Respiratory surveillance is a process designed to detect early signs of ill health in workers exposed to respiratory hazards. As the lungs are the main route of entry into the body for toxic material encountered in the workplace it is important to check for these early signs of problems developing. Not only may this detect ill-health effects at an early stage but it may also:

• protect the health of employees and prevent future disability
• help people stay at work -identify employees at particular risk of developing illness
• check that control measures are working

Many employers carry out surveillance as a matter of good practice and are to be congratulated on this. In addition, however, where employees are exposed to certain hazards at work there is a legal requirement to carry out a programme of respiratory surveillance. Once it has been decided that respiratory surveillance is appropriate a variety of procedures may be used and RSOH will advise on how best to monitor the health of your employees depending on the requirements of your particular situation.

These procedures may include

• a review of records -a review of exposure to particular hazards
• a medical questionnaire -an interview with an occupational health nurse or doctor
• an examination by an occupational health nurse or doctor
• medical tests

The most common test is spirometry, often known as lung function testing. This involves blowing into a device which then measures how well the lungs are working and can pick up any changes related to work over a period of time. Other tests such as x-rays and blood tests are less commonly required. A deterioration in lung function tests can often be seen before the employee feels any symptoms of ill health. Early detection of lung related problems (such as occupational asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can therefore lead not only to specific advice to employers on how to manage the situation but also to prompt medical treatment before long term effects and sickness absence develop. Appropriate respiratory surveillance therefore may reduce sickness absence, improve performance and productivity and reduce litigation as well as help safeguard the health of employees.