Posthearing Brief of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Proposed Rule on Occupational Exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol, 2-Ethoxyethanol and Their Acetates (Glycol Ethers) (December 1, 1993). 29 CFR Part 1910; Docket No. H-044

摘要

The testimony presents a clarification of the position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regarding whether pulmonary function testing is appropriate as a screening tool for respirator use. NIOSH has reassessed its position for the OSHA proposed standard on glycol ethers and now supports the OSHA proposal that pulmonary function testing be required for all workers who wear respiratory protection. These tests do not need to include forced expiratory flow as OSHA has proposed as the forced expiratory flow measurements are too variable to be useful for screening. NIOSH has changed its position on pulmonary function testing because some workers with severe pulmonary impairment may not be detected by a medical history and physical exam. Requiring pulmonary function testing would provide more objective criteria to help the physician assess pulmonary function of the worker.