Biological monitoring for occupational chemical exposure.
Biological monitoring helps employers assess how exposure to certain hazardous substances may be affecting individual employees. While measuring a substance in the working environment provides useful information about exposure conditions, biological monitoring assesses what may have entered the employee’s body.
Using samples such as blood or urine, the process can form part of a medical surveillance programme when indicated by the workplace risk assessment and the hazardous agent involved.
Assessing employee exposure.
Occupational hygiene monitoring measures a hazardous substance in the workplace. Biological exposure testing looks for the substance, one of its breakdown products or a related indicator in the employee.
Our biological monitoring service includes blood and urine testing for selected exposures such as lead, mercury and solvents. The monitoring programme should take account of:
- The substance involved
- The employee’s work and exposure pattern
- The timing of sample collection
- Applicable occupational exposure guidance
- Previous monitoring results
- Any need for further clinical assessment
Results need to be interpreted by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Where a finding requires attention, further investigation, review of workplace controls or medical referral may be needed.
Biological Monitoring on-site or at an IHSS clinic.
Biological monitoring works alongside occupational hygiene assessments and exposure controls, giving employers information about employee exposure as they address hazardous substances in the working environment.
Biological monitoring can be arranged at our clinics or included in a suitable mobile or on-site workforce programme.