Spray Booths

Spray booth biological monitoring typically combines urinary diamine analysis for isocyanate exposure with solvent metabolite analysis for the carrier system. It is the gold-standard verification of supplied-air RPE and LEV performance.

Why spray booths are a priority sector

Isocyanate spray painting is the highest-risk routine isocyanate task in UK industry. HSE inspection priorities include automotive refinish, MVR body shops, industrial coatings and aerospace spray operations. Biomonitoring is the expected demonstration of control adequacy.

Biomarker panel

Urinary MDA for MDI systems; urinary TDA for TDI systems; urinary HDA for HDI (most automotive refinish 2-pack); plus solvent metabolites — methylhippuric acids for xylene-based thinners, mandelic + phenylglyoxylic acid where styrene is present.

Common findings and corrective actions

Elevated diamines typically point to supplied-air visor fit failure, glove permeation (latex/nitrile not appropriate for prolonged isocyanate contact), or curing-area re-entry too soon. LEV booth velocity and filter condition should also be inspected.