The Queensland Government Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ), formerly Department of Natural Resources Mines and Energy (DNRME). currently publishes a register of practices (as well as other approved providers) that provide spirometry (lung function) tests for the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme.
RSHQ and Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP) have introduced an accreditation program for these spirometry practices.
From 1 March 2019, only practices that are accredited with QIP will be eligible for approval by RSHQ and included on the register.
To achieve accreditation, practices must provide evidence that they meet the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) Standards for the Delivery of Spirometry for resource sector workers.
Spirometry practices that achieve accreditation can apply for approval with RSHQ. Refer to the RSHQ registration criteria for more information.
Delivery of Spirometry Standards
Practices who are eligible to apply for QIP accreditation should ensure they meet the following minimum eligibility requirements prior to enrolling with QIP:
- Completed spirometry training courses
- Personnel who are undertaking spirometry tests on coal mine workers must have completed an initial spirometry training course with a registered organisation (Refer to RSHQ’s current register of spirometry training providers: business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/safety-health/mining/medicals/register-providers).
- Completed a one-day refresher course within 12 months of the initial spirometry training course through a registered training provider.
- Completed an additional one-day refresher course within three years of undertaking the refresher course through a registered training provider.
- Spirometry tests within the last 12 months
- To ensure currency and competency as per the standards, personnel who are undertaking spirometry tests on coal mine workers must show evidence that they have undertaken spirometry tests within the last 12 months.
- For re-accreditation, practices must show evidence staff have conducted 100 spirometry tests within the last 12 months.
- The spirometer must:
- Meet the ATS/ERS requirements.
- Be able to input worker demographics such as: height (to the nearest 0.1cm), weight (to the nearest 0.5kg), age (to the nearest one decimal place), gender and ethnicity.
- Be able to input information regarding the use of bronchodilators (nil or type, dose and time of last use).
- Be able to compare the key parameters to the GLI reference equations.
- Be able to produce a report displaying three acceptable ‘pre’ and, where bronchodilator testing is performed, three acceptable ‘post’ values.
- The practice must:
- Have access to local atmospheric conditions (including temperature) as per the spirometer specifications on the day of testing.
- Use an annually certified, validated 3L syringe to calibrate or verify the equipment prior to each testing session or as per the manufacturers’ requirements.
Applying for accreditation with QIP
In order to complete the accreditation process with QIP, providers will need to:
- Review the eligibility requirements to ensure you are eligible for Coal Mine Workers’ accreditation,
- Complete the above online registration form,
- Agree to the QIP client service agreement, and
- Undertake the online self-assessment, uploading any required evidence and submit the completed application to QIP for review by independent decision makers.
Please note: QIP accreditation for Spirometry Practice pathway is valid for a period of 12-months. RSHQ approved providers will be required to maintain their accreditation in order to remain on the RSHQ register of providers.
Accreditation support
QIP offers a range of tools and resources designed to support training providers throughout their accreditation journey, including:
- A dedicated QIP Client Liaison Officer
- Access to QIP’s online accreditation hub, that includes access to:
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- Our user-friendly self-assessment tool known as AccreditationPro, and
- Our extensive online Education and Resource Library.
- Marketing collateral to support you in promoting your accredited status.
Once awarded QIP accreditation, you may apply to RSHQ to become an approved provider.