What is respiratory screening/Lung function testing?
Respiratory screening or lung function testing checks the function of the lungs to make sure nothing at work has reduced their function. It is sometimes referred to as spirometry.
Lung function tests are mandatory in industries where people might be exposed to hazardous substances and respiratory sensitisers. Theses can include vapours, dust or gases which an employee may inhale. Hazardous substances within the workplace can lead to serious lung disease or occupational asthma.
Chemicals and substances harmful to health legislation
Under the Chemicals and Substances, Harmful to Health (COSHH) legislation 2002, employers are legally required to control substances which are potentially harmful to health. It is an employer’s responsibility to control the substances which pose a hazard to health.
As part of this process, control measures are required to identify the hazard, risk assess the hazard and implement control measures to reduce the risk to health. Control measures need to be assessed to ensure they are effective, and training needs to be provided to employees regarding the risk.
Which workplace activities may 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
How can we help?
We can help you to achieve legal compliance and minimise the risk of respiratory disease by completing lung function testing for your employees. These can be part of a health surveillance programme. Following the respiratory health surveillance checks, the employee and the employer will be given a Fitness for Work Certificate stating the outcome as fit for work or fit for work with restrictions.
Get in touch if you have any questions about lung function testing or to discuss your requirements further.
