Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Notices

Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Prevention, Mitigation and Management of COVID-19 outbreak

Annexures

Annexure 11: Spirometry testing
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ANNEXURE 11:Spirometry testing

 

(For information purposes)

 

NOTE:

To be suspended unless effective IPC can be guaranteed

 

1.PROCESS EVALUATION FOR SPIROMETRY TESTING

 

1.1.During the spirometry manoeuvre, the client is required to take a deep breath and exhale maximally into the spirometer to produce a spirograph.This needs to be done at least three times to produce an acceptable test result. This forced manoeuvre often results in coughing and spluttering which can result in the release of droplets from the airway into the environment. The technician conducting the spirometry is usually sitting below the standing client, or next to the client when sitting, and there is a likelihood of the droplets landing on the face and mucus membranes of the tester.The client cannot move far away due to the cord connecting the spirometer to the computer. The operator must be in close proximity to the client to assess for any change in condition and to possibly support the client. The filters that are normally used will protect the spirometer from most microbes but it does not prevent the droplets from the client's mouth going into the environment if they cough or splutter during or after the manoeuvre.

 

1.2.With the current pandemic, there may be individuals who are infected, asymptomatic and shedding the virus. The SARS CoV-2 cannot be compared to other respiratory pathogens in that it is highly contagious and extremely virulent, and if not always deadly, results in morbidity and required isolation resulting in absenteeism. The impact that it has had on the world is unprecedented.The impact it could have on the working community in mines and the industry will be devastating.

 

2.CONTROL MEASURES

 

2.1.In the usual day to day management of risk, spirometry requires standard infection control precautions such as adequate ventilation and airflow, UV lights, us1e of appropriate filters, adequate environmental cleaning, the use of gloves by the operator and effective hand hygiene. In the current environment the operator is required to do a risk assessment on the client to establish the risk of infection by utilising a respiratory questionnaire. In the case where there is any doubt, the test is delayed and the client is referred for medical assessment. Should spirometry be essential, then a mask, eye protection and gloves should be donned for the procedure.