Isocyanate Monitoring

What is isocyanate monitoring?

Isocyanates monitoring measures the airborne concentration of isocyanate vapours and aerosols from two-pack paints, adhesives and polyurethane foams that workers may breathe in during normal operations. It quantifies real personal exposure so employers can judge whether existing controls are adequate.

IndustrialAirMonitoring.uk provides independent isocyanate monitoring across vehicle refinishing, foam manufacture, coatings, furniture, construction sites throughout the UK. Our occupational hygienists deliver defensible exposure data that demonstrates compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and the workplace exposure limits set out in HSE guidance note EH40.

Why isocyanate monitoring matters

Under COSHH Regulation 10, employers must monitor exposure to hazardous substances where it is needed to protect health, where a workplace exposure limit could be exceeded, or where control measures need to be verified. Isocyanates monitoring provides the objective evidence that satisfies this duty.

Uncontrolled exposure to isocyanates is linked to occupational asthma, respiratory sensitisation and dermatitis. Beyond the legal duty, robust monitoring protects your workforce, reduces the risk of enforcement action and civil claims, and gives insurers and clients confidence that exposure is being actively managed.

How we carry out isocyanate monitoring

We measure exposure using impinger or treated-filter sampling drawn through calibrated pumps to MDHS 25, following the recognised MDHS 25 methodology. Personal samplers are worn in the breathing zone for a representative full shift to derive an 8-hour time-weighted average, while static (background) samples help map contaminant sources across the workplace.

Samples are analysed by an accredited laboratory and the results compared with the relevant occupational exposure limit. Where short-term peaks are a concern we add 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL) sampling, so both the chronic and acute risk picture is captured.

Standards, limits and reporting

The current workplace exposure limit for isocyanates is 0.02 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA), 0.07 mg/m3 STEL (as -NCO) (EH40/2005, as amended). We assess compliance using the BS EN 689 statistical decision framework, which accounts for exposure variability rather than relying on a single result.

Your report sets out the measured concentrations, the compliance position, the adequacy of existing controls such as local exhaust ventilation, and a recommended re-monitoring interval. It is written to be understood by managers and to satisfy HSE inspectors, auditors and insurers.

Our isocyanate monitoring process

Our isocyanate monitoring programmes follow a structured, four-stage workflow so the results stand up to scrutiny. Request monitoring or book a site assessment to begin.

1Scoping & site survey. We review your processes, COSHH assessments and previous isocyanate monitoring data, then plan a representative sampling strategy using BS EN 689 similar exposure groups.
2On-site sampling. Qualified occupational hygienists carry out calibrated breathing-zone and static measurements across a representative shift, with full chain-of-custody documentation.
3Accredited analysis. Samples are analysed using the relevant MDHS / ISO laboratory method and the results are compared against the applicable workplace exposure limit.
4Reporting & recommendations. You receive a clear exposure report with compliance status, control recommendations and a re-monitoring interval — defensible evidence for HSE, insurers and auditors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the isocyanate exposure limit?

The UK workplace exposure limit is 0.02 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA) and 0.07 mg/m3 (15-minute STEL), expressed as total isocyanate (-NCO) groups.

Why are isocyanates so closely regulated?

They are a leading cause of occupational asthma; once sensitised, a worker can react to tiny concentrations, so exposure must be tightly controlled.

Where is isocyanate monitoring needed?

Spray booths, two-pack paint application, PU foam production and any process using isocyanate-based products.