COSHH 2002 · Biological monitoring
Isocyanates, measured.
Isocyanate hardeners in vehicle paints are among the biggest causes of occupational asthma in the UK. Biological monitoring shows whether your controls are actually keeping them out of your sprayers’ bodies.
Promoting employee health and safety
Health surveillance identifies potential health problems early and makes corrective action possible. It may be a legal requirement for employees exposed to noise, vibration, solvents, fumes, dusts, biological agents and other harmful substances, or for those working in compressed air.
A concern for paint sprayers and body makers
Isocyanates are commonly found in the hardeners used in vehicle body paints. They form the polyurethane that gives a durable, weather-resistant finish, but they can also harm the people who use them.
The health impact of isocyanates
Isocyanate exposure can trigger asthma, even in people with no previous history of it. At first, symptoms may occur only during exposure, and with proper controls people may stay symptom-free. Continued exposure, though, can lead to persistent asthma, with attacks triggered by other environments too.
Why urine analysis matters
The body metabolises inhaled isocyanates and excretes them in urine, so higher levels in a urine sample mean higher exposure. When controls such as breathing apparatus are used properly, workers shouldn’t inhale isocyanates, and di-amine levels in their urine should be undetectable.
What happens
The process, step by step.
- 01
Plan sampling
We agree with you which roles, tasks and booths to sample.
- 02
Collect on-site
Urine samples are collected at the end of a spraying task.
- 03
Laboratory analysis
Samples are analysed for isocyanate-derived di-amines.
- 04
Interpret & advise
We explain the results and what they say about your controls.
FAQs
Biological monitoring: questions.
What does a positive result mean?
Detectable di-amines show that isocyanates got into the body, so a control such as an air-fed mask, its fit or how it’s used needs looking at. We help you pin down where.
Is this the same as asthma surveillance?
No, the two work together. Biological monitoring checks exposure; respiratory surveillance (questionnaire and spirometry) checks for health effects.
Surveillance checker
Anything else you need?
Most workplaces have more than one hazard. Add the rest and see your full surveillance programme.
Step 1 · Tick everything your people are exposed to
Step 2 · What you’re likely to need
0 programmes
Select the hazards in your workplace and we’ll show which health surveillance applies, the regulation behind it and how often it’s due.
General guidance based on HSE regulations. Your risk assessment decides what’s required, and we’ll confirm it with you.
Related
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