LUNG FUNCTION EVALUATION
Safe-Tee Management’s Occupational Health Services provides Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry Testing) to help its clients meet medical clearance requirements for employee respirator use.
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a type of lung screening used to detect and assess abnormal lung function. PFT is used primarily for workers who could be exposed to respiratory hazards, including firefighters, asbestos workers and those using a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). PFT provides baseline health data for future comparisons and testing of workers for respiratory clearance.
What is Spirometry?
This simple test, called Spirometry, measures air flow into and out of the lungs. A person blows very hard and fast into a tube attached to the spirometer and a computerized sensor calculates and graphs the results. The results demonstrate an individual's air flow rates or the volume forced out within the first second. This indicates whether or not there is airway obstruction. Spirometry also records the total volume of air forced out of the lungs.
Frequency of Test
All employees in the respirator program are tested annually as recommended by NIOSH for respirator medical qualification.
Type of Tests
- Each employee will be given a screening Blood Pressure check (MANDATORY).
- The spirometer will have its calibration verified at the beginning of each session and at least every four hours during the testing session using the ATS recommended procedure.
- Each employee will perform a Forced Vital Capacity (fvc) pulmonary function test. All employees will be required to perform a minimum of three manoeuvres that do not exceed fvc variable of 5% as required by NIOSH.
Forms
A pre-screening medical questionnaire will be filled out by the Certified Occupational Pulmonary Technologist.
Reports
A management report is furnished that lists employee name, category and date of test. Percentage reports are also included.
Follow-Up
All abnormal Spirometry tests are reviewed by the Registered Nurse. Employees who tested abnormal are referred to their family physician for further follow-up. The employee is given a package that includes a copy of their Spirometry test and a letter of referral from the Registered Nurse. The referral letter is a formal medical practice and ensures that the Registered Nurse will be informed of the diagnosis and any work restrictions that may ensue. This in turn will allow the Registered Nurse to assist the employer in developing a plan to accommodate the worker.
Respirator Fit Testing
Respirators are indispensable tools in protecting workers from airborne contaminants that can damage lung tissue, irritate the respiratory tract or be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported throughout the body.
Safe-Tee Management provides cost effective on-site Respirator Fit Testing, using both the qualitative and quantitative test protocols, as required for compliance with CSA standard. Our trained and experienced technicians are able to work in a variety of settings and work locations.
Respirator use is governed by regulations and standards that mandate fit testing to identify the appropriate respirator after medical clearance is obtained. Our respirator fit testing program ensures that workers know proper procedures for donning and cleaning their respirators, performing user seal checks, and qualitatively fit testing their respirators.
The test results are immediate and unambiguous.
The following is an outline of Safe-Tee Management’s standard fit testing services. These reports and services can be modified as long as all regulations are met.
Frequency of test
The CSA standard recommends annual fit testing for all employees using respirators. Fit testing is also required when equipment changes or when a worker gains or loses a significant amount of weight.
Type of test
All fit tests will be in accordance with CSA Standard for fit testing.
Forms
The CSA medical evaluation questionnaire and respirator use questionnaire will be filled out by the employee and reviewed by the Registered Nurse to ensure that there are no health impediments to respirator use.
Reports
A management report is furnished that will show the date of test, respirator manufacturer, model, size, material, qualitative fit factor, and id number of each employee.
A record card is provided for each employee who is respirator qualified. This card will indicate the employee name, id number, respirator manufacturer, model, size, and date of test.
Employees who do not pass the health questionnaire review will be referred to their family physician for medical clearance to wear a respirator. The Registered Nurse will provide the employee with the required letter to the physician and will follow up with the employee to ensure that they are medically cleared
Hearing Services