Made Moon Blog

Recently a report was compiled by the HSE on the use of two pack paints that have isocyanate content. The study covered visits to around 30 vehicle repair body shops and telephonic coverage of around 500 body repair shops.

This study found that most managers and sprayers did not know that the invisible spray contained isocyanates and this could cause occupational asthma. Vehicle spray painters are 80 times more prone to developing occupational asthma than any average worker in UK is. This is because of the exposure to the isocyanate containing spray.

One out of 5 body shop managers had no idea about the clearance times of their spraying booths. This is extremely dangerous as this can lead to workers re-entering the booths too soon and being exposed to the isocyanates. What makes this doubly dangerous is that the workers are unaware of the health hazards associated with the isocyanates.

The study found that around 85% of the sprayers wear air fed breathing apparatus. However, the advantage is negated because the sprayers lift up their visors to check on the paint finish. This exposes the workers to the isocyanate containing mist.

HSE’s Louise Rice says that body shop managers and sprayers are aware of the risks isocyanates cause and the measures they must take to protect themselves. Nevertheless, the awareness needs to spread to the whole population of sprayers and body shop managers.

The main conclusion of the HSE report is that though there is an increase in the safety measures being taken, there is a wide scope for improvement.

Employers have a duty of care towards ensuring health and safety of the workers and members of the public; Courses, leading to the award of the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health, can be of benefit to organisations in providing the knowledge to manage safely and effectively in compliance with both the organisation’s policy and best practice in health and safety. See NEBOSH e-learning – for information on a web-based training course accredited by the National Examination Board for Occupational Safety and Health.