The Quick answer is Yes… Provided it is essential and there has been a specific person and site COVID Risk Assessment. As such, it is not currently a routine test, but more of a test if there are new or underlying lung function / respiratory problems that need to be urgently assessed.
Typically, almost all employees would have undergone a Spirometry test. While we are battling through COVID, only one person here and there has the physical test, with all others undergoing a questionnaire assessment as a temporary measure.
If you need support with anything related to COVID safeguards, Occupational Health or Spirometry, please get in touch at 01656 470044 or email [email protected] and we will aim to get back to you within an hour – or check our website for more information.
Introduction
The current COVID pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty around normal working practices and health surveillance is one of them. Spirometry testing. Raising the question can and should spirometry testing be undertaken during the pandemic?
Due to the need for an individual to exhale sharply in a spirometry test (potentially causing droplets to become airborne) and the way in which COVID-19 is transmitted between people through respiratory particles and indirect contact through contact with contaminated surfaces, completing spirometry testing would then increase the risk of potential transmission even with social distancing in place.
What can employers do?
Employers still have a duty of care to ensure employees health, safety and welfare in regard to the transmission of COVID in the workplace.
According to the HSE “Spirometry can be conducted after completing a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and putting in place appropriate controls.”.
Considerations we consider and implement if a person does need Spirometry testing:
- What is the prevalence of COVID within the community in which you are testing?
- What are the risks and benefits of spirometry testing – Only performing spirometry tests is essential.
- Screening individuals prior to testing
- Put in place controls to protect both individual and Health Assessors such as doing the test outdoors
- Strict sanitisation of equipment before and after use
- Strict PPE, hand washing and face masks
If spirometry is not considered clinically essential, we have substituted the need to complete routine spirometry testing by utilising a health questionnaire. Spirometry health surveillance is required by law and implementing a health questionnaire as an alternative to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID during the pandemic is compliant with HSE guidance.
The questionnaire gives individuals the chance to raise concerns without putting anyone at risk. Occupational Health Assessors would then review the health questionnaires to identify any indicators of ill health. If no indicators are identified, then that individual’s routine spirometry testing can be deferred for a maximum of 12mths. If an indicator is identified, then an appropriate referral would be made to their GP or an Occupational Health Physician for further investigation.
Due to the current climate with COVID19, it is uncertain as to when occupational health can continue Spirometry tests however we hope to be on-site completing your spirometry health surveillance as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you or an employee has concerns regarding spirometry/lung function, we can still do the test provided we follow the strict assessment and safeguards identified.
Please get in touch with us on 01656 470044 or email [email protected] and we will aim to get back to you within an hour – or check our website for more information.
