Why do you need it?
Crystalline silica is one of the most abundant minerals in the earth’s crust. It is found in sand, clay, gravel, and almost all types of rock including marble and granite. It is a major constituent of bricks, tiles, granite, grout, mortar, bitumen and concrete and is found in high concentrations in engineered stone used to fabricate kitchen and bathroom benchtops. When a worker is involved in cutting, grinding, sanding or polishing these materials there is a high risk of exposure to crystalline silica.
Respirable crystalline silica particles are so small they cannot be seen by the naked eye and are therefore easily inhaled deep into the lungs. Respirable crystalline silica particles also stay airborne long after larger dust particles have settled to the ground. There can be serious health consequences from exposure to respirable crystalline silica – silicosis is an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica. It results in the formation of scar tissue in the lung, leading to a loss of lung function and sometimes eventually to lung cancer.
The recent resurgence of silicosis cases is a serious concern for all workers and employers. Strict workplace safety processes, using the best health controls available, and proactive health monitoring are required to prevent or reduce workers’ risks. Exposed workers should undergo respiratory function testing, and radiological assessments need to be performed to meet evidence-based standards.
Let us help you navigate this rapidly changing regulatory environment and ensure you have robust workplace practices in place to protect your workers from silica dust.
How does it work?
Crystalline silica is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as Carcinogen Group 1. A substance is assigned in Carcinogen Group 1 if there is sufficient evidence that it is carcinogenic to humans.
Health Monitoring for crystalline silica is required:
- prior to commencing employment involving exposure to crystalline silica
- annually during employment involving exposure to crystalline silica
- at termination of employment involving exposure to crystalline silica.
The medical assessment includes:
- demographic, medical, and occupational history
- records of personal exposure
- physical examination
- standardised respiratory questionnaire to be completed – annual
- standardised respiratory function test (Spirometry) – annual
- chest X-ray full size PA view and report recorded to current International Labour Organisation Classification (ILO) – (at least every 5 years and as determined by a medical practitioner)
- health advice to the employee
- report to the employer, including fitness to work in a position involving exposure to crystalline silica and when the next Health Monitoring medical will be required.
Some jurisdictions and for some high-risk exposures include High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) and Complex Lung Function Testing as part of screening or triggered by previous screening results.
We can conduct both medical assessments and biological monitoring as part of your health monitoring requirements. These assessments can be conducted in our clinics or on your site (for minimum numbers).
