Spirometry Testing
Spirometry testing is an essential component is the evaluation of respiratory symptoms and exposures in occupational medicine. It is required by the government regulations in the Cotton Dust Standard and silica exposure. It is the standard of care and best practice in multiple industries. In order to evaluate the worker with exposures, valid spirometry tests must be obtained.
TechEd's long history of both testing, consulting, and evaluating Spirometry results for quality places them in the best position to provide these services. Services can be provided on-site at the worker's location to provide convenience and efficiency.
TechEd also is a certified course provider (#118) for NIOSH Spirometry Courses. The new silica standards include a requirement for all individuals providing Spirometry testing to complete complete a NIOSH Spirometry course as of Fall 2017.
1978 OSHA Cotton Dust Standard (29 CFR 1910.1043) required that NIOSH administers course development of spirometry training within the U. S. cotton textile industry.
NIOSH Regulations requiring NIOSH Spirometry Training
In 2017 new OSHA silica standards were released requiring occupational health providers to become NIOSH certified in spirometry performance. With silica dust affecting over 2.3 million people on the U.S. workforce the need certified testers are at an all time high. We offer classes at our facility quarterly but can accommodate larger groups and onsite training.
Other Federal Regulations that require NIOSH spirometry training
2014 NIOSH Medical Examination of Coal Miners for the MSHA Final Rule (42 CFR Part 37)
2016 OSHA Final Rule for Respirable Crystalline Silica (29 CFR 1910.1053)
Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Substances
According to a report from CDC, occupational exposure to hazardous substances have been linked to asthma related deaths of individuals between the ages of 15 and 64. Individuals in the food and beverage, retail, manufacturing and tobacco industries have a greater risk of exposure to breathing in harmful substances.
What can be done:
Many times, a respiratory therapist is the first health care professional to treat an individual with an acute exacerbation. It is because of this that respiratory therapists hold a deep responsibility for recognizing occupational symptoms and triggers. If occupational triggers are not identified, the risk factors increase, and the individual could experience permanent damage or decreased function to their lung. To help our respiratory therapists identify these triggers, ongoing training and education should be done.