After finding multiple workplaces not providing adequate risk controls to protect the health of employees working with isocyanate paints WorkSafe has issued a Safety Alert, highlighting the safety issues and potential controls.
Isocyanates are hazardous substances. They are commonly found in the hardener component of two-pack paints used in the automotive industry. Exposure to isocyanates when performing activities like spraying isocyanate-containing paint can lead to adverse health outcomes.
Isocyanate exposure can cause respiratory or asthma-like symptoms and skin irritation and sensitisation. Once a person becomes sensitised to isocyanates any exposure in the future, even in small amounts, can trigger symptoms. Even non-isocyanate paints or solvents can re-trigger symptoms. It can be life-threatening and can impact an employee’s ability to continue working. As well as respiratory symptoms, isocyanates can cause chronic skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.
Employers must ensure that health monitoring is carried out under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner for employees if those employees are exposed to a hazardous substance listed in Schedule 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (2017) and exposure is likely to cause adverse health effects. Isocyanates are a hazardous substance for which health monitoring is required.
Such health monitoring may include lung function tests, medical examinations and review of work histories and workplace exposure.
The WorkSafe Isocyanate Safety Alert includes links to information on –
- Isocyanate health monitoring
- Hazardous substance health monitoring report
- Exposure standards and atmospheric monitoring
- Spraying isocyanate paints
- Compliance Code: Hazardous Substances
- Safe Work Australia’s guide to handling isocyanates
- Safe Work Australia’s guidance to health monitoring for isocyanates
Read more: worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-alerts/spraying-paints-containing-isocyanate