Manufacturing

Biological monitoring across UK manufacturing covers solvent metabolites, isocyanate diamines, heavy metals and welding-fume markers. The sector accounts for the largest share of routine biomonitoring sampling under COSHH.

Substances commonly monitored

Solvents in cleaning, degreasing and surface preparation (toluene, xylenes, MEK, cyclohexanone); isocyanates in adhesives and coatings (MDI, TDI); chromium and nickel in plating and welding; cobalt in hard-metal grinding; lead in soldering, battery manufacture and secondary metals.

Programme architecture

Most UK manufacturing sites run a 6- or 12-monthly biomonitoring cycle covering each SEG, integrated with air monitoring and LEV thorough examination & test (TExT). Results are reviewed at the COSHH committee and feed back into the next exposure assessment.

Typical SEGs

Process operators, line technicians, maintenance fitters, dipping/plating operators, paint sprayers, welders, foundry workers and warehouse loaders are each typically a distinct SEG with substance-specific biomarker panels.