12 October 2004 - Occupational Asthma in Vehicle Bodyshop Paint-Sprayers: New approach taken by HSE
In a bid to publicise the hazards to the
health of vehicle bodyshop paint-sprayers using 2-pack Isocyanates paints,
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are offering free training to
employers, which is aimed at reducing the high levels of occupational asthma
within the industry.
The estimated recorded cases of work related asthma to paint-sprayers in
vehicle bodyshops is 1,500 each year, with the use of Isocyanates being one
of the largest causes of asthma in the paint spraying industry.
Unfortunately, this figure may actually be twice as high.
The vehicle bodyshop paint-sprayers are 80 times more vulnerable to
contracting work related asthma than any other industry, due to very high
concentrations of Isocyanates released into the air when used.
The training, offered by the HSE, is a half-day event, taking place on 29
October 2004 in Parkway Technology Centre, City of Bristol College, Filton,
Bristol. It consists of 2 sessions from 9.15am to 12.30pm and 12.30pm
to 4.30pm and will include lunch.
Businesses who attend the sessions will not have to be inspected for a
further 2 years, say the HSE.
The training is specifically aimed at businesses in the Bristol area who use
the 2-pack Isocyanates paint for paint-spraying.
Dr. Mark Piney, HSE specialist commented:
"Sprayers are more likely to get asthma because of chemicals in the paints they use called Isocyanates. When the paint is sprayed, very high concentrations of Isocyanates are released into the air.
Sprayers can develop asthma rapidly if not properly protected and once the asthma starts that's the end of their life as a sprayer. We need people to come to this free event so they can reduce their chance of getting this horrible disease.
Many people who get occupational asthma end us as respiratory cripples. I've seen cases where they can't even walk upstairs to their own toilet. We want the paint spraying industry to work with us to minimise the suffering that asthma can cause".
HSE's Max Walker, Head of Operations also commented:
"Traditionally, HSE has relied on using workplace inspection and enforcement to help businesses comply with the law, so that their health and that of their employees is protected.
But we are now inviting as many people as we can to this event, where HSE and industry experts will hold interactive sessions explaining what the risks are, and what they can do to minimise them.
HSE is all about taking sensible and reasonable steps to minimise the chances of people becoming ill or hurt at work. We don't like to see people suffer, and we urge as many paint sprayers as possible to contact us to reserve a space at the free event".
For further information on attending the course contact the Bristol HSE office on 0117 988 6000.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
