So, what is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD for short; it is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
It includes emphysema, which is damage to the air sacs in the lungs and chronic bronchitis which is long-term inflammation of the airways. COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke but also those who have had exposure to Silica dust and even Flour dust. Many people do not realise they have it.
The breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit your normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
The main symptoms of COPD are:
· Increasing breathlessness, particularly when you’re active.
· A persistent chesty cough with phlegm – some people may dismiss this as just a “smoker’s cough”.
· Frequent chest infections.
· Persistent wheezing.
Without treatment, the symptoms usually get progressively worse. There may also be periods when they get suddenly worse, known as a flare-up or exacerbation.
What is causing COPD?
COPD happens when the lungs become inflamed, damaged and narrowed. Some cases of COPD are caused by long-term exposure to harmful fumes or dust. Others are the result of a rare genetic problem which means the lungs are more vulnerable to damage or Smoking.
Some examples of occupations that are linked with a possible increased chance of getting COPD are agriculture, construction, quarries and welding.
So, what can we do to protect our staff?
Employers are legally responsible under The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the COSHH Regulations 2002 to control substances hazardous to health in the workplace, to prevent and adequately control their employees’ exposure to those substances.
Firstly, a Risk Assessment needs to be completed, so you can assess what can be done to mitigate the risk. You may find that there are alternative methods to do the work that won’t create the harmful dust, you may be able to use a dust suppression system or provide an extraction system to reduce the exposure or use masks.
How can MBO help you combat the risk of COPD?
MBO offers a range of consultancy, training, testing and inspections that can help reduce the risks and anticipate the dangers of COPD.
We can come to you and complete a site-specific risk assessment for the area or equipment that has harmful fumes or dust. This will direct you to other ways to mitigate the risk.
If a mask is required, to ensure its suitability a Face fit test needs to be completed. This will ensure that the person’s mask fits their face and protects them from hazardous substances when at work. MBO can complete this testing at your site and at a time to suit you.
We can also complete awareness training for the identified harmful fumes or dust such as Asbestos Awareness. This course is designed for anyone who may encounter asbestos containing materials in the course of their work. This includes builders, electricians, fitters, joiners, plumbers and many more trades. On this course you will find out…What is asbestos? Where can it be found? How to avoid exposure? and more.
For more information on the above, follow the links where you are able to book the training you need. Or alternatively phone our office where one of the team can discuss your requirements.
Training for UKATA Asbestos Awareness | MBO Safety Services
Testing & Inspections for Asbestos Management and Surveys | MBO Safety Services