Spirometry Question

[WayneRN]

Hi All,

I am the sole OHN at a coal-fired electric generating plant. I am contracted through an Occupational Medicine Provider to supply nursing services in the plant's first-aid station. I have been told by the Senior Loss Control Consultant at the plant that it is necessary for me to attend a NIOSH approved spirometry course in order to do spirometry on-site. The Provider that I work for tells me that I don't need to attend a NIOSH approved course if he trains me to do spirometry. Which is correct? I do know that we fall under portions of both the general OSHA regs and the construction OSHA regs, but I have not been able to find an answer to this question.

[Sharon]

Wayne,

Sorry for the delay. I have been busy with response and funerals. The regs refer to Technicians not Nurses and Physicians. I trained with a USAMRID/PHS Pulmonologist, not in a NIOSH approved course. I have had no difficulty. I pasted a reg below it is from Proposed Regs

BTW I try to let someone else answer first. If you want a quicker response, e-mail directly as well.

[Federal Register: July 2, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 127)]

[Notices]

[Pages 34934-34935]

BILLING CODE: 4163-18-P

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations:

Pulmonary Function Testing Course Approval Program, 29 CFR 1910.1043 (OMB NO. 0920-0138)--Extension

Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506©(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer on [phone].

Comments Invited

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; © ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments to Anne O'Connor, CDC Assistant Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-D24, Atlanta, GA 30333. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Pulmonary Function Testing Course Approval Program, 29 CFR 1910.1043 (OMB NO. 0920-0138)--Extension--The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The mission of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is to promote safety and health at work for all people through research and prevention.

NIOSH has responsibility under the Cotton Dust Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1043, for approving courses to train technicians to perform pulmonary function testing in the Cotton Dust Industry. Successful completion of a NIOSH approved course is mandatory under the Standard. To carry out its responsibility, NIOSH maintains a Pulmonary Function Testing Course Approval Program. The program consists of an application submitted by potential sponsors who seek NIOSH approval to conduct courses, and if approved, notification to NIOSH of any course or faculty changes during the period of approval. The application form and addend materials, including agenda, vitae and course materials, is reviewed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to determine if the applicant has developed a program which adheres to the criteria required in the Standard. Following approval, any subsequent changes to the course are submitted by course sponsors via letter and reviewed by NIOSH staff to assure that changes in faculty or course content continue to meet course requirements. Applications and materials to be a course sponsor and carry out training are submitted voluntarily by institutions and organizations from throughout the country. This is required for NIOSH to evaluate a course to determine whether it meets the criteria in the Standard and whether technicians will be adequately trained as mandated under the Standard. The estimated annual cost to respondents is $1058.00.

[WayneRN]

I understand "busy." Thanks for taking time out to answer my question. Have a great weekend!

[M Townsend DrPH]

Wayne,

Anyone other than a physician who conducts spirometry under OSHA regs is required to have training that is at least provided by an academic or professional institution (this is roughly the wording in the asbestos std.) The NIOSH approved courses are the most scrutinized courses available but are only mandated for non-physicians who test cotton-exposed workers. However, many companies require that their nurses complete NIOSH-approved courses so that they will do a better job on their testing. Because of the many pitfalls in spirometry testing, both due to equipment malfunction & poor testing technique, completing a NIOSH-approved course is a very good idea for those in the occupational setting. ACOEM issued a Position Statement on Spirometry in the Ocucpational Setting in 2000, & it is available on the ACOEM web page at http://www.acoem.org. There are many details in that statement re types of equipment, training recommended etc. Hope this helps.

[WayneRN]

Thanks for your input. I finally did get training. :)