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Lung function test - Testing for welding
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wilco612  
#1 Posted : 04 March 2019 13:56:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
wilco612

Hi all

I am trying to gauge how often a lung function test should be carried out. From what I can see if an employee has been employed for some time, the test only needs to be done every three years but may be done more frequently if the risk is high.  We have a number of maintenance workers who weld infrequently.

Has anyone any guidance that they use?

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George_Young  
#2 Posted : 04 March 2019 14:00:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
George_Young

This is something that I have not carried out or even looked into, but would an air monitoring assessment identify your query? 
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wilco612  
#3 Posted : 04 March 2019 14:10:20(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
wilco612

We have health surveillance in place for all factory workers. The 2 men in maintenance however carry out welding work and now with the changes to the rules could be more prevalent that we have the lung function test. The only thing I am not 100% sure on is the frequency.

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stevedm  
#4 Posted : 05 March 2019 11:30:10(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stevedm

We do it in line with Construction Better Health guidance...on pre-employment after 12 months and then every 3 years...every welder also has the option of a flu jab...  :)

Hope that helps...

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hilary  
#5 Posted : 07 March 2019 11:07:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
hilary

We have our lung function tests carried out annually for welders and those in contact with foam packaging.

We also have annual urine tests for welders to check for heavy metal and manganese build ups.

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jdc1975@hotmail.co.uk  
#6 Posted : 07 March 2019 12:15:19(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
jdc1975@hotmail.co.uk

I will start by looking at the COSHH assessment and find out what type of substances are involved in the activities you alluded to.

Those will give you an indication on the type of test and/or frequency of the tests. Some substances have statutory monitoring such as lead, asbestos, silica dust etc. 

If it is primarily welding, then yoou will need to ascertain what type of fumes are generated. This may come from the MSDS of the solders or any other materials used in the process.

Hope this helps.

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wilco612  
#7 Posted : 08 March 2019 08:47:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
wilco612

Yes it all helps.  We have now decided to purchase RPE where we cannot use the LEV which is available.

We are also in the process of having lung function tests on those who carry out welding.

I will have a look at the urine tests as well as I hadn't considered that.

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