Respiratory policy (OBUHSN-39)

Introduction

This health and safety notice must be read and understood by all employees of Oxford Brookes University likely to be involved in work activities that bring them into contact with processes, products or substances that may have a damaging effect on their breathing. Where applicable, it should also be read by all members of the student body.

This policy is written to demonstrate that Oxford Brookes University has an effective health surveillance programme for any members of staff who are identified as being exposed to known hazardous substances during their work activities and early recognition of cases where previously unsuspected causative agents are being used.

Adequate health surveillance is a requirement under the Control of Substances Hazardous to health Regulations (COSHH) and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSW). Health surveillance involves monitoring staff by implementing systematic, regular and appropriate procedures to detect early signs of work-related ill health among those exposed to particular health risks.

The University recognises its responsibility to safeguard the safety health and welfare of its staff and students. This requires it to take all practicable measures to ensure that the conditions of work do not cause, exacerbate or contribute to damage to the lungs or via the lungs to damage of the internal organs of the body.

Health and Safety enquiries

+44 (0) 1865 603060

healthandsafety@brookes.ac.uk

Occupational asthma

Occupational asthma is an occupational health problem that can result in severe asthma attacks and chronic disability. The disease is characterised by attacks of breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. These symptoms are often accompanied by conjunctivitis (itchy, inflamed eyes) and rhinitis (blocked or runny nose).

Occupational asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to a specific substance inhaled by the individual at work. The risk of developing occupational asthma varies from one substance to another and there is no clear pattern of exposure leading to the disease although the greater the exposure to a substance, the greater the likelihood of developing occupational asthma. The time taken for symptoms to develop varies between individuals, but in many cases symptoms develop within a few months of first exposure. Once occupational asthma due to a particular agent has developed, subsequent exposure to very low concentrations of the substance can provoke an asthmatic attack.

Deans' and directors' responsibilities

All Deans of Faculty/Directors of Directorates must ensure that an adequate workplace COSHH assessment or risk assessment is carried out to identify the presence of substances known to cause asthma and other health problems. This responsibility may be delegated to line managers competent in performing such assessments. Anyone exposed to such substances should be referred to Occupational Health for the appropriate form of health surveillance. Advice regarding risk assessments may be sought from the health and Safety Division or from OBUHSN-19.

Staff responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all staff working with products or processes identified as potentially damaging to the lungs to co-operate with the University in relation to this health and safety notice. In particular this will include adherence to the agreed working practices, reporting any problems that arise from the working practices and correct use and care of personal protective equipment/respiratory protective equipment PPE/RPE provided. Detailed information on PPE is given in OBUHSN-21

Health surveillance

Health surveillance is considered appropriate when exposure to a substance hazardous to health is known to have the potential to cause an identifiable disease and that there is a reasonable and valid method of detection available. An occupational health nurse or, where indicated, an occupational health physician will carry out the health surveillance.

The precise form of health surveillance required will depend on the circumstances of exposure and the measures put in place within the working environment to minimise the effects following the risk assessment. In most instances the health surveillance will take the form of the following:

It is a requirement under COSHH to keep and maintain a health record of the health surveillance for at least 40 years from the last date of entry. Adequate and appropriate records of the health surveillance will be kept within the Occupational Health Department.

Management of an affected individual

If a case of occupational asthma is suspected by the outcome of health surveillance, the individual will be referred to the University’s Occupational Physician to identify whether the symptoms are likely to be related to work and the substance likely to be causing the asthma. Additionally, information will be sought on the individual’s fitness to continue to work in the same role with or without certain precautions or whether alternative employment should be sought. If alternative employment is recommended, every effort will be made by Human Resources by means of redeployment should appropriate work be available elsewhere in the University.

The Deans of Faculty/Directors of Directorates will ensure that line management undertake a review of the COSHH assessment and control measures in place in the area where the affected individual was working to consider whether increased controls are necessary.

In some cases, the use of personal respiratory protective equipment (RPE) may be sufficient to control exposure and allow the individual to continue work with no detriment to their health. However, RPE must only be used as a measure of last resort and in conjunction with other measures to control exposure. The RPE provided must be properly fitted and maintained and the individual given adequate training and information about its use. Such individuals will need to continue with regular health surveillance to monitor the effectiveness of such control measures.

Training and information

Appropriate information and training must be provided to enable those using hazardous substances to comply with the health and safety measures in place. This training should include general education on the nature and risks to health of the substances being used and the precautions to be taken including signs of lung disease, health surveillance, training in safe working practices, the correct use and care of PPE/RPE and reporting procedures for any problems identified.

Training is available from the Senior Occupational Health Advisor or the Safety Officer.