Workplace Services

Isocyanates medicals

Ethos Health offers Isocyanates health surveillance medicals in-clinic and onsite bulk assessment centres across Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, The Hunter Valley and Central Coast regions.

To maximise efficiency and minimise worker downtime, we can add additional periodic health assessment elements such as respirator fit testing or audiometry testing for a true all-in-one solution.

In-clinic and onsite

Meaningful insights

Fast and practical testing

Expert workplace health support

What are Isocyanates?

Isocyanates are a group of highly reactive, organic compounds used in a range of industries.

At-risk work involves tasks where isocyanates may be released as vapours, aerosols and mists that could be inhaled or contact the skin or eyes, such as: 

  • spray painting, using two-pack paints with an isocyanate hardener in vehicle paints 
  • using rigid foams for heat insulation 
  • using flexible foams for bedding and upholstery 
  • using hard-wearing coatings for furniture and floors 
  • making sporting goods such as skis, surfboards and footwear 
  • spray on polyurethane products 

Isocyanates are also in: 

  • processes where heat breaks down polyurethane products 
  • foundry operations. 

Adverse health effects of isocyanates include respiratory issues, skin or eye irritation, and headaches.

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Employers with workers exposed to isocyanates are required by law to have an adequate control plan in place. Controls are divided into two categories:

  1. Minimising exposures: for example, chemical handling protocols, local exhaust ventilation, and PPE.
  2. Worker health monitoring: an isocyanate medical, including specific questionnaires, respiratory (lung) function tests, chest X-rays, and a urine test (sometimes), and a medical examination.

 

SafeWork Australia specifies that isocyanate-exposed workers with no adverse health effects should undergo health monitoring no less than annually.

Book your Isocyanates medical today

Please contact us for more information or a quote to suit your workforce.

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