ISOCYANATE PAINTS IN MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS MOVES UP FRONT

HSE press release E203:03 - 14 October 2003

A leaflet, which folds out so it can be used as a poster for display, will provide practical advice aimed at preventing workers getting asthma from isocyanate chemicals in 2-pack paints used in the refinishing/repainting of motor vehicles.

Safety in motor vehicle repair: Working with 2-pack isocyanate paints was launched today by Department for Work and Pensions Minister, Des Browne, MP. He opened a workshop focusing on the cause, impact and prevention of occupational asthma, to mark European Week for Safety and Health at Work's Dangerous Substances campaign.

HSE's Motor Vehicle Repair (MVR) Health and Safety Forum, which has representatives from the motor vehicle industry and trade unions, decided on the clear format which simply sets out the risks to workers' health and the steps needed to protect them.

Dr John Powell, Head of the National Engineering Group in HSE's Manufacturing Sector and Chair of the MVR Forum said: " Exposure to isocyanates can cause long-term and life-threatening illnesses. Isocyanates are the number one cause of occupational asthma. which affects 7,000 people each year in Britain.

"There is a risk if unreacted isocyanate is breathed in, or splashed onto the skin or into the eyes. Vapours, spray mists and dusts containing isocyanates are highly irritant to the respiratory tract and eyes, and may bring about or worsen existing asthma, or cause dermatitis.

"Spraying 2-pack isocyanate paints is one of the main causes of occupational asthma. It can also trigger off asthma in customers visiting garages or bodyshops and it makes sense for garage owners to deal with the problem up front.

"Effective control measures such as only spraying in a well-ventilated booth or enclosure with the doors closed and by suitably trained persons wearing air-fed respirators, can reduce exposures to non-detectable levels and certainly below current UK exposure limits."

The leaflet complements the practical guidance available on control of isocyanates available from the COSHH Essentials website, http://www.coshh-essentials.org.uk

Copies of Safety in motor vehicle repair: Working with 2-pack isocyanate paints (INDG 388) can be ordered online at http://books.hse.gov.uk

Notes to editors

1. The European Week for Safety and Health runs from13-18 October and the current theme is preventing risks from dangerous substances at work, including occupational respiratory (asthma) or skin diseases.

2. The Motor Vehicle Repair Health and Safety Forum is organised by the National Engineering Group, part of HSE's Manufacturing Sector and based in Birmingham. The group acts as a co-ordinating body for those involved with health and safety affecting the motor vehicle repair (MVR) industry - from major franchised motor dealers to small independent garages, tyre fitting and service centres and roadside recovery. Further information about the Forum, including its membership and terms of reference can be found on www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/committees/mvr/index.htm.

3. There is wide spread potential for work-related ill health in motor vehicle repair. Many of the substances used require careful storage, handling and control. Asthma and dermatitis are two of the main causes of ill health amongst workers in this industry.

4. Further information about health and safety in motor vehicle repair and respiratory diseases such as asthma can be found on HSE's websites eg www.hse.gov.uk/mvr or www.hse.gov.uk/asthma.

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