REVISED GUIDANCE ON CONTROL OF EXPOSURE TO TGIC IN COATING POWDERS

HSE press release: E081:03 -03 June 2003

Revised guidance on the control of exposure to triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) in coating powders has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

It has been revised to reflect the changes introduced by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2003, (COSHH) which came in force on 29 April 2003.

TGIC is used as a curing agent in powder coating paints applied to industrial and household products, such as car parts, washing machines and refrigerators as well as architectural finishes. It is also used as a solder mask in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. As a Category 2 mutagen, TGIC and products containing it are now subject to the additional control measures applied by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 to substances classified as Category 1 or 2 carcinogens or mutagens.

John Powell from HSE's Manufacturing Sector said: "As a result of this change to the law, employers have to take a range of actions to control the risk of exposure from TGIC. One of the most significant is the requirement to thoroughly clean any surfaces where accumulations of TGIC could form. Employers also need to review the information and training provided for employees who may be exposed to TGIC, and prepare plans and procedures to deal with incidents and emergencies."

The new Regulations make users of substances that may cause genetic damage - classified by the European Union as Category 1 or 2 mutagens - apply the same control measures already required for carcinogens, substances that can cause cancer. In practice this will currently only affect the users of TGIC because it is the only mutagen not already classified as a carcinogen.

Copies of Control of exposure to triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) in coating powders (EIS15) are available from HSE Books.

Notes for editors

1. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 (COSHH) originally came into force in October 1989 but have been amended and replaced several times. For more information on the latest amendment to the COSHH Regulations, which became law on 29 April 2003, see HSE's press release HSE PUBLISHES REVISED GUIDANCE ON THE COSHH REGULATIONS: E060:03 - 22 April 2003.

2. COSHH requires employers to prevent or adequately control the exposure of their employees and other persons who may be affected to hazardous substances. In addition, the Regulations require: the maintenance, examination and testing of control measures; the provision of information, instruction and training; emergency planning; and, in some cases, exposure monitoring and health surveillance of employees, and preparing procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies involving hazardous substances. In meeting their obligations under COSHH, employers should have regard to the practical advice contained in the COSHH Approved Code of Practice (ACoP).

3. COSHH transposes into law in Great Britain a number of EU directives. One of these, the 1990 Carcinogens Directive (90/394/EEC), sets out requirements to protect workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens at work. Substances defined as carcinogens in the COSHH Regulations are subject to a strict prevention and control regime in the Regulations and in the supporting ACoP.

4. The 2nd Amendment to the Carcinogens Directive (1999/38/EC - OJ L 138, 1.6.1999, p.66) was adopted on 29 April 1999 and must be implemented in Member States by 29 April 2003. Among other things, it extended the scope of the 1990 Carcinogens Directive to include substances classified by the European Union as Category 1 or 2 mutagens. Consequently, the measures in COSHH that are specifically applicable to carcinogens must also be extended to apply to such mutagens.

5. Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 978 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2003, can be viewed on the Her Majesty's Stationery Office website at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/978/contents/made

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