Our nurses are qualified in performing and reading spirometries. An occupational health physician will assess and provide a report for all baseline asbestos medicals.

THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ANNUAL LUNG FUNCTION TEST FOR EMPLOYEES

Occupational asthma and many other forms of workplace based lung / pulmonary / breathing problems are preventable by wearing masks and respirators when exposed to respiratory hazards. But how can you be sure that the masks and respirators are being used correctly and appropriately by your employees?

This can only be determined if each employee completes an annual lung function test. Spirometry (which means the measuring of breath) is the most common test of lung function. Spirometry is widely used in New Zealand to test the lungs of employees exposed to respiratory hazards, which could include fumes, particulate dusts, solvents, and dangerous airborne particles.

Lung function testing is required in a number of industries where there are airborne hazards that the employee is required to be protected from such as engineering, horticulture, quarries, viticulture, painting and the building industry to name a few.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN ANNUAL LUNG FUNCTION TEST

• Provides early detection of ill health for a worker, or group of workers.

• Provides early detection of patterns and problem areas.

• Reduces the levels of absenteeism in the workplace.

• Helps to assess the effectiveness of measures implemented for protection.

• Helps to comply with relevant legislation.

Each test will take approximately 20 minutes to conduct, we will go through a respiratory questionnaire with your employees, this helps to identify any preexisting respiratory conditions that could affect the lung function test such as asthma.

ASBESTOS MEDICALS:

In the case of an asbestos medical we ask specific questions related to any historic asbestos exposures. We are able to organize baseline chest x-rays for these medicals. An occupational health physician from Hemisphere Health will review each baseline lung function and x-ray, producing a report which will outline outcomes and make any recommendations if required.

Worksafe NZ have clear requirements for the health monitoring of employees who are exposed to Asbestos. To see the up to date information on your responsibilities as an employer please visit the below link -

http://www.worksafe.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/guidance-by-hazard-type/asbestos

Precious People can assist you by conducting your annual asbestos medicals plus providing a report which meets Worksafe NZ requirements. We can go through the required paperwork and assist your staff to be placed on the NZ Asbestos Register.