New guidance on working with 2-pack isocyanate paints

Almost all motor vehicle repair bodyshops use 2-pack or "2K" isocyanate-containing paints. Isocyanates are used in some water-based paints, most base coats and almost all lacquers.  ‘Water-based' does not mean ‘isocyanate-free'.

Spraying 2-pack isocyanate paints is one of the main causes of occupational asthma in the UK and, for years, vehicle paint sprayers have been the group most at risk. 

Over the last four years HSE have worked with industry representatives to explode the myths and explain why even the best air-fed visor can fail to protect people. 

During this period over 2000 people involved with vehicle paint spraying attended free workshops up and down the country to find out how they could carry on using isocyanate paints safely. The ground-breaking training material used at these Safety and Health Awareness Days has now been made freely available on the MVR webpages:

• Ten bodyshop myths that can take your breath away

For further information see also

• Safety in motor vehicle repair: working with 2-pack isocyanate paints INDG388
• COSHH essentials guidance sheets on the use of isocyanates in MVR
• Isocyanates in MVR including occupational asthma