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Body Shops

Health and safety priorities for body shops

There is widespread potential for work-related ill health in MVR body shops. Many of the substances used require careful storage, handling and control. Isocyanate-containing paints have, for many years, been the biggest cause of occupational asthma in the UK and the industry is also in the top 10 for cases of disabling dermatitis.

Vehicle paint spraying and occupational asthma

Paints containing isocyanate are used extensively in MVR. Isocyanates are found in most vehicle coatings even in some ‘water-based' paints. Remember, 'water-based' does not necessarily mean 'isocyanate-free'. Spraying produces the highest exposures and is the main cause of occupational asthma. MVR paint sprayers have an 80 times higher risk of getting asthma compared with the UK working population. Every year over 50 sprayers are diagnosed with isocyanate asthma and most have to leave the industry. Below are some key tips for vehicle paint sprayers and owners of motor vehicle repair body shops.

COSHH essentials for motor vehicle repair

This series of information sheets will help motor vehicle repair practitioners to comply with their duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2003 (as amended) to control exposure to hazardous substances and protect workers' health.

The sheets describe good practice when carrying out a range of common MVR tasks

MVR COSHH Guidance Sheets

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