What to know
Spirometry is a breathing test provided by NIOSH-approved facilities and clinics as part of the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP). CWHSP spirometry guidelines and resources for health facilities and manufacturers are provided below.
Periodic spirometry for coal miners
Spirometry helps to identify coal worker's pneumoconiosis or black lung, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions.
The CWHSP spirometry regulations are outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 37 Specifications for Medical Examinations of Coal Miners. Before providing spirometry tests and administering respiratory assessment questionnaires for the CWHSP:
- Health facilities and clinics must be approved by NIOSH.
- NIOSH-approved x-ray facilities must seek separate approval to also administer spirometry.
Facility Application
NIOSH-approved spirometry facility resources
NIOSH-approved facilities
Training for technicians
Spirometry Training Course Information and Schedules
Forms
Infection control guidance
- The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM): Occupational Spirometry and Fit Testing in the COVID-19 Era
- The CDC: Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Contact information
Email - NIOSHbreathe@cdc.gov OR CWHSP@cdc.gov
Phone - 1-888-480-4042
Mailing address - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Respiratory Health Division, 1000 Frederick Lane, Morgantown, WV 26508