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Paint sprayer developed allergic reaction

Exposed

Peter Johnson (J) was working for Laing O’Rourke Utilities Ltd (L) re-painting joints along a raised gas pipeline in Devon when he was exposed to isocyanates. The job involved spraying paint through a vehicle attachment. However, the vehicle he was using had an open cab and L didn’t supply any protective clothing or equipment. This meant that J was exposed to the paint aerosol when the spray drifted into the cab. Another dangerous factor was that the job took several weeks. Therefore, J wasn’t breathing in the spray on just one or two occasions, he was exposed to it repeatedly. And what’s more, the exposure was to high concentrations - the HSE estimated that it could have been at up to ten times the legal limit for isocyanates.

Reaction

Exposure to isocyanates is one of the greatest causes of occupational asthma in the UK. The chemical, which is found in various paints and glues, can also cause conjunctivitis, dermatitis, bronchitis and rhinitis. In J’s case, he got off relatively lightly. He developed dermatitis on his face.

Why is it dangerous?

Isocyanate is a “sensitising agent”. This means that you can develop an allergy to it and any further exposure, even to a small amount, can cause a severe reaction. Individuals who have been sensitised need to avoid work which could expose them to the hazardous substance in question. This restricts the work they are able to do.

In court

L pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and was ordered to pay a £4,000 fine with £15,062 costs. Regulation 7(1) requires that employers prevent their employees from being exposed to hazardous substances, or where that is not reasonably practicable, it’s adequately controlled. In other words, if you can’t avoid the exposure, then you need to bring it within safe limits.

Substitution

One of the first precautions employers should consider is to substitute the substance with a less hazardous alternative. In this case the HSE accepted that there wasn’t any other option so the paint had to be used. But the inspector felt that it could have been applied more safely with a brush.

Tip 1. This ruling doesn’t mean that you can’t spray paint. But you do need to be able to justify what you use, how you use it and why.

Tip 2. Check material safety data sheets for any substances which contain isocyanates. Expect anything which comes in a two-pack, e.g. some paints and glues, to contain it.

Tip 3. Take note of HSE information sheets on using products which contain isocyanates, e.g. mixing, spraying, cleaning spray guns etc. (see The next step).

For a link to the HSE’s COSHH Essentials advice on isocyanates, visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk (HS 09.15.04).