Paint workers in UK need to take adequate measures to safeguard themselves from the harmful isocyanates in the paint spray that can lead to occupational asthma. This need has been highlighted by a recent study by HSE on the same topic. Louise Rice of HSE says that she finds it heartening to see that a number of managers and sprayers have taken the issue seriously and are implementing safety measures. However, the worrying fact is that the message has not spread to all the workers and managers yet.

The study surveyed 30 body shops directly and 500 body shops through the telephone. It was found that some managers and sprayers were totally unaware of the link between the isocyanates and occupational asthma. In fact, one in five body shop managers surveyed through the telephone did not even know the clearance times of their spray booths.

As a result of this, the sprayers were entering the booth before the paint was completely dry. This resulted in their exposure to the isocyanates. According to HSE estimates, a paint sprayer in UK stands 80 times the risk an average worker faces of developing occupational asthma. This is mainly due to the sprayers not taking any safety measure whatsoever to safeguard themselves from the invisible spray that contains isocyanates.

The study also showed that around 80% of the sprayers do wear air fed breathing apparatus while spray-painting. But, they push up the visor before the paint is dry to check the finish. This increases their exposure to isocyanates multifold.

The integration of good health and safety management systems is an essential principle of any business. Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to health and safety issues. The IOSH training course, accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, is designed to give managers and supervisors all they need to know to help their organisation find the best ways to lead and promote health and safety.