Risk-led workplace health surveillance Employee guidance

Dust, fumes and respiratory sensitisers

Respiratory surveillance shaped around the hazard, exposure and worker.

SpirometryRisk-led pathway

Spirometry measures lung function and may form part of surveillance for employees exposed to respiratory hazards where the risk-led criteria are met.

Respiratory surveillance is broader than a single lung-function reading. The programme should reflect the substance, route of exposure, control measures, symptoms and available detection techniques.

Some programmes use questionnaires, symptom review and spirometry together. Results need competent interpretation; a test without review and action is not an effective surveillance programme.

Who may need this surveillance?

Employees exposed to respiratory sensitisers where surveillance criteria are met
Workers exposed to relevant dusts, fumes, mists or vapours despite controls
Exposure groups identified through a COSHH assessment and competent advice

Important: inclusion should be based on the risk assessment and exposure, not job title alone.

What to expect

A suitable assessment, interpreted in context.

The exact process is confirmed when the risk, exposure group and programme stage are understood.

Review of work tasks, symptoms and relevant exposure information

Baseline or periodic lung-function testing where appropriate

Quality checking and clinical interpretation of the result

Advice on referral, controls or further assessment when indicated

Employer receives

Work-relevant information

A suitable surveillance outcome and any workplace recommendations the employer needs to act on, without disclosure of unnecessary confidential medical detail.

Programme frequency

No universal interval

The interval depends on the hazardous substance, exposure pattern, programme stage and clinical findings. It should be agreed for the particular risk rather than assumed to be annual.

If a concern is found

A defined next step

New or changing respiratory symptoms may require prompt clinical review. Employers may also need to review COSHH assessments and exposure controls for the worker and comparable groups.

Authoritative sources

Check the official guidance.

Regulatory and clinical claims on this page are grounded in the following sources. Content should still be clinically reviewed before launch.

Questions

Spirometry FAQs

These answers are general. A specific workplace decision needs the risk assessment and competent advice.

Is spirometry required for everyone who works around dust?

No. The COSHH assessment, actual exposure and whether valid surveillance criteria are met determine the appropriate programme.

Can spirometry diagnose occupational asthma?

A surveillance test does not by itself diagnose occupational asthma. Concerning symptoms or results require appropriate clinical investigation.

What should employees do before a lung-function test?

Preparation varies. Employees should follow the instructions provided with their appointment and bring relevant medication information when requested.

Related pathways

Explore connected services.

Noise

Audiometry

Hearing surveillance can help identify early signs of noise-related hearing damage where a workplace noise risk assessment indicates a risk to health.

Explore audiometry

Hand-arm vibration

HAVS surveillance

Health surveillance may be required where the vibration risk assessment shows a risk to health, including employees exposed at or above the exposure action value or otherwise considered at risk.

Explore havs surveillance

Skin irritants, sensitisers and wet work

Skin surveillance

Regular skin checks may be appropriate where employees remain exposed to substances or work patterns associated with occupational dermatitis.

Explore skin surveillance

Scope the programme

Tell us about the risk, people and sites.

We will use the information to plan a conversation, not to make an automated clinical or legal determination.

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