Lung function testing, also known as spirometry, evaluates how well an individuals lungs are functioning. It is required under the control of substances hazardous (COSHH) regulations for employees at risk of inhaling harmful substances.
Purpose: Assess lung function, the test measures how effectively you can get air in and out of your lungs.
- Evaluate oxygen exchange: It also evaluates how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood.
- Determine total lung size: The test provides information about the total size of your lungs.
When considering workplace risks, we focus on potential exposures that could impact lung health, here are some key risks to watch for:
- Substances hazardous to health.
- Exposure to harmful substances: Workplace exposure to hazardous substances (e.g., chemicals, dust, fumes can affect lung function).
- Risk Assessment: Employers must assess exposure levels and the risk of adverse health effects due to these substances.
- Control Measures: Adequate control measures (such as ventilation, protective gear, and supervision) should be in place.
Respiratory risks:
- Glues and Resins: Workers exposed to glues and resins may be at risk of lung issues.
- Grain Dust: Employees in grain-related industries (e.g., agriculture, milling) may inhale grain dust, affecting lung health.
- Wood Dust: Woodworking environments pose risks due to wood dust inhalation.
- Laboratory Animals: Researchers or lab workers handling animals may face respiratory risks.
Procedure:
- Employees will be asked to breathe into a spirometer.
- The spirometer records how much air you can forcefully exhale within one second (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, or FEV1) and the total volume of air expelled (forced vital capacity, or FVC).
- The results are compared to reference values from healthy individuals with the same age, race and gender.
- The test is painless and usually takes only a few minutes.
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