Tag: Lung Health Testing

TAKEAWAY: Despite regulations that protect workers from overexposure to airborne silica, there are still situations in which it can be present in the air. Employers and workers need to be aware of potential exposure signs. Read on to learn about eight signs indicating you might have a problem with airborne silica on your job site.

Airborne silica is a serious concern for employees in construction, mining, and other industries where workers can inhale this potentially hazardous material. Inhalation of silica particles can lead to severe health problems such as pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and even death.

By Jennifer Crump

What is Silica Dust?

Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring material found in many construction materials, such as concrete. In its natural form, it’s generally not harmful. When broken into smaller particles, inhaling the resulting dust can be dangerous. Silica dust particles can remain suspended in the air for several hours, posing a severe health risk to workers.

The Hazards of Airborne Silica

Inhaling crystalline silica dust can lead to long-term health complications, including chronic silicosis, pulmonary diseases, and lung cancer. These health risks are especially high in individuals exposed to high levels of silica dust for an extended period.

Contact us for all of your lung health testing requirements, such as respirator-fit testing, spirometry testing, and lung health monitoring programs.

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Signs You May Have a Problem With Airborne Silica on Your Job Site

Given the widespread exposure to silica dust and its adverse health effects, employers must understand the warning signs and symptoms associated with airborne silica exposure and take necessary precautions for prevention. 

1. Workers Partake in Tasks that Produce Silica Dust

The first indication you may have a problem with airborne silica on your job site is the materials your workers use and associated job tasks.

For example, stone products, manufactured timber, cement, asphalt, bricks, and mortar, are examples of silica-containing materials.

Several activities can release airborne silica, including:

• Clay and stone processing and cutting
• Paving and surfacing
• Excavation, earth moving, and drilling plant operations
• Demolition and construction labouring

And there are many more. Employers should understand which activities using silica-containing materials could result in elevated levels of airborne silica, thus putting workers at risk of overexposure. Industries with the highest risk levels include construction, mining, masonry, and oil and gas.

The problem with looking for signs of silica in the workplace is that the particles are typically too small to see with the naked eye. Testing is the only accurate way to determine airborne silica level problems.

2. Testing Shows Elevated Silica Levels

It’s essential to accurately test the levels of silica present in the air to protect employees from silica dust. Testing involves a sampling pump collecting air samples over a work shift.

These samples are analyzed in a laboratory, and the results are compared against the permissible exposure limit established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

Testing results outside permissible limits indicate you have a problem with airborne silica exposure on your job site.

Employee Signs and Symptoms

When working in an environment with airborne silica, employees should be aware of changes to their respiratory health. If a worker experiences respiratory symptoms, they should seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the potential for adverse health effects.

The remainder of the signs to watch for are related to employee symptoms.

3. Shortness of Breath

Workers on job sites with airborne silica exposure may experience shortness of breath. Inhaling silica dust can cause lung damage, leading to shortness of breath. 

It’s essential to note shortness of breath may also have other causes on the job site. Physical exertion or exposure to hazardous gases, such as carbon monoxide, can also lead to shortness of breath. 

However, if shortness of breath is accompanied by other symptoms of lung damage, such as coughing or wheezing, it’s crucial to consider airborne silica exposure as a potential cause.

4. Coughing or Wheezing

Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms of respiratory illnesses caused by exposure to airborne silica dust. When inhaled, silica dust particles can cause damage to the lungs, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD can cause coughing and wheezing due to the narrowing of airways and obstruction of airflow.

5. Chest Pain or Tightness

Silica particles can irritate the lung tissue and cause inflammation, resulting in chest pain or tightness. This symptom may not be immediately apparent but can develop over time, especially with repeated exposure to silica dust.

6. Fatigue and Weakness

Airborne silica exposure can severely affect workers’ health, including chronic conditions leading to fatigue and weakness. Workers who experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing or wheezing are likely to experience fatigue and weakness as they struggle to perform their tasks while coping with these symptoms. As the lungs become increasingly damaged, it becomes harder for workers to breathe, leading to fatigue and weakness due to a lack of oxygen.

7. Reduced Lung Capacity

Reduced lung capacity is a typical result of exposure to airborne silica. Silica dust can enter the lungs and form scar tissue, causing lung tissue to become stiff and less elastic, ultimately leading to reduced lung capacity.

Symptoms associated with reduced lung capacity due to silica exposure include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and wheezing. 

8. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Exposure to airborne silica dust can increase the risk of developing COPD. COPD is a chronic condition that affects the lungs and causes reduced airflow, making it difficult for a person to breathe. Once someone has COPD, it’s an irreversible condition. However, it can be managed with medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes.

Bronchitis and emphysema are two examples of COPD diseases. When people inhale silica dust, it can cause lung scarring, leading to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 

Chronic bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed and produce mucus, leading to persistent coughing. Emphysema results from damage and loss of elasticity in the air sacs in the lungs, reducing the amount of oxygen absorbed into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of airborne silica exposure may not be immediately apparent and could take years or even decades to manifest themselves. These symptoms could lead to severe and life-threatening illnesses if left untreated.

Controlling Airborne Silica

Employers and workers must take preventive measures to reduce exposure to silica dust and minimize the risk of respiratory illnesses. Best practices include:

• Wet methods for dust suppression
• PPE, such as respirators and face masks, to reduce inhalation
• Administrative controls to minimize dust emissions, such as regular air-quality monitoring,
• Occupational health surveillance programs
• Engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation systems help limit the amount of silica dust in the air.
• Regular monitoring and testing of airborne silica levels to identify high-exposure areas.
• Training workers on safe practices and raising awareness about the risks of silica exposure can help ensure everyone works together to minimize silica dust exposure.

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TAKEAWAY: Respiratory Protection is among the top 3 safety violations released by OSHA in 2022. Here’s how you can help mitigate future risks!

By Elly McGuinness

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released its top 10 list of safety violations for 2022. Respiratory Protection comes in at number 3, with 2,185 violations. Safety violations put workers at risk of injury or death, so areas such as respiratory protection should be a crucial part of workplace health and safety programs.

What are the Top Workplace Safety Violations for 2022?

Fall Protection – General Requirements tops the OSHA Workplace Safety Violations list for the 12^th year running, with 5,424 violations. Hazard Communication is second, with Respiratory Protection third.

The other violations rounding out the top 10 list are Ladders, Scaffolding, Lockout/Tagout, Powered Industrial Trucks, Fall Protection – Training Requirements, Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment: Eye and Face Protection, and Machine Guarding.

These violations apply to construction and general industry jobs. Although the statistics are U.S. based, they can offer vital insights for employers globally. 

The same violations continue to show up year after year despite advances in workplace safety. While a violation’s position on the top 10 list may change, it’s evident that the overall focus areas remain the same. 

2 primary reasons Respiratory Protection remains a top workplace safety violation include not having a written respiratory protection program and the lack of fit testing.

OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard

OSHA has developed various standards, also called “rules,” describing ways employers should protect employees from workplace hazards. These rules help guide employers through crucial health and safety issues, enabling them to make the best decisions on improving worker health and safety.

The OSHA rule for Respiratory Protection aims to protect workers from respiratory issues that can occur when they breathe in contaminants from dust, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smoke, sprays, or vapours. Employers must use methods such as confinement of the operation, adequate ventilation, and selecting low-toxicity materials to help protect employees.

A suitable respirator is also necessary for many situations and, alongside this, an appropriate written Respiratory Protection Program. The program must include details of required respirator use and worksite-specific procedures. 

OSHA’s rule also specifies how to select, use, maintain, store, and inspect a respirator to ensure its effectiveness. Additionally, it highlights the importance of respirator training and fit testing for employees who use them. 

OSHA’s Respiratory Protection rule covers the areas identified as problems linked with workplace safety violations (the lack of fit testing and respiratory protection programs). Therefore, these should be two core focus areas for employers to reduce the incidence of respiratory protection safety violations.

What’s Involved in a Respiratory Protection Program?

Mining, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture are among the most at-risk industries for lung health issues. Employers in high-risk sectors should implement a respiratory protection program to identify potential lung-health problems in employees and develop a course of action to protect workers’ health.

Respiratory protection programs are also known as Lung Health Testing and Monitoring Programs. Lung health programs offer training and treatment solutions focused on improving lung health and could include various topics. Services can include chest x-rays, respirator fit testing, questionnaires, and spirometry testing. 

Spirometry testing is also known as Pulmonary Lung Function testing and is the most common method of lung function testing. Its goal is to help employers manage the risks of lung damage in the workplace.

Employers should establish a Respiratory Protection Program that includes baseline and periodic testing. Baseline tests can be carried out during pre-employment to identify any pre-existing lung health conditions that may impact workers’ ability to fulfill their job obligations.

The information employers receive from baseline tests helps them accommodate a worker’s lung function limitations. Employers can compare periodic test results with baseline tests to measure changes in worker lung health over time. Respiratory Health Surveillance is a program that assesses and monitors lung functionality, focusing on work-related respiratory diseases. 

What Types of Respirator Fit Testing are Available?

Respirators are one type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that can help keep workers safe and healthy. Respirators help prevent the inhalation of dangerous substances and the development of respiratory illnesses. An employee’s respirator must be the right fit for them, and that’s where Respirator Fit Testing comes in. 

Quantitative and qualitative are the two types of Respirator Fit Testing. 

Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing is also known as Mask Fit Testing. It uses an instrument to measure particle concentration in the ambient air and compare it with those that leak into the respirator. It is considered the gold standard in Respirator Fit Testing.

Qualitative Respirator Fit Testing is a subjective measurement that relies on the mask wearer to detect leaks. The worker puts on the respirator, and the tester exposes them to one or more airborne contaminants. Test results are obtained based on whether the worker reacts to the substance, for example, through smell or taste.

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requires employers to facilitate Respirator Fit Testing once every two years. However, it’s essential to stay current with provincial requirements, as they may differ. Employers should also understand what organizations are integral to Respirator Fit Testing (CSA, OSHA, and NIOSH) and what role each one plays.

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You are responsible for ensuring your employees have the appropriate fitting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the work environment and could be found liable if an employee is injured on the job. 
We can help you mitigate risk. Book respirator fit testing today!

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The Importance of Respiratory Protection | In Conclusion

Lung Health Monitoring Programs that include Respirator Fit Testing are crucial components for helping employers manage the risk of workplace injury, illness, and fatality. Many industries and specific job roles expose workers to potentially dangerous contaminants from vapours, gases, fumes, mist, and dust that can adversely affect their respiratory health. Employers must take the necessary steps to protect their workers’ respiratory health.

A written Respiratory Protection Program offers a documented framework that helps employers and employees comply with the necessary standards and procedures for protecting respiratory health. It helps facilitate awareness of existing hazards and how to control them. Respirator Fit Testing is a vital part of this program that enforces the appropriate selection, use, and maintenance of respirators.

Respiratory Protection is a significant workplace safety violation, appearing in OSHA data year after year. The good news is that employers can play an essential role in improving this issue.

Lung Health Monitoring Programs are one of several areas for consideration in a health and safety-focused organization. Others include Audiometric Testing and Drug and Alcohol Testing.

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TAKEAWAY: Spirometry testing is a type of pulmonary function test often used by employers as part of their overall lung health monitoring program. Keep reading to learn more about this test type.

By Elly McGuinness

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SureHire offers a 360^◦ lung health monitoring program that includes: questionnaires regarding personal health and occupational exposure history, chest X-rays, spirometry testing, and mask fit testing. Contact us to learn more and request a quote today!

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Spirometry, also known as pulmonary lung function testing, is the most common form of lung function testing. It helps employers manage the risk of lung damage from dust, fumes, mist, smoke, gases, vapours, and other harmful airborne particulates that can adversely affect worker health.

Spirometry measures how quickly a person can move air in and out of their lungs. There are 3 components:

1. The volume of air inhaled
2. The volume of air exhaled
3. Speed of exhalation

Employers in various industries must ensure their workers undergo regular pulmonary lung function monitoring and testing, such as spirometry.  Testing should be related to the lung-related hazards an individual is exposed to on the worksite. 

This article explores reasons to use spirometry testing, testing risks, and what to do with test results. It also aims to help employers understand how spirometry fits into a lung health monitoring program, as well as testing requirement basics.

Why use spirometry testing?

Employers in industries that present increased risks for lung disease should strongly consider implementing a lung health testing and monitoring program, which could include spirometry and other assessments such as chest x-rays and questionnaires regarding personal health and occupational exposure history. High-risk industries include mining, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, transportation, and beauty.

Some of the known substances that can trigger lung health issues include:

• Coal dust in mining causes lung inflammation and scarring and can lead to black lung disease
• Crystalline silica, a type of dust in manufacturing and mining, can cause lung scarring
• Asbestos from old buildings, can stiffen and scar lungs and sometimes lead to lung cancer
• Silica dust in construction can cause breathing and chronic cough issues
• Fungus spores, bacteria, chemicals, and mold can all cause breathing difficulties and create scar tissue in the lungs

Employers must first understand what substances could lead to lung health issues in their workers. Then they can implement an action plan to help protect employees from substances linked to lung health problems.

Spirometry can be used alongside other strategies to monitor lung health and reduce risk of disease. Employers will also need to address hazard reduction or elimination. Using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is another crucial approach for protecting workers’ lung health.

Spirometry testing is one of many ways employers can monitor the respiratory health of their workers. It enables employers to take a proactive approach toward testing and monitoring rather than waiting until an employee has breathing problems to take action. Spirometry is a first step toward diagnosing asthma, lung disease, or other lung conditions.

How spirometry testing works | Preparation and procedure

Spirometry is a straight forward test with minimal preparation requirements. Ideally, the subject should wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict breathing and should not eat a large meal just before the test. People taking prescription medication should check with their doctor regarding any medications they should not take before testing.

Testing takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The subject wears a nose clip, then takes a deep breath and exhales as hard and fast as they can into a tube. 

This tube is connected to a spirometer, measuring air volume and exhalation speed. The person conducting the test should complete it three times to confirm the accuracy of the results.

Risks of spirometry testing

Spirometry should not pose any risks to healthy individuals. People with heart disease or those who have had recent surgery should check with their physician regarding testing safety. 

It’s possible that testing may cause the subject to feel lightheaded or tired.

Interpreting spirometry test results

Spirometry results show the total forced breathing capacity against time to provide insights into a person’s lung capacity. This value is compared with normative data, which considers age, gender, weight, ethnicity, and health history factors. Comparing results against normative data helps determine whether an employee’s lung function is within normal parameters.

Spirometry is not a diagnostic test. It relies on the worker’s understanding, cooperation, and best efforts. When the results are outside the expected ranges, the test subject follows up with a physician or pulmonologist for further testing. 

How spirometry testing fits into lung health monitoring programs

Lung health testing and monitoring programs help identify potential lung health issues early. Doing so enables employers to establish an intervention plan to reduce harm to their workers.

Lung health testing programs should be relevant to specific industries, workplaces, and job roles. Examples of lung testing services include spirometry, lead exposure health monitoring, medical surveillance, chest x-rays, worker health/occupational exposure questionnaires, and Respirator Fit Testing (Mask Fit Testing). 

Employers may use a test like spirometry as a stand-alone test or alongside other tests. Sometimes, standards specify required tests and when to do them.

Companies and organizations can use pre-employment lung health testing to help identify any pre-existing concerns. Doing so enables the employer to implement any necessary modifications to help minimize risks to the worker. 

Periodic testing enables employers to monitor any changes to worker health by comparing results with baseline tests. Ultimately, lung health testing and monitoring is a proactive approach to protecting workers’ health.

Browse All Lung Health Testing and Monitoring Options

Failure to meet Occupational Health and Safety standards may result in fines, legal action, and put your employees at risk of developing potentially serious – and possibly fatal – health conditions. SureHire can help!

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Spirometry and other lung health testing requirements

Canadian and U.S. employers must be aware of applicable standards for lung health testing and monitoring. These standards may include spirometry and other testing types.

Most Canadian provinces have lung health testing requirements based on Occupational health and safety (OHS) standards. Workers exposed to known toxic substances and those in specific job roles require specific baseline and follow-up tests. 

For example, at-risk workers in Saskatchewan must have a baseline spirometry test, medical history questionnaire, and a physical exam completed at the time of hire, plus periodic testing every two years.

In the U.S, employers must understand the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for medical screening and surveillance. OSHA standards highlight testing requirements based on exposure to specific substances. For example, workers exposed to substances such as asbestos, benzene, cadmium, coke oven emissions, and cotton dust require some form of baseline and follow-up testing.

Employers can contact SureHire to learn more about spirometry testing services and requirements.

Need Service in the US?

SureHire USA offers a 360^◦ Lung Health monitoring program that includes: questionnaires regarding personal health and occupational exposure history,chest X-rays,spirometry testing,and mask fit testing. Contact us to learn more and request a quote today!

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TAKEAWAY: OSHA is one of several organizations integral to SureHire’s Respirator-Fit Testing service. We follow OSHA’s respirator-fit testing protocols to ensure the health and safety of the person wearing the respirator.

By Elly McGuinness

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is one of several organizations integral to SureHire’s Respirator-Fit (Mask-Fit) Testing program. Alongside NIOSH, CSA, and OHS, they create the framework for how SureHire delivers this service. This article is the second in a series decoding these acronyms and explaining the essential functions of each organization. [Find out all about NIOSH in “What is NIOSH and Why is it Important for Respirator Fit Testing?”]

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) helps prevent the inhalation of dangerous substances and the development of respiratory illnesses. It is essential for specific job roles in certain industries, including construction, mining, oil and gas, fire services, petrochemical, and pharmaceuticals. 

Companies use Respirator-Fit Testing to ensure the RPE fits appropriately and keeps employees safe. Any employer using respirators and Respirator-Fit Testing should understand how various organizations influence this equipment and service. This article explores how OSHA helps lay the foundation for Respirator-Fit testing.

SureHire & OSHA Compliance

SureHire uses the OSHA-compliant Portacount Pro Respirator Fit Tester to measure and compare the concentration of particles in the ambient air and those that leak into the respirator. This quantitative method of respirator fit testing is considered the gold standard. SureHire only uses qualitative testing at partner locations where a Portacount Pro Respirator Fit Tester is unavailable.

Book Respirator Fit Testing Today!

What is OSHA?

OSHA is part of the United States Department of Labor. It is a regulatory agency created to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. OSHA fulfills its mission by setting and enforcing workplace health and safety standards and providing training, education, outreach, and assistance.

Congress first established OSHA under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH). The OSH Act covers most private sector employers and their workers and some in the public sector, either through federal OSHA or an OSHA-approved state plan.

What is the Difference Between OSHA and NIOSH?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to keep workers safe and healthy. NIOSH conducts health and safety research and provides recommendations for health and safety standards. OSHA then issues health and safety standards enforceable by U.S. law.

Employer responsibilities under OSH Act law

Employers must provide a workplace free from known dangers that could harm employees and follow all OSHA health and safety standards. Their responsibilities include the following:

• Adjust working conditions to reduce or eliminate hazards, for example, using effective ventilation systems to minimize inhalation of harmful substances
• Provide workers with sufficient training, education, and information about workplace hazards
• Prominently display the official OSHA rights and responsibilities poster and post OSHA injury and illness data where workers can see it.
• Perform or provide any tests required by OSHA standards
• Record workplace illnesses and injuries and notify OSHA about any workplace fatality within eight hours or injury within 24 hours.

Employee rights under OSH Act law

Employees have the right to safe and healthful working conditions under the OSH Act law. OSHA has four groups of standards (General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Agriculture) designed to protect workers from hazards. Employee rights include the following:

• Employers must provide employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) free of charge when it is needed
• Workers have the right to know about workplace hazards and how to protect themselves through appropriate information, training, and education initiatives from their employer.
• Employees have the right to access illness and injury records, exposure data, and personal medical records.
• Workers can file a complaint with OSHA about a potential workplace hazard or violation of OSHA standards. A complaint can trigger an on-site OSHA investigation.
• Workers have the right to further information and clarification if there is no inspection or citation from OSHA. 
• Employees also receive whistle-blower protection to protect them from any resulting employer retaliation.

What role does OSHA play in Respirator-Fit Testing?

OSHA sets the standards for respirator safety in different industries. They also provide guidance and training related to respiratory protection. SureHire complies with OSHA’s respirator-fit testing protocols to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our Respirator-Fit Testing program. 

General OSHA fit testing procedures for PPE, such as respirators, include the following:

• The tester is shown how to put on a respirator, where it should be positioned on the face, and how to adjust the tension straps.
• The test subject can eliminate respirators that do not offer an acceptable fit and can choose the model and size offering the best fit.
• The tester wears the most comfortable mask for at least five minutes to further assess its comfort. Other acceptable respirators are noted in case the primary choice is not ideal.
• A respirator-fit tester helps the test subject determine whether the mask is comfortable and fits well through various criteria. These include the mask position on different face parts, sufficient space for talking and eye protection, and the mask’s ability to remain in place.
• The respirator-fit tester determines when it is inappropriate to carry out tests or when the referral to a licensed health care professional is necessary.
• The test subject performs a range of exercises while testing the respirator as applicable to the testing method. These could include normal breathing, deep breathing, turning the head side to side or up and down, talking, making different facial expressions, or bending over.

SureHire & OSHA Compliance

SureHire uses the OSHA-compliant Portacount Pro Respirator Fit Tester to measure and compare the concentration of particles in the ambient air and those that leak into the respirator. This quantitative method of respirator fit testing is considered the gold standard. SureHire only uses qualitative testing at partner locations where a Portacount Pro Respirator Fit Tester is unavailable.

Book Respirator Fit Testing Today!

Respirator-Fit Testing and OSHA | In Conclusion

OSHA is one of several organizations integral to SureHire’s Respirator-Fit Testing service. They issue health and safety standards for respirators, enforceable by U.S. law. SureHire follows OSHA’s respirator-fit testing protocols to ensure the health and safety of the person wearing the respirator.

Employees in industries with a high risk of lung health issues should invest in Respirator-Fit Testing to protect employees fully. These include mining, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Contact SureHire for more information about lung health testing services such as Respirator-Fit Testing, Spirometry Testing, Lead Exposure and Health Monitoring, and Lung Health Monitoring programs.

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TAKEAWAY: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is one of several organizations integral to SureHire’s Respirator-Fit (Mask-Fit) Testing program. If you have employees using respirators and are engaging in respirator-fit testing (mask-fit testing), it is important to understand how organizations like NIOSH influence the equipment and testing services.

By Elly McGuinness

Book Mask-fit Testing With SureHire!

All SureHire respirators carry NIOSH approval, yet that’s not the only safety aspect to consider. It is also imperative that RPE is the right fit for the employee, and that’s where Respirator-Fit Testing comes in. Book an Appointment or Request a Quote today!

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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is one of several organizations integral to SureHire’s Respirator-Fit (Mask-Fit) Testing program. Alongside OSHA, CSA, and OHS, they create the framework for how SureHire delivers this service. This article is the first in a series decoding these acronyms and explaining the essential functions of each organization.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is essential for employees in specific industries and job roles. Examples include construction, mining, oil and gas, fire services, petrochemical, pharmaceutical industries, etc. Companies use Respirator-Fit Testing to ensure the RPE fits properly and ultimately keeps employees safe.

Any employer using respirators and Respirator-Fit Testing should understand how various organizations influence this equipment and service. This article explores how NIOSH helps lay the foundation for Respirator-Fit testing.

What is NIOSH?

NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They are the United States federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related injury and illness.

NIOSH are leaders in the field of occupational health and safety. Ultimately, they aim to apply this knowledge to keep workers safe and healthy. This diverse organization has over 1,300 professionals across wide-ranging disciplines, including epidemiology, medicine, nursing, industrial hygiene, safety, psychology, chemistry, statistics, economics, and engineering.

What is the Difference Between NIOSH and OSHA?

Created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, both NIOSH and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) play vital roles in keeping employees safe and healthy. The critical difference is that OSHA is a regulatory agency, whereas NIOSH is not. NIOSH does not issue safety and health standards enforceable under U.S law. Rather, NIOSH has the authority to conduct research on new safety and health problems and develop recommendations for health and safety standards.

The Main Goals of NIOSH

NIOSH has seven overarching goals that reflex the significant health and safety issues in the U.S. workforce. They follow a strategic plan for achieving the following goals:

1. Reduce occupational cancer, cardiovascular disease, adverse reproductive outcomes, and other chronic diseases
2. Reduce occupational hearing loss
3. Reduce occupational immune, infectious, and dermal disease
4. Reduce occupational musculoskeletal disorders
5. Reduce occupational respiratory disease
6. Improve workplace safety to reduce traumatic injuries
7. Promote safe and healthy work design and well-being

What Role Does NIOSH Play in Respirator-Fit Testing?

NIOSH has exclusive authority for the testing and certification of respirators. The exception is specific mine emergency devices where NIOSH works with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). They also issue recommendations for respirator use.

Various government and industry partners have roles in establishing respirator standards. For example, the CDC sets performance criteria for respiratory devices. Certified respirators exceed these guidelines, confirming their safety.

Respirator-Fit Testing ensures RPE effectively minimizes the chance of employees inhaling dangerous substances and reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses. Having certified respirators that meet industry standards is one piece of the RPE safety puzzle, and Respirator-Fit Testing is the other. Both are essential from a worker’s health and a liability perspective.

How Does NIOSH Grant Certification to New Products?

NIOSH developed the Personal Protective Technology (PPT) program to test and certify new respirators before entering the market. All NIOSH-certified respirators meet construction, performance, and protection standards that keep RPE users safe.

The PPT program aligns with NIOSH’s seven strategic goals. It has several components, including the following:

• Establishing certification testing criteria
• Conducting product testing
• Reviewing technical product specifications
• Examining the manufacturer’s quality assurance program
• Product and site audits
• Evaluating product complaints
• Research to improve testing and evaluation methods

Respirator certification is a premier function of the PPT program. Respirators are the only type of federally certified PPT, and NIOSH has certified more than 1,600 since 2001. Considered a business necessity, OSHA and MSHA require employers to purchase only NIOSH-certified respirators.

What is the Impact of the NIOSH PPT Program?

Assessing the impact of a public health initiative like the PPT program is challenging. Several factors are at play for illness and disease prevention, including individual and environmental aspects. A correctly fitting respirator is a crucial safety aspect, and this is separate from the PPT program.

Furthermore, respirators are only one type of PPT, and every industry and workplace has unique hazards and worker demands. So measuring the effectiveness of the PPT program has many considerations.

However, studies have highlighted the effectiveness of PPT in several areas. For example, a long-term study of firefighters showed no correlation between pulmonary function and firefighting exposure, and levels were similar to healthy, non-smoking adults.

Laboratory studies have highlighted the effectiveness of respirators. NIOSH is at the forefront of research, eventually aiming to develop a respirator that fits all face shapes and sizes without the need for Respirator-Fit Testing.

Respirator-Fit Testing and NIOSH | In Conclusion

NIOSH is one of several organizations integral to SureHire’s Respirator-Fit Testing service. They conduct occupational health and safety research and provide recommendations to keep workers safe and healthy.

NIOSH developed the PPT program, and one of its primary functions is respirator certification. OSHA and MSHA require employers to purchase only NIOSH-certified respirators because they meet construction, performance, and protection standards that keep RPE users safe. All SureHire respirators are NIOSH-approved.

SureHire’s Respirator-Fit Testing service is the other major puzzle piece that enhances respirator safety and helps keep employees healthy. Employees in industries with a high risk of lung health issues should invest in Respirator-Fit Testing to protect employees fully.

Contact SureHire for more information about lung health testing and monitoring services such as Respirator-Fit Testing, Spirometry Testing, Lead Exposure and Health Monitoring, and Lung Health Monitoring programs.

Book Mask-fit Testing With SureHire USA!

SureHire USA respirators carry NIOSH approval, yet that’s not the only safety aspect to consider. It is also imperative that RPE is the right fit for the employee, and that’s where Respirator-Fit Testing comes in. Book an Appointment or Request a Quote today!

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TAKEAWAY: Employees in certain industries may be at risk for serious lung health issues if proper safety interventions aren’t used. In this article, we delve into 4 industries that spark employee lung health issues and some key risk mitigation strategies for employers.

By Jennifer Crump

Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in Canada and one in five Canadians — about 6 million adults and children — has an existing respiratory problem. This risk is compounded for workers employed in specific industries, including mining, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Occupational exposure can exacerbate existing lung diseases as well as cause lung disease through long-term exposure to chemicals and other irritants.  

These occupations can put workers at risk for a wide variety of lung health issues, including:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 
• Occupational Asthma 
• Lung Cancer 
• Asbestosis
• Silicosis 
• Black Lung Disease (Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis) 
• Pleural Diseases 
• Byssinosis

Many of these lung health issues are irreversible. However, they are also highly preventable by using a variety of engineering controls, administrative controls, and other safety interventions, including personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers in these 4 industries may want to incorporate respirator fit testing to ensure their employees are properly protected.  

Here is an overview of 4 industries that spark employee lung health issues.

1. Mining

Black lung disease, or pneumoconiosis, is probably the best-known occupational lung disease. First identified in the 16th century, it has been long associated with coal mining, but workers in other industries can also be exposed. It’s caused by breathing in coal dust, which causes lung inflammation and scarring.

Black lung disease can eventually turn the lungs black rather than a healthy pink. It can lead to permanent lung damage and shortness of breath, and can also put workers at a higher risk for developing COPD and other lung-related diseases.

Silicosis is another debilitating lung disease that occurs when workers breathe in airborne crystalline silica, dust frequently found in mines, foundries, and blasting operations, as well as facilities that manufacture stone, clay, and glass. It also causes lung scarring and can increase the risk for other lung diseases. 

Exposure to numerous known carcinogens, including crystalline silica, diesel exhaust, radon decay products, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, and chromium, can also lead to lung disease for miners. A recent Ontario study determined that miners are at an elevated risk for both silicosis and lung cancers,  particularly those working in gold, uranium, and, to a lesser extent, nickel operations. Risks for pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis increased for those who worked for five or more years, but all had higher risks for  COPD regardless of how long they worked underground. 

2. Manufacturing

Manufacturing can also put workers at risk for lung disease. Textile workers, for example, can breathe in the dust produced by hemp, flax, and cotton processing, leading to a condition known as Brown Lung  Disease, also known as Byssinosis. This chronic condition can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath. 

Work-related asthma is another common condition for textile and other manufacturing workers who breathe in certain dust, gases, fume, and vapors. This can lead to asthmatic symptoms such as chronic coughing or wheezing.

In food manufacturing, workers can also be exposed to diacetyl. Diacetyl is a compound used to flavor microwave popcorn, wines, and fast food. This agent can cause Bronchiolitis obliterans (sometimes colloquially referred to as “Popcorn Lung”) which presents as difficulties with breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream. 

Hard metal disease can also affect those who work with tungsten carbide or cobalt. This disease can cause various symptoms, from shortness of breath and coughing to fatigue and weight loss. Mechanics and autobody workers can be put at risk using spray-on paints. These paints can cause allergies and chronic chest tightness as well as breathing difficulties. 

Manufacturing workers are also at risk from cleaning agents and other products used in their plants. These should be closely monitored. 

3. Construction 

Asbestosis is probably the most well-recognized lung-related health issue for construction workers. It is caused when a person breathes in tiny asbestos fibers. While asbestos has been mostly eliminated in new buildings, it still exists in many old buildings. It can cause scarring of the lungs and stiffen lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are also caused by exposure to asbestos. 

However, construction workers are also at risk for other types of exposures and serious lung health issues. Depending on the job, silicosis is a risk for workers exposed to silica dust. It is a highly disabling disease that causes breathing difficulties and a chronic cough. This is seldom diagnosed before workers retire. 

Occupational asthma also affects construction workers exposed to specific substances, such as wood dust or chemicals, over long periods of time. These exposures can also worsen asthmatic attacks for existing asthma sufferers. 

4. Agriculture 

Agriculture workers are at risk for several lung issues depending on the equipment and agricultural product they are working with as well as their role in the process. For example, hypersensitivity pneumonitis occurs when workers breathe in certain substances, which then cause an allergic reaction in the lungs that leaves them inflamed.

These substances include fungus spores, bacteria, animal or plant proteins, or even certain chemicals. It can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs and cause difficulties with breathing. This disease often goes by other names related to the exposures, such as Farmer’s Lung and Mushroom Worker’s Lung.

Mould is a significant contributor to agricultural lung diseases, as is dung from birds and rodents and certain insect infestations such as wheat weevils. For example, mouldy hay triggers Farmer’s Lung,  Bagassosis comes from mouldy sugar cane fibres, and Grain Handler’s Lung from mouldy grain. Dung from pigeons, parakeets, fowl, and rodents causes Bird Fancier’s Lung. 

Work-related asthma is another hazard for agricultural workers. These workers breathe in dust, gases, fumes, or vapours during farming operations or animal care. 

Other Industries of Note

Many other industries can cause lung health issues. Beauty and salon workers are at risk for occupational asthma. This is due to repeated exposure to hair spray, nail products, glue, and disinfectants. Dockworkers and truckers can suffer from exposure to specific products and exhaust fumes. Firefighters are frequently exposed to smoke and other carcinogens. 

The good news is that many of these occupational lung diseases are highly preventable. Workplaces are installing engineering, administrative, and other controls designed to protect workers. Both PPE and monitoring technologies continue to advance, making these workplaces safer. Employers in any of these industries may find value in lung health monitoring programs, which help identify any concerns at an earlier stage. Integrating lung health programs into pre-employment testing can also help employers establish a baseline for all workers. This can be a useful metric for examining whether any changes take place in a particular worker’s lung health.

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