NIOSH IFR Includes Spirometry Tests for Miners
NIOSH IFR Includes Spirometry Tests for Miners
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has amended its regulations regarding requirements for coal mine operators to provide spirometry and X-ray examinations to all surface and underground coal miners. In May 2014, MSHA revised the existing health and safety standards in 30 CFR Part 72 to require both underground and surface coal mine operators to provide miners with chest x-rays, spirometry tests using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved facilities and documentation of occupational history and symptom assessment. The rule requires that the initial examination “be provided no later than 30 days after date of employment, a follow-up no later than 3 years after the first and another no later than 2 years after the second IF the second test shows evidence of pneumoconiosis or the spirometry test shows evidence of reduced lung function.”
In alignment with the MSHA requirements, NIOSH has published an interim final rule (IFR) effective Monday, August 4, 2014. The IFR requires that all coal operators provide these initial and periodic chest x-rays and spirometry exams for their employees at NIOSH-approved facilities. The NIOSH IFR expands on the existing Coal Worker’s Health Surveillance Program to include surface miners as well as underground miners. In addition to the requirement of a chest x-ray, miners will now be provided with a spirometry lung function test upon entering employment and then periodic testing throughout their mining career as outlined in the MSHA ruling. NIOSH’s move to expand the existing health surveillance program as soon as possible is based on their commitment to reduce the development of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis in miners. The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) waived prior notice procedures in the interest of protecting coal workers’ health immediately noting that it is impractical to use prior notice for this IFR because of the MSHA final rule published on May 1st.
As an approved facility for the NIOSH Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program, the Industrial Health Council ensures that coal workers receive quality x-ray and spirometry examinations. HHS ‘s consultant panel evaluated our facility based on quality of radiographs to perform digital and film based chest x-rays. Additionally, all IHC spirometry technicians have completed a NIOSH approved course on spirometry as outlined in Part 37 of 42 CFR Section 37.95. For more information on our any of our high-quality services please give our office a call at 205-326-4109 or you may contact Gigi Talley directly at gigi@i-h-c.org or 205-545-9829.
Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-08-04-2014.html
Spirometry calibration
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