Posted By Garry Mcglaid
Hi all,

I am in the process of implemnting a health surveillance program for a joinery manufacturing company. As you could imagine my main concern is occupational asthma, and other respritory problems caused by the range of hardwoods used by the company, there is also a spray booth which uses water based paints which will require employee surveillance also. I would appreciate any advice on the sorts of screening available once i have got passed the assessment stage. The company have concerns in the legalities and what course of action i am going take, and my main hurdle is to reassure them also on any surveillance implemented.

Posted By Chris Packham
Check out MS24 (Medical aspects of occupational skin disease) - downloadable from the HSE website. You will see that skin health surveillance is certainly an essential element for regulatory compliance.

Incidentally, most water-based paints contain biocides (as preservatives) and these frequently cause skin problems.

If you have two-part paints these will probably contain isocyanates, and the HSE consider that biological monitoring is essential.

If you need to know more about skin health surveillance contact me direct (01386 832 311 or chris.packham@enviroderm.co.uk)

Chris

Posted By jeffrey david smith
Also think about the vibration from the machinery/tools being used. Surveillance is good for this too.