Occupational Medicals

Lung Function (Spirometry) & Hearing (Audiometry) Tests

Lung Function (Spirometry) & Hearing (Audiometry) Tests

Audiometry
Regulated under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Act, employees exposed to a wide audio range require continued health surveillance. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is one of the most prevalent and irreversible industrial diseases and if left unchecked, can prompt early retirement on ill-health grounds.

The HSE recommends a full risk assessment programme, ensuring comprehensive hearing protection, reduction and restriction. A baseline audiogram is assessed and subsequent regular hearing checks suggested.

Over 1 million people in Great Britain are exposed to noise levels that put their hearing at risk.

The following industries carry a greater risk to noise exposure:-
Construction
Demolition and road repair
Woodworking
Plastics Processing
Engineering
Textiles manufacture
General fabrication
Forging, pressing or stamping
Paper or board making
Canning and bottle making
Foundries
The entertainments industry

The following tools can cause noise induced hearing loss:-
Hammering
Drop forging
Pneumatic impact tools etc
Drills
Chainsaws
Explosive sources, guns, detonators or cartridge operated tools

Lung Function
This may be an individual risk factor in your business as prolonged exposure to inhaled substances can cause Occupational Asthma and respiratory problems.

Similarly to the audio tests, a base-line is undertaken and the frequency of further tests judged on the level of exposure. These tests are usually conducted more frequently in the first two years of employment, when reaction and damage can surface.

Substances responsible for most causes of occupational asthma:-

Isocyanides – vehicle spray painting, foam manufacturing

Flour/grain/hay – handling grain at docks, milling, malting, baking

Glutaraldehyde – disinfecting instruments

Wood dusts – sawmilling, woodworking

Electronic soldering flux – soldering, electronic assembly

Latex – protective gloves for health care, motor vehicle repair, beauticians etc.

Laboratory animals –laboratory animal work

Some glues/ resins – curing of epoxy resins

Respiratory sensitizers are subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002

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