Workplace spirometry for employers
Your staff may work with substances that can damage the lungs, such as flour dust, wood dust, solder fume, welding fume or isocyanates. If so, the COSHH regulations may require you to provide respiratory health surveillance. We carry out spirometry at our Ilkley clinic or on site anywhere in the UK. Our staff are registered with the ARTP (Association for Respiratory Technology & Physiology).
£65 per person at our Ilkley clinic. Testing a group, or want us on site? Ask for a quote. We give discounts for bulk bookings and repeat testing, and there's no VAT to add.
Who needs respiratory health surveillance?
COSHH requires health surveillance when staff are exposed to a substance known to cause lung disease, such as occupational asthma, and harm is reasonably likely in your workplace. Your COSHH risk assessment should show who needs it. Common examples include:
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bakers and millers
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woodworkers
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vehicle paint sprayers
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welders
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people who solder electronics
How often?
HSE guidance says staff should be checked before they're exposed, or as soon as possible afterwards (for example within six weeks), to give a baseline. After that, checks are usually yearly, and more often for new workers.
What the appointment involves
Each appointment takes 20 to 30 minutes and includes:
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height, weight and BMI
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oxygen level (SpO2) and blood pressure
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the spirometry test: breathing out as hard and fast as possible into a mouthpiece, repeated a few times to get reliable readings
We compare the results with the expected values for someone of the same age, height and sex.
What you receive
Each person has their results explained on the day. With their consent, you receive a report for each person, and we keep track of retest dates and remind you when people are due.
Who shouldn't have spirometry
Spirometry is safe for most people, but it may need to wait if someone has had any of these:
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recent chest or abdominal surgery
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a recent heart attack or stroke
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a pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
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a chest infection, or a flare-up of a lung condition
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recent eye surgery or dental work
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pregnancy
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blood pressure above 180 systolic
We go through this when we discuss your requirements, and check again on the day.
Combine spirometry with other checks
Spirometry can be done in the same visit as hearing tests or a medical. Need spirometry to look into symptoms rather than for work? See our diagnostic spirometry with reversibility, £99.
Common questions
How much does workplace spirometry cost?
£65 per person at our Ilkley clinic. For groups and on-site testing we quote, with discounts for bulk bookings and repeat testing.
How long does it take?
20 to 30 minutes per person.
Can you come to our site?
Yes, anywhere in the UK, with flexible appointment times.
Who carries out the test?
Our ARTP-registered staff.