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Spirometry Initial Training

See also, Spirometry Refresher Courses.

Workplace INTEGRA, in association with WorkCare, is pleased to offer NIOSH-approved Spirometry Courses held at the Workplace INTEGRA corporate office in Greensboro, NC.

The OSHA Cotton Dust Standard (29CFR1910.1043) states that persons other than licensed physicians who administer pulmonary function tests required by that standard shall have completed a NIOSH-approved training course in spirometry. Completion of this course has now become the de facto requirement for all individuals conducting pulmonary function testing for respirator medical clearance, medical surveillance, and other work-related purposes. The course teaches physicians, nurses, and all other persons conducting pulmonary testing in industrial and clinical settings how to design, implement, and supervise respiratory surveillance programs.

No prior spirometric experience is necessary. The course teaches spirometric theory and technique at a level appropriate for beginners. Those already experienced in Spirometry will gain greater insight into:

Pulmonary anatomy and physiology
Types of spirometers (ATS Standards)
Calibration procedure
Active coaching to obtain the best results
Recognizing testing error
Interpreting test results
Recordkeeping requirements

In addition, OSHA regulations and the 2005 American Thoracic Society (ATS) Spirometry guidelines are reviewed. The emphasis is not just on how to do a pulmonary function test, but what constitutes a best practice approach to spirometry and why.

Class size is restricted to maximize learning and maintain an informal atmosphere. Course content is delivered by lecture, demonstration, and supervised student practice in pulmonary testing technique using a variety of spirometers. Attendees are provided a copy of course materials. As required by NIOSH, a practical and written exam is given and a certificate awarded for satisfactory performance. The instructors have extensive experience in Occupational Health, particularly in Respiratory Surveillance Programs.

Course Information
Initial course duration is 2 days from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.   

All courses are held at the Workplace INTEGRA corporate office in Greensboro, NC.

New NIOSH Requirement for Spirometry Refresher Course
Effective January 1^st 2009, an important change to the NIOSH Spirometry Training Program took effect.

Prior to January 1^st 2009, NIOSH did not require a Refresher course in order to maintain certification.  Refresher courses were offered primarily for educational purposes.  This has changed.  NIOSH  now requires that Technicians who wish to maintain a valid NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificate must complete a NIOSH-Approved Refresher Course (or repeat the full two-day Course) every 5 years.

• Technicians whose NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificates are dated January 1^st 2006 or later must successfully complete a NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course (or repeat the full Course) within 5 years of the date of their initial course to maintain a valid NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificate.

• Technicians whose NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificates are dated January 1^st 2000 through December 31, 2005 must successfully complete a NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course (or repeat the full Course) by December 31, 2010 to maintain a valid NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificate.

• Technicians with NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificates dated prior to January 1^st 2000 are not eligible to take a NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course.  To maintain valid certificates, these students will need to successfully repeat the full two-day NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course.