Asbestos Physicals

OSHA Physicals

Asbestos is used widely to make textiles, automotive parts, and construction materials. Asbestos is also used in the manufacturing of plastic, cement, paper and cloth to help make the materials stronger.

Asbestos fibers can be released into the air during the maintenance, building and demolition of materials that contain asbestos. The fibers can be removed if they become trapped in the throat or nose’s mucous entrance, but if swallowed, they can enter the lower respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract. The fibers can cause health problems once they are trapped in the body. Exposure to asbestos is associated with several diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

The longer an employee has been exposed to asbestos, the higher their risk of damage to their lungs.

What are the risks?

Risk of asbestos exposure is greater for the following employees:

Construction
Electricity Generation
Firefighting
Heavy Industry
Military Service
Asbestos miners
Hairdressers
Machine Operators
Mining

Risk of asbestos exposure also depends on other factors:

Duration of exposure
Chemical makeup, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers
The amount of asbestos that the person has been exposed to
Exposure source
Pre-existing lung diseases, smoking, and individual risk factors
Genetic factors

What are the OSHA Regulations?

Occupational Safety and Health Standards

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1001 - Toxic and Hazardous Substances (Asbestos)

Employers are required to institute a medical surveillance program for all employees exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos at or above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) or excursion limit (EL). The full OSHA asbestos physical must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician. Furthermore, the physical must be made available annually with the exception of the chest x-ray, which is conducted every five years within the first ten years of exposure. After ten years, the frequency of the x-ray depends on the age of the employee. Employers must also keep accurate records of exposure measurements for at least 30 years.

For more information on the Toxic and Hazardous OSHA Regulation >>>

OSHA Asbestos Physicals

What does the Asbestos Physical exam include?

We offer OSHA asbestos physicals at our clinic or within our mobile unit. An asbestos exam at CNS Occupational Medicine includes all components required by OSHA for workers who are exposed to airborne asbestos.

OSHA-required medical questionnaire
OSHA-required respirator medical questionnaire
Review of medical and work history
Comprehensive medical exam
Review of medical and work history
Chest X-ray with B Reader
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
Any additional tests (including laboratory tests) that the examining physician deems necessary upon review of medical exam results and medical work history