What is a Lung Function test?

A lung function test (spirometry) measures how well your lungs are working. The test looks out for how much air your lungs can hold and how well you move air in and out of your lungs. The test is called a spirometry lung function test. An abnormal lung function test may indicate that you have early signs of a lung condition.

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Why do I need a lung function test?

Exposure to certain substances such as isocyanates, silica dust (construction dust), flour dust, wood dust, epoxy resins, latex, laboratory animals, welding fumes and metal cutting fluids can cause harm to the lungs and cause conditions such as asthma or respiratory sensitisation.

If your staff work in an environment with substances that could cause harm to their lungs you have a duty under the COSHH Regulations 2002 and Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 to carry out a risk assessment and perform respiratory health surveillance where necessary.

Testing your employees’ lung function is an accurate and efficient way of monitoring their respiratory health and will help detect diseases such as asthma in its very early stages. Detecting adverse health effects at an early stage will mean steps can be taken to stop the disease progressing or minimise its impact.

If your employees work with respiratory hazards, then we recommend that a basic lung function test is carried out on all employees as they start working for your company. This will allow us to identify any existing problems with respiratory function and identify any individuals who are particularly at risk so that additional safety measures can be put in place. We can advise on the most appropriate frequency of ongoing lung function tests depending on the risks of the work performed by your employees.

What happens at a lung function test?

You’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire about relevant respiratory history. To perform the test, you will be seated and asked to blow through a mouthpiece attached to a spirometer a number of times, at varying speeds. The test takes approximately 10 minutes. You will be provided with information on the risks, preventative measures and types of symptoms that may indicate a problem.

There are a number of substances which can cause occupational lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or occupational asthma, and will normally trigger a health surveillance requirement.

These substances include:

• Isocyanates (Silica Dust / Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), wood dust, grain and flour dust, coal dust)
• Epoxy resin
• Welding fumes
• Metal working fluids
• Fibreglass
• Latex
• Laboratory animals

Our team can help you implement an on-site respiratory health surveillance and lung function testing programme to keep your employees safe and meet your legal obligations.

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I’ve known Debbie ever since I started my business over eight years ago. Whenever I’ve needed occupational health support, Debbie is right there for me. She has never let me down and everything she has done for me has been of the highest quality. Her professionalism and understanding of the subject is second to none and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending her services to anyone that needs an occupational health service.

Stuart Falconer, HR Consultant, Morgan Thomson HR

I have worked with Debbie on a number of occasions and she has become my ‘go to’ occupational health advisor. She is both professional and pragmatic, builds a great rapport with employees and employers alike and produces reports in quick time. Quite simply, the best OH advisor I have worked with.

Jon Phillips, HR Consultant, Calium HR

SA Law has enlisted the expert assistance of Debbie Holder for occupational health support over a number of years on behalf of numerous clients. We have always found her to be approachable and helpful in what can often be very difficult circumstances for our clients. Her advice is timely, comprehensive and comes at a very reasonable fee when compared with a number of other occupational health providers. We would have no hesitation in recommending her services to others.

Chris Cook, Partner, Head of Employment and Data Protection, SA Law

Debbie is our trusted advisor for OH matters and we regularly refer our clients to her. Debbie’s approach means her advice and reporting is always clear and concise and has really helped our clients navigate some tricky situations. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Debbie and Occupational Health Services.

Chris Miles, Assistant Manager, People Solutions, Menzies LLP

I have used Occupational Health Services for a range of employee health matters. I find the service very responsive, flexible, medically sound and professional taking into consideration both the employees’ and employers’ situation. The reports are detailed to a high standard to allow the business to review possible support and the next steps with the employee and Occupational Health Services will always advise if a further assessment may be needed.

Leanne Taylor, HR Consultant, Beststart HR

After working with a variety of occupational health providers over the years, I have never worked so closely with a provider who genuinely cares about our colleagues but also about our business. Occupational Health Services Ltd understand our business and spend time to understand our colleagues too. They are always at the end of a phone to give advice, support and give confidence to colleagues working with them for the best outcomes for all.

Linsay Baverstock, People Partner, Settle Group

Debbie has been assisting us with all of our OH needs since 2015 and I can honestly say nothing is too much trouble, quick turnaround if needed, with excellent professional assessments and advice given. Would recommend.

Michelle Bolino, Head of HR, Selectaglaze Ltd, St Albans

Occupational Health Services Ltd has greatly assisted many of my clients and their staff in assessing health issues and providing helpful guidance on road maps to improved health and attendance.

Philip Delafield, HR Consultant, Delafield Consulting ltd

We have worked with Occupational Health Services Ltd for eight years now and the service Debbie has provided has been excellent. She always responds to us within a few hours and is very accommodating to our needs. We feel really confident that our employees will have a positive experience with Debbie, even at a time when perhaps they are not positive themselves. As an employer with a relatively lean head count, we do not feel compromised or exposed with the advice Debbie provides to employees, and instead, take real benefit about how best to return employees to full health in the workplace. Would highly recommend.

Pete Howitt, HR Director, ADR Network