Lung Function (Spirometry)

Legislation

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, require employers to control exposures to hazardous substances to protect employees’ health. Employers must assess the exposure (exposure means taking in chemicals by breathing in, by skin contact or by swallowing) and the risk that this exposure would cause undue health effects.

What Are Workplace Spirometry Tests?

Spirometry Tests (Lung Function Tests) aim to detect early damage to lung function from exposure to respiratory sensitizers and other substances that have the potential to cause serious ill health.

For example, silicosis may be caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the stone cutting industry.

Substances that can cause Occupational Lung Disease

Substances that can cause Occupational Lung Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Occupational Asthma normally trigger a Health Surveillance requirement. Examples of such respiratory sensitizers are:

Occupational Asthma

• Isocyanates
• Welding Fumes
• Dust and other Airborne Particulates (including Wood Dust)
• Paints / Adhesives/ Resins
• Glutaraldehyde
• Latex
• Soldering Flux

Lung Disease / COPD

• Asbestos
• Silica Dust / Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS)
• Ceramic Fibre

Note: This is not a complete list and you should refer to the latest COSHH regulations/assessments.

Common Activities That Cause Respiratory Problems

• Vehicle spray painting, foam manufacturing
• Handling grain at docks, milling, malting, baking
• Soldering, electronic assembly
• Laboratory animal work
• Saw-milling, woodworking
• Curing of Epoxy resins

Healthscreen provide an on-site lung-function testing service with fully trained professionals using equipment and methods that comply with the latest standards and guidelines. Testing is convenient and simple to engage ensuring minimal disruption to your business. Each lung-function test takes approximately 10 minutes and our service includes:

• A confidential questionnaire documenting substance exposure and health history
• Blood pressure reading
• Advise and referrals for employees whose lung function is found to be affected