Addressing Occupational Asthma in the Workplace: A Case Study

In an electroplating factory, two workers began experiencing symptoms indicative of occupational asthma. Lung function tests conducted at the workplace (as part of the Health Surveillance Programme) confirmed the diagnosis, but the cause remained elusive.

Use SDS to inform your assessment, not as your assessment

The "breakthrough" came when a worker presented a Safety Data Sheet for a lacquer containing isocyanates, used to coat silver-plated goods and cured in an oven. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed the presence of isocyanates and found that the employer was exceeding workplace exposure limits.

Check and Test your LEV/Extraction

Simple smoke tube tests (as shown below) revealed that contaminated air from the ovens was reaching the workers.

The "breakthrough" came when a worker presented a Safety Data Sheet for a lacquer containing isocyanates, used to coat silver-plated goods and cured in an oven. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed the presence of isocyanates and found that the employer was exceeding workplace exposure limits. Simple smoke tube tests revealed that contaminated air from the ovens was reaching the workers.

Use suitable extraction to protect your workers

In response, the employer installed fume extraction systems, significantly reducing isocyanate levels in the work environment.

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Unfortunately, one worker had to take early retirement on medical grounds, receiving compensation for occupational asthma caused by isocyanates. The second worker had to change jobs and also applied for compensation.

This case underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and regular monitoring to protect workers’ health. Employers must ensure compliance with safety regulations to prevent such incidents and safeguard their workforce.

4 simple steps to keep workers safe & avoid this case study

• Carry out a COSHH Assessment, and keep it up to date
• Implement suitable control measures to keep worker safe (such as extraction, inspection and test of LEV, suitable respiratory protective equipment, etc.)
• Workplace Monitoring (air sampling)
• Health Surveillance

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