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Posted By Xander
Hi
I wonder if anyone can help me with a little matter. The manufacturing company I work for carries out electrostatic powder coating on a small scale (only 1 person ever sprays at a time), using powder that contains the mutagen and skin sensitizer TGIC. We’ve tried substitution, but it doesn’t work. The HSE seem happy for the moment with our controls (LEV, good housekeeping and cleanliness, RPE and full PPE), but a few months ago I started health surveillance as well.
The HSE have suggested that I ask someone in occupational health (but not a GP) exactly what to look for, and whether or not we need a professional to do it. As I’m not personally qualified to examine them, I simply ask the sprayers at the beginning of each month if they have noticed on themselves any of the symptoms of dermatitis (e.g. redness, itching, swelling etc), if they have any difficulties in breathing, if they have any eye irritation, or if any other conditions have developed. And of course I record the results.
With the controls we have, and the very limited scale of our operation, it seems a bit OTT to have to call in someone to examine them on a regular basis. So I was wondering if anyone here could advise me as to whether what I’m doing is suitable and sufficient? Any advice gratefully received.
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Posted By Hilary Charlton
Have you tried investigating the facilities at your local hospital with regard to occupational health? It may be worthwhile sending your sprayer for COSHH medicals on a half yearly basis just to be on the safe side. Presumably you cannnot prove competence for these checks either for you or for your sprayer so there is very little point in doing it this way and it would be worth the small amount it would cost just to cover you for this.
Hilary
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Posted By Geoff Dale
Hi
I once set up health surveillance for 4 workers using 2-pack paint, one person was found to have a serious medical condition that he was not previously aware of (and unrelated to spraying paint.) I have recently tried NHS Plus who were very helpful. http://www.nhsplus.nhs.uk/
Geoff
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Posted By Stuart C
Xander - if i understand it right and i am sure i will be corrected if i haven't people can become sensitised to substances after very minimal exposure so health surveillance is important. This low level of health surveillance can be done in house but they need to know what they are doing
The guidance suggests an occupational health nurse or doctor can train someone to do the checks - many companies use first aiders in this role.
page 7 of the leaflet preventing dermatitis at work refers http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg233.pdf
Stu C
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Posted By Stuart C
doh page 8!!
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