Why do you need it?
Isocyanates are hazardous chemicals are widely used in manufacturing materials like polyurethane foams, rubbers, plastics, varnishes, adhesives and paints. Products may be identified as not containing free isocyanates; however they may still be toxic.
Workers may be exposed to isocyanates through:
- spraying operations including paints, resins and adhesives
- manufacturing operations producing foams, rubbers, plastics, furniture and insulation.
- welding or pipe work
- varnishes (timber, floors etc)
- extraction of Isocyanate from mineral ore smelters
- mining resurfacing, spraying ground and strata surfaces and injecting voids.
Isocyanates can cause severe adverse health effects including:
- irritation of the respiratory tract including the nose, mouth throat and lungs, breathing difficulties and airway narrowing. Isocyanates may also cause a delayed respiratory effect that occur several hours after exposure
- isocyanates act as an irritant and sensitizing agent causing skin blistering, eye irritation, dermatitis with prolonged exposure.
- headaches and loss of consciousness are possible with significant exposure
- many isocyanates are classified as Category 2 carcinogen.
How does it work?
Due to the damaging effects of Isocyanate exposure, health monitoring and early intervention is required to protect workers who are required to handle isocyanate containing material or those who are suspected or concerned they have been exposed to isocyanate.
Health monitoring for isocyanate exposure should occur:
- prior to commencing work involving isocyanate
- at six weeks from the start of the health monitoring program
- at six monthly intervals for the first 12 months
- annually as determined by supervising doctor
- exit from isocyanate work
- after suspected acute exposure to Isocyanate
- if a worker is concerned that they’ve been exposed to isocyanate
- on return to isocyanate work after removal.
Biological monitoring for isocyanate exposure
- Urinary Isocyanate Metabolite
The medical assessment requirements
- demographic, medical and occupational history
- records of personal exposure
- physical examination with emphasis on the respiratory system and skin
- standard respiratory questionnaire to be completed
- standardised respiratory function tests (lung function test) including for example, FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC
- education regarding Isocyanate exposure
- medical review and counselling after exposure.
We can conduct both medical assessments and biological monitoring as part of your health monitoring requirements. These assessments can be conducted in our clinics or on your site (for minimum numbers).
