I am looking for some advice on respirators and lung function. Is there any advice or guidance available for an employer who has an employee with restricted lung function and their job will require them to regularly use a respirator?

Hi Mark As Animax01 says best help and advice could be sort from Occ Health Provider, I am currently using an Occ Health Provider for these very tests as part of the health assessment program I carry out. My Occ Health Provider informed me that a lung function test is also referred to as spirometry which is a breathing test to assess lung function. They are completed to assess lung function as part of a routine programme of health assessment where there is exposure to respiratory sensitizers or other substances which could cause harm to lung function. This ensures that employers meet their obligations following risk assessment under Health & Safety at Work Regulations. I think the important thing is to have completed pre-exposure, to ensure fitness for work and to obtain baseline data, so that your particular employee who has restricted lung function can be assessed and the correct controls and/or if further tests are required to monitor a person. annually thereafter. Also check out the HSE web link - http://www.hse.gov.uk/co.../basics/surveillance.htm Regards

We currently use a mixture of battery powered respirators with a hood, airlines running compressed air with hoods and also half masks. They each have advantages and disadvantages, but you will find that either the battery powered respirator or the airline would suit the user as they place little or no extra strain on the breathing. The only problem with using an airline and compressed air is that it can be quite dry and pose other issues. So going back to what Chris said, you may find that a battery powered respirator is for you. I know that Scott, Sundstrom and 3M (other types may be available) all do their own versions, and depending on the nuisance you require filtering, they will have filters to suit in most cases. This may be an easier option than the OC health route. Don't forget that these will all require pre use checks, regular cleaning and maintenance etc. On a side note, you may want to revisit your COSHH assessment and decide whether OC health surveillance is actually a required for all staff? Good luck.

Spirometry measures the volume of air contained in the lungs and the amount and rate of air expelled. Basic lung function. It is perfectly possible to perform well in spirometry, but poorly at other lung function tests such as gas diffusion. I presume you are concerned that the person may well be unable to inhale/exhale well with a passive respirator (they may also have trouble with the extra carbon dioxide inhaled). The respirators which provide filtered air to the face are much better than the passive face masks.