Spirometry (Lung Function) Testing at Work: What Employers Need to Know

What is spirometry?

Spirometry is a simple lung function test that measures how much air a worker can breathe out, and how quickly. It is the key health surveillance tool for detecting early changes in lung function caused by exposure to dusts, chemicals, fumes or gases in the workplace, before symptoms become disabling.

Occupational lung disease, including silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease, is a serious and growing focus of Australian workplace health and safety. Early detection through spirometry is central to protecting workers and meeting legal obligations.

When is spirometry required?

Spirometry forms part of health surveillance for workers exposed to respiratory hazards, including:

• Crystalline silica (engineered stone, construction, mining, tunnelling)
• Coal dust
• Asbestos and other mineral fibres
• Isocyanates (in paints, foams and coatings)
• Welding fumes and metal fumes
• Other airborne contaminants above exposure limits

The requirement for health surveillance is triggered by the model WHS Regulations where a worker is exposed to a hazardous substance at a level that could harm health. The relevant standards framework includes AS/NZS 1715 (Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment) alongside the specific exposure standards for each substance.

Baseline, periodic and exit testing

A compliant respiratory surveillance program mirrors the hearing conservation model:

• Baseline spirometry, a reference test before (or shortly after) a worker starts in a hazardous role.
• Periodic testing, regular monitoring to detect any decline from baseline.
• Exit testing, a final test on leaving the role or the business.

The comparison to baseline is what matters, a single spirometry result in isolation is of limited value without a reference point and trend.

What a good program includes

Effective respiratory health surveillance involves more than running the test:

• Quality testing by trained operators using calibrated equipment, to accepted spirometry standards.
• Worker preparation guidance, including avoiding bronchodilators or vigorous exercise before testing where appropriate.
• Interpretation by a competent clinician with referral for abnormal or declining results.
• Action on findings, reviewing exposure controls and respiratory protection where a decline is detected.
• Clear, comparable records that follow the worker across periodic tests.

The silicosis context

With the engineered stone ban and heightened focus on silica exposure across construction and fabrication, spirometry is now a critical part of compliance for many businesses. Combined with chest imaging (such as low-dose CT) where indicated, it forms the basis of a defensible respiratory surveillance program.

Protecting workers and the business

Like audiometry, spirometry protects both sides. For workers, it catches harm early. For employers, a documented baseline and trend provide powerful evidence in the event of a future claim, and demonstrate genuine compliance with health surveillance obligations.

Work Plus Health delivers spirometry as part of integrated health surveillance across our 37 WA clinics, with onsite and mobile options for workforces across WA and nationwide. Baseline, periodic and exit testing, clear reporting, and clinician interpretation, so you can protect your people's lungs and your business.