Isocyanates Monitoring

What are Isocyanates

Isocyanates are a group of highly reactive chemicals found in products like foam insulation, paints and coatings, adhesives, sealants, and are used in the production of polyurethanes. Isocyanates are both colourless and odourless.

There are two major types of Isocyanates, these are Aromatic isocyanates (TDI – toluene diisocyanate and MDI – methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) and Aliphatic isocyanates (HDI – hexamethylene diisocyanate)

Isocyanate exposure can be both respiratory and dermal.  Respiratory health effects include occupational asthma, coughing and tightness of chest, and shortness of breath.  Dermal health effects include rashes and eye burns/irritation.

Isocyanates have been given the notation Sen (capable of causing Occupational Asthma) in the HSE document EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits. Once a worker has been sensitised to isocyanates it only takes minor exposure for a severe allergic reaction or asthma attack, sensitisation to isocyanates is non reversable, and can be life changing.

By reducing employees’ exposure to harmful substances and unsafe conditions, it leads to improved overall health, resulting in fewer sick days and lower absenteeism. Ultimately, investing in occupational hygiene protects employees while delivering significant financial and reputational benefits to the organization

What to expect

Our Isocyanate Monitoring services will be undertaken by a highly trained and experienced Occupational Hygiene Consultant who will come to your site. Validates’ consultants are members of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene, and therefore have access to the group authoritative licence held by the BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) allowing the use filters coated with 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine (‘1,2-MP’), a controlled substance under schedule 1 Misuse of Drugs Regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Before the assessment we will agree a scope of works extensively and decide on the number of samples necessary.

We will conduct an assessment for the scope of work and provide a Risk Assessment and Method Statement for the monitoring taking place. When the consultant comes to site, they will make observations and understand the sources of exposure and the control measures currently used. They will then assess their effectiveness using the measurement data gathered.

We can take samples as per Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances (MDHS) 25/4. Samples will subsequently be sent to the lab for analysis, Once we have the results, your consultant will create a comprehensive technical report. Urine samples can also be taken after isocyanate exposures to measure for dermal and inhalation exposures.

What do our reports cover

We will provide:

• a detailed executive summary of the work caried out.
• An explanation of the legal requirements and workplace exposure limits (WELs).
• Clear and comprehensive recordings of the audits’ results specifically recording where and when they were taken.
• A conclusion with specific recommendations separated out for each area of the site so it is clear what action should be taken and relevant photos to highlight targeted improvements.