Occupational Asthma and Occupational Lung Disease
Services we offer- Detailed Pulmonary Function Assessment using tight parameters for determining abnormal results and year on year analysis to detect any deterioration which may be suggestive of an abnormality
- Off site chest x-ray programmes with the results read by an independent Chest Specialist with a specialist interest in Occupational Lung Disease to the ILO Pneumoconiosis Standard
- Occupational Physician opinions and management reporting
- Group interpretation of findings such that the risk versus medical findings can be properly correlated
- On site Respiratory Protective Equipment Fit Testing using subjective testing methods performed to the Approved Code of Practice relating to this requirement
General Information
Reference should be made to the COSHH regulations.
The management at work of substances which can cause Occupational Lung Disease is Statutory. Employees who are exposed to levels of substances which may result in ill health are required by the COSHH regulations to undertake Health Surveillance.
It is a requirement of the COSHH Regulations for Health Surveillance to be performed under the guidance of an Occupational Doctor. In the event of clients not having independent access to Occupational Medical Services industrial Diagnostics will appoint an Occupational Physician on behalf of our client to oversee the service and to review abnormal findings which may be work related.
Occupational Asthma
Substances which can cause Occupational Asthma are known as respiratory sensitisers. Substances falling into the category of respiratory sensitisers include:- Welding fumes
- Isocyanates
- Polyurethane/epoxy resin
- Some oil based paints
- Some adhesives
- Some grains and dusts
- Latex
- Some laboratory animals
- Wood dust
- Gluteraldehyde
- Solder/colophony
Formal Pulmonary Function Assessment along with careful documentation of any breathing symptoms occurring both at work and at home can be used to detect signs of Occupational Asthma. Any evidence of Occupational Asthma should be referred to an occupationally qualified Doctor as a matter of urgency.
Fibrosing Lung Disease
Substances which get caught in the lung tissue can cause fibrosis of the lungs (areas of hardened ineffectual lung tissue). Diseases of the lungs associated with fibrosis are usually caused Pneumoconiosis.
Substances which may cause Pneumoconiosis include:- Asbestos
- Silica dust
- Ceramic Fibre
Formal pulmonary function assessment can be used to confirm that the pulmonary system is in good working order. However, any pneumoconiosis in the early stages is symptom free and therefore it is essential that an Occupational Doctor advises of any adjunct chest x-rat programme that may be necessary. It is essential that an Occupational Doctor reviews any abnormal pulmonary function findings which may be work related.
Respiratory Protective Equipment Fit Testing Programmes
It is now a requirement of the HSE that any Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) whose efficiency is reliant upon the seal between the mask and the wearer is tested to determine if it is working efficiently.
This includes air fed masks, respirators and filtering face pieces.
Objective and subjective testing methods are appropriate for use and the Fit Test should occur every time there is a change either to the type of RPE used or the circumstances of the user.
Paper based certificates of RPE conformity are issued to each wearer and management advice is issued in the event of RPE being insufficient or unsuitable.
