Spirometry is the most common form of measuring lung function. It is an important tool that is used in health surveillance to monitor and assess employees who work with substances that can cause occupational lung disease. Lung function testing is compliant with health surveillance requirements as laid down by the COSHH Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2002 for substances identified as respiratory sensitisers.
Caer Health Services is able to conduct spirometry testing on site or at our own premises. It is simple to undertake and takes approximately 15 minutes per person. A lung function questionnaire is completed before the test which will include looking at occupations and exposures. The test results will be explained to the employee at the time of the test and a report will go to management for your records.
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There are a number of trade specific respiratory sensitisers, all of which can cause occupational lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or occupational asthma. This is not a complete list and reference should be made to COSHH Regulations. Normally health surveillance requirements, specifically lung function/spirometry, is indicated in work activities which involve:
- Isocyanates
- Vehicle spray paint
- Soldering
- Wood work
- Laboratory animal work
- Bakers
- Welding
- Paints, adhesives, resins
- Engineering
- Cleaning
- Motor Repair
- Printing
- Asbestos
- Silica dust
Occupational asthma is an important occupational health problem with serious implications for both affected individuals and employers. Prevention of occupational asthma and its long-term consequences depends on reducing the risk from exposure to substances known to cause occupational asthma and on the early recognition of individual cases and previously unsuspected causative agents. The employer’s COSHH assessment should identify the presence of substances known to cause asthma in the workplace, the risks to health, the measures to prevent or control exposure and processes for health surveillance
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