NBRA warns MVR industry: HSE launches targeted isocyanate inspections

The National Body Repairers Association (NBRA) is issuing an urgent warning to all motor vehicle repair (MVR) businesses: the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched its targeted isocyanates awareness campaign and inspections, effective this month.

Inspectors are now actively visiting sites to enforce compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

Failure to meet legal requirements regarding paint fumes and dust exposure will result in immediate enforcement action, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, or prosecution.

Key areas of immediate HSE focus

NBRA reminds members that isocyanates, found in vehicle paints, are the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK. The HSE will be specifically inspecting three critical areas:

1. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) – beyond the sprayer

Compliance extends to all staff working in paint and prep areas:

• Spraying: Workers using isocyanate-based paints must use air-fed breathing apparatus (supplied clean air systems). Standard particulate filters are inadequate against these deadly fumes.
• Prep work & dusty environments: Panel beaters, prep staff, and anyone rubbing down fillers or primers are also under scrutiny. If staff in these roles have facial hair that prevents a seal with conventional tight-fitting masks, they must wear battery-operated Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR) or alternative loose-fitting RPE. Comfort and fit are paramount, as comfort drives compliance.

2. Spraybooth ventilation

All spraybooths must have adequate extraction and measured airflow to protect staff during and after spraying.

3. Safe clearance procedures

Clear, measurable clearance times must be visibly displayed and strictly followed before anyone re-enters a booth after spraying is completed.

Mandatory health surveillance

Employers must also arrange regular health surveillance and biological monitoring (simple urine testing) for all relevant employees. This low-cost measure is essential to verify that control measures are actually effective and to detect early exposure.

NBRA urges all MVR Managing Directors, Owners, and Health & Safety Managers to take immediate action to review their current controls, training, and equipment to safeguard their workforce and their business from severe penalties.

Action required now:

1. Verify RPE: Ensure correct air-fed breathing apparatus is used for spraying and appropriate PAPR/loose-fitting RPE is available for prep staff with facial hair.
2. Confirm training: Ensure all workers are correctly fitted and trained in the use of their RPE.
3. Implement monitoring: Establish a system for regular health surveillance and biological monitoring.
4. Consult guidance: Review the HSE’s new isocyanates guidance section and the Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide HSG53.

NBRA will continue to engage with the HSE to ensure practical compliance solutions for our industry.