SPIROMETRY TESTING & PULMONARY FUNCTION ASSESSMENT
WHAT IS SPIROMETRY TESTING?
Spirometry testing is a critical component of occupational health assessments, designed to evaluate lung function and detect respiratory conditions that could impact an employee’s ability to work safely. Whether your workforce operates in hazardous environments with airborne contaminants, confined spaces, or high-dust areas, spirometry testing helps ensure employees are fit for duty and protects against long-term respiratory illnesses.
At NorthStream Safety & Rehab, we provide accurate and reliable spirometry testing services to help employers meet compliance regulations, reduce workplace risks, and safeguard employee well-being. Our in-facility and mobile testing options allow for convenient, on-site pulmonary function assessments, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations while maintaining the highest standards of workplace safety.
Spirometry is a pulmonary function test (PFT) that measures how well an employee’s lungs function by assessing their airflow and lung capacity. This non-invasive test is commonly used in workplace health screenings to detect early signs of lung disease, exposure-related respiratory issues, and pre-existing conditions such as asthma or COPD. Industries where workers may be exposed to dust, fumes, chemicals, or other airborne contaminants—such as construction, manufacturing, mining, and healthcare—require regular spirometry testing to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
UNDERSTANDING PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING (PFT)
A pulmonary function test (PFT) evaluates lung performance by measuring:
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The maximum amount of air an employee can exhale after taking a deep breath
- Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1): How much air an employee can forcefully exhale in one second
- Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): The highest speed at which an individual can exhale air
These metrics help identify lung impairments early, allowing for proactive workplace interventions to protect employees’ health.
WHAT YOUR RESULTS MEAN FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY
Abnormal spirometry results may indicate that an employee has a lung condition or respiratory impairment that could impact their ability to perform job duties safely. NorthStream Safety & Rehab provides expert interpretation of spirometry results, helping employers determine:
- If an employee is fit for work
- If additional medical evaluations are required
- If workplace modifications or accommodations are necessary
By identifying potential respiratory health concerns early, businesses can prevent workplace incidents, reduce health risks, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
WHY SPIROMETRY IS ESSENTIAL FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY
Workplace exposure to hazardous substances, dust, or chemicals can lead to serious lung diseases, including:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Occupational asthma
- Silicosis and pneumoconiosis
- Lung function decline due to long-term exposure
Regular spirometry testing allows businesses to monitor respiratory health trends and implement preventative measures before conditions worsen.
WORKPLACE APPLICATIONS FOR SPIROMETRY TESTING
Employers across multiple industries rely on spirometry testing to ensure their workforce remains healthy, compliant, and able to perform safely in high-risk environments.
DETECTING RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS (E.G., ASTHMA, COPD)
Spirometry tests help identify underlying respiratory conditions that may not have visible symptoms but could worsen with workplace exposure. This proactive testing approach enables early intervention, medical referrals, and workplace adjustments to minimize long-term health risks.
ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS
Many industries require spirometry testing as part of their occupational health and safety compliance programs, including: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) guidelines, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) requirements, Regulations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), Industry-specific respiratory protection policies
By conducting routine spirometry testing, employers can demonstrate regulatory compliance and reduce liability risks associated with workplace exposure to respiratory hazards
HOW SPIROMETRY TESTING WORKS
Spirometry testing is a quick, non-invasive procedure used to assess lung function and identify potential respiratory issues. At NorthStream Safety & Rehab, we offer both
in-facility and mobile spirometry testing to ensure a seamless experience for businesses and employees. Our testing process follows strict industry standards to provide accurate and reliable results that help employers comply with occupational health and safety regulations.
By utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and highly trained technicians, we help businesses assess workplace exposure risks, monitor employee lung function over time, and implement early interventions to protect workforce health. Whether required for pre-employment screenings, periodic medical evaluations, or return-to-work clearances, our spirometry services provide valuable insights into employee respiratory health.
IN-FACILITY & MOBILE TESTING OPTIONS
We offer both in-clinic and on-site mobile spirometry testing, allowing businesses to choose the most convenient and efficient testing method for their workforce.
- On-site mobile testing: Reduce employee downtime with on-site screenings
- In-facility testing: Visit our fully equipped clinics for thorough lung function assessments
With flexible scheduling and rapid result turnaround times, we help employers maintain compliance without disrupting workplace productivity.
STEP-BY-STEP TESTING PROCEDURE
The spirometry test follows a simple step-by-step process:
- Medical History Review: The technician gathers relevant health information about the employee’s respiratory history.
- Baseline Test: The employee breathes into a specialized spirometer device to measure lung function.
- Multiple Breathing Trials: The test is repeated several times to ensure accuracy.
- Post-Test Evaluation: A qualified professional interprets the results and determines if further medical evaluation is necessary.
Our trained technicians and occupational health specialists ensure that testing is conducted with precision, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
MONITORING EMPLOYEE RESPIRATORY HEALTH
Regular spirometry testing helps track lung function over time, providing valuable data on workplace exposure risks and employee health trends. By maintaining detailed pulmonary function records, businesses can:
- Identify declining lung function early
- Implement workplace adjustments for at-risk employees
- Ensure compliance with respiratory safety regulations
GET STARTED WITH SPIROMETRY TESTING
REQUEST A QUOTE FOR PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING
Protect your employees and ensure compliance with comprehensive spirometry testing from NorthStream Safety & Rehab. Whether you need pre-employment testing, annual screenings, or return-to-work evaluations, our expert team provides fast, accurate, and regulatory-compliant pulmonary function assessments.