Is Your Workshop Ready?

HSE Launches Isocyanates Awareness Campaign and Targeted Inspections

From October, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be visiting motor vehicle repair (MVR) businesses across the UK to check how well workers are protected from exposure to isocyanates – the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK.

Here we answer some of the key questions to help you understand what’s happening, what inspectors will be looking for, and how Stallard Kane can help your business stay safe, compliant, and inspection-ready.

What are isocyanates and why are they a concern?

Isocyanates are chemicals commonly found in vehicle paint, foam and adhesive products. When sprayed, they create a fine mist that can easily be inhaled and cause serious long-term health problems.

They’re the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK, with many skilled vehicle paint sprayers developing the condition each year. Once symptoms develop, they are often irreversible – meaning affected workers may have to leave the profession permanently.

What is the HSE’s campaign about?

The HSE is carrying out a national inspection programme focusing on motor vehicle repair businesses that use paint spraying processes.

Inspectors are checking that businesses have effective control measures in place to prevent or reduce exposure to isocyanates, that staff are properly trained, and that regular health surveillance is being carried out.

The aim isn’t just enforcement – it’s also about helping businesses understand what’s required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and supporting them to improve.

Where do businesses most often fall short?

The HSE has identified three main areas where workshops commonly fail to meet legal requirements:

1. Spray booth ventilation – extraction systems are often not sufficient or properly maintained.
2. Respiratory protection equipment (RPE) – workers must use air-fed breathing apparatus, not just disposable masks.
3. Safe clearance procedures – spray booths must have clearly displayed clearance times, ensuring it’s safe for anyone to enter after spraying.

These controls are vital to protect workers from breathing in harmful vapours.

What does the law require under COSHH?

Under COSHH, employers must either prevent exposure to isocyanates or adequately control it. This includes:

• Assessing the risks and implementing suitable control measures
• Maintaining ventilation and spray equipment
• Providing suitable RPE and ensuring workers are face-fit tested
• Training staff on the safe use and maintenance of equipment
• Keeping accurate health surveillance and monitoring records

Essentially, you must prove that exposure is either eliminated or tightly controlled.

What is biological monitoring and why does it matter?

Biological monitoring is a simple urine test that measures the amount of isocyanate a worker has been exposed to. It’s quick, cost-effective, and provides reassurance that control measures – such as ventilation and RPE – are working correctly.

Even when everything appears to be running smoothly, biological monitoring can detect low levels of exposure that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s an essential part of keeping both workers and the business protected.

What health surveillance should be in place?

Health surveillance involves regular medical checks to spot the early signs of asthma or other breathing problems. For spray painters and anyone exposed to isocyanates, this is a legal requirement.

Detecting symptoms early allows for quick intervention – helping to prevent serious illness and avoid workers having to give up their trade.

What should businesses do before an HSE visit?

If you’re in the motor vehicle repair sector, now is the time to review your controls and documentation. Check that:

• Your COSHH assessments are up to date
• Ventilation and extraction systems are tested and maintained
• RPE is suitable, serviced and air-fed
• Face-fit testing has been completed for all relevant staff
• Health surveillance and biological monitoring programmes are in place
• Spray booth clearance times are displayed and followed

Being proactive now helps demonstrate compliance and care for your workforce.

What happens if you’re found to be non-compliant?

If inspectors find that your controls or procedures fall short, they may issue an improvement or prohibition notice, or even pursue prosecution in more serious cases.

However, the focus of this campaign is support and education – helping businesses understand their responsibilities and protect their teams effectively.

Where can you find help and guidance?

The HSE has published new resources on its Work Right website, including templates, checklists and practical tools to help you implement the proper measures and carry out health monitoring correctly.

You can also read the full HSE press notice for more details about the inspection programme.

How can Stallard Kane help?

At Stallard Kane, we work with motor vehicle repair businesses across the UK to help them stay safe, compliant and inspection-ready.

Our support includes:

• COSHH assessments and control reviews
• Face-fit testing for respiratory protection equipment
• Arranging biological monitoring programmes
• Health surveillance coordination
• Staff training on isocyanate awareness and control measures

We take care of the detail, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

If you’d like support preparing for an HSE visit or reviewing your current controls, get in touch with our Health & Safety team today.

Contact us healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk or call 01427 678 660.

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