Lung Function Testing (Vitalograph)
This type of health surveillance screening may need be to be carried out as part of Health Surveillance procedures required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act 1994 (C.O.S.H.H.). Health surveillance in the form of Lung Function testing is performed on employees whose work involves working with, or possible contact with, respiratory sensitisers. The lung function test will work to ensure that employees are not being adversely affected by these substances. The procedure involves completing a short Respiratory Symptoms questionnaire and a C.O.S.H.H. form, plus taking deep breaths and blowing into a machine. The results are automatically collated and allow the clinician to assess lung function compared with national averages for people of similar age, height, sex and ethnic origin.
Lung Function tests are recommended at pre-employment stage plus six weeks after to establish a baseline, followed by six monthly checks. At least an hour should have elapsed following a heavy meal and smokers should abstain for at least one hour prior to the test.
Skin Inspection
Skin inspection plus completion of a Skin Inspection form, helps ensure that exposures to substances at work are not adversely affecting the skin. This screening should be carried out at pre-employment stage, and then dependent upon job function and exposure to substances, either monthly by a trained in-house member of staff plus annually by a nurse, or weekly by a nurse e.g. where working with chrome.
Hearing Test (Audiogram)
Audiograms are carried out for those employees exposed to high levels of noise, in order to determine hearing acuity that hearing is not adversely affected by exposure to noise. The procedure complies with Health and Safety Executive regulations and requires testing in a sound proof booth. This test is recommended at pre-employment stage to establish a base line of hearing and then annually thereafter and prior to leaving the company or retiring.
Hand-Arm Vibration Assessment
Individuals who regularly work with vibrating tools are at the potential risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome - commonly known as Vibration White Finger. Early detection of problems and instigation of controls can reduce and/or eradicate the long-term health effects. Completion of a questionnaire and basic test at pre-employment to establish a baseline and thereafter annually is of primary value.
Results of Screening
Individuals are informed verbally of their results and given advice regarding any further action required. The company will be notified as to whether the individual is fit or unfit to carry out their job function. If any abnormalities are detected we will request further referral to a specialist or to their G.P. If abnormalities are felt to be caused by the working environment a plan for further investigation will be put forward to the company.
The company will be required to keep a record of Health Surveillance for 40 years. Repeat screening will be necessary as per recommendations in line with job function and exposure. Screening is also recommended prior to leaving the company to establish health upon exit.