Isocyanates are a leading cause of occupational asthma reported in Great Britain and vehicle paint sprayers are significantly at risk.
Respiratory health surveillance
Respiratory health surveillance is required for workers liable to be exposed to isocyanate-containing materials.
Occupational asthma occurs as a result of sensitisation to isocyanates. Once a worker has been sensitised, even tiny amounts of exposure can trigger an asthma attack.
This makes it vital that exposure is well controlled and that health surveillance is carried out regularly, so if occupational asthma does occur, it is identified early and appropriate action can then be taken. A shorter duration of symptoms and removal from the cause of occupational asthma are associated with a better prognosis.
Skin health surveillance
Skin health surveillance is required because workers in body preparation and paint sprayers are more likely to develop dermatitis than the average working population. This is probably caused by a combination of:
- exposure to skin irritants, such as fine dust during hand sanding that cause abrasion and drying of the skin (known as ‘mechanical damage’)
- exposure to skin sensitisers, such as those found in 2-part adhesives, body fillers and foam fillers
Epoxy resins are among the most common causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis and are used extensively in bodyshops. Isocyanates are also classified as skin sensitisers.
Find out more on health surveillance for occupational asthma and dermatitis in our COSHH essentials guidance G402 and G403: G - COSHH essentials: general guidance.