There are an estimated 12,000 deaths due to Occupational Lung Disease each year linked to past exposures at work, with 19,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems among those who have worked in the last year. Nearly 15% of asthma in working adults is caused by their working environment.
Lung function tests play a crucial role in not only detecting work-related lung damage but also in preventing it.
In 2002 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations were introduced to require employers to control the exposure of employees to hazardous substances which could adversely affect their health. Employers are required to assess the exposure and the risk this exposure could cause health issues.
A Spirometry test will aim to detect lung damage from exposure to sensitisers and substances that can potentially cause ill health.
The list below, provided by the Oxford Handbook of Occupational Health, identifies a sample of casual exposures and the industries they may be found in:
How is a spirometry test performed?
After completing a health questionnaire the lung function test will be carried out using a Spirometer which measures how much air can be breathed out in one forced breath.
The results will be analysed by one of our Occupational Health Doctors and compared to the expected result for a person of similar age, height, sex, and ethnicity. The result will be communicated to the employee and employer along with any recommendations and referral letter to be handed to their GP if required.
When all of your employees which require Spirometry are tested, the results can be used to spot any potential trends and identify any potential weaknesses in your control measures and risk assessments.
How often is Spirometry Testing Required?
Spirometry tests should be carried out at the beginning of employment to provide baseline results and then on a yearly basis to monitor for any potential changes. Where an employee returns abnormal results, tests may be recommended on a more regular basis to monitor the situation more closely.
How can Aardvark help?
With our fleet of Mobile Medical Centres we are able to come to your site with all we need to provide Spirometry testing and any other Health Surveillance testing required, including the space required to perform the tests, removing the need for you to arrange a space for us.
