The Occupational Health Program at Wise Health System can help employers safeguard their employees’ respiratory health. Exposure to dangerous workplace respiratory hazards can cause a number of health complications including:
- Sudden Death/Asphyxiation
- Lost of lung functions
- Central Nervous System Disturbance
- Cardiovascular effects
Damage to the respiratory system does not always occur suddenly. Often, it will occur after being exposed over a period of time. Some diseases feel like you have the flu, with flu-like symptoms. Some of these diseases are Allergic Alveolitis, Metal fume fever and Polymer fume fever.
Respiratory Safety Program
Respirator Fit Mask Testing
The Occupational Health Department also offers Respirator Fit Mask Testing. We use the newest technology the OHD Quantifit Fit Tester 3000. Within the first 10 seconds, the Quantifit can determine whether the respirator has a basic fit or not. The process can take as little as 3 minutes. The Quantifit uses the only 5-step REDON protocol written into the OSHA federal regulations. This means greater interaction with the respirator wearers and results that are up to three times faster than Aerosol fit testers.
Once Testing is Complete, the employee will receive a fit test card that is valid for 1 year.
We offer a wide range of mask brands on site that include:
- Scott AV 3000
- Scott AV 2000
- 3M full face & half mask
- Draeger
- Spirian
- North
Respirator Medical Evaluations
Respirators must be used in workplaces in which employees are exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants. When respiratory protection is required. employers must have a respirator protection program as specified in OHSHA’s Respiratory Protection standards (29 CFR 1910.134.) Before wearing a respirator, workers must first be medically evaluated using the mandatory medical questionnaire or an equivalent method.
If needed a Pulmonary Function Test may also be required. We work closely with our respiratory department to be able to provide this service for you and your employees. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT’s) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. This includes how well you’re able to breather and how effective you lungs are to bring oxygen to the rest of your body. The PFT can help determine if you are cleared to wear a respirator.