Motor Vehicle Trade

Health surveillance

Body shop technicians
 
 1] Pulmonary function test

This worker group are potentially exposed to two pack polyurethane paints and lacquers. The hardening agent used is frequently an isocyanate. Isocyanates are potent causes of occupational asthma and can cause sensitisation on a single exposure. “High level” health surveillance should be adopted for this group as recommended in HSE leaflet G402. This requires the health surveillance arrangements to involve an occupational health professional. Early tests are required for new bodyshop employees and given the nature of the risk we recommend that 6 monthly checks are subsequently carried out. The development of occupational asthma has serious consequences for the employee but if detected early chronic symptoms can be prevented. In circumstances where there is an indication that an employee may be developing symptoms of asthma Company Health Services can undertake more specialised testing using a Diarycard recording spirometer. This helps to determine the work relatedness of the symptoms. Delay in diagnosis should be avoided and we therefore recommend more frequent testing.

 2] Skin examination

Our trained occupational health advisers identify cases of dermatitis and make recommendations on fitness to work, skin care and skin protection and other means of avoiding occupational dermatitis. 

 3] Hand arm vibration syndrome tests

We undertake HAVS health checks in line with the HSE tiered scheme of health surveillance. We make recommendations on future work with vibratory hand tools, the prevention of development or progression of HAVS and the wearing of protective gloves.

We are also able to make measurements of vibration emissions from vibratory hand tools and make recommendations on the daily length of use of these tools so as to reduce the risk of HAVS. The Equipment that we use is the Larson Davis HVM 100 Human Vibration Meter. We also have timing meters that allow the daily usage of individual vibratory hand tools to be measured accurately.

 4] Audiometry

A detailed questionnaire is used prior to pure tone audiometry. We use modern semiautomatic audiometers for the audiometric test and the tests are performed on site. We provide a lifetime hearing chart for each employee being tested. This clearly shows any fall in hearing level which is easily understood by the employee. The chart also identifies whether the person needs specialist referral or whether they need to take extra care in wearing their hearing protection.

We are able to undertake noise surveys in workshop areas using both Personal Dosimeters and Sound Pressure meters. We use Casella intrinsically safe Personal Dosimeters.

5] Painters : Urine test for isocyanates

The HSE has recommended that the level of isocyanate metabolites in the urine of spray painters be checked annually to meet the requirements of COSHH Regulation 10. We are able to undertake these tests. A report on the results is provided.

Service technicians

We offer a similar tests for service technicians as follows. 

 1] Skin examination

 2] Hand arm vibration syndrome tests

 3] Audiometry

Noise survey measurements have shown noise levels in many service workshops and bodyshops to be in excess of both the daily limit (Lepd) and peak noise level. It is therefore essential to check on hearing loss for all technicians on a regular basis.