ll tailor a comprehensive medical surveillance program to your specific needs. Our services include silica exams, physical testing, heavy metal labs, PPE fit testing, x-rays, audiometric exams, and much more. And, we safely maintain all of your team’s medical records, and provide you with quick access.
You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote.
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