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News Release from: Health and Safety Executive | Subject: Introduction to biological monitoring
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 15 May 2006
An introduction to biological monitoring
This training event will be held on Thursday 28 September 2006 at the Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, UK
Biological monitoring is a useful tool for occupational health and hygiene professionals It is based on the analysis of hazardous substances or their metabolites in urine, blood or breath and is used to assess exposure by inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 17 Jun 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Biological monitoring for workers exposed to lead is compulsory.
For all other substances biological monitoring is voluntary but it has rules under CoSHH for Exposure Assessment (reg 10) and Health Surveillance (reg 11).
Biological monitoring is particularly valuable where substances may be absorbed through the skin or where control of exposure relies on personal protective equipment.
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It can also be used to investigate the behavioural aspects of exposure controls.
A further benefit is the 'personal' nature of biological samples meaning biological monitoring can be used to give workers reassurance about their exposure and risk of ill health.
This workshop is an overview of where biological monitoring can be helpful to occupational health professionals and how it can improve the service they offer.
The event has been accredited with CPD points by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.
Biological Monitoring and HSL.
HSL has been involved in much of the biological monitoring sample and data analysis used to set UK biological guidance values and is responsible for producing and providing information sheets on these guidance values.
HSL is the foremost laboratory in the UK for biological monitoring of occupational exposure conducting extensive research as well as providing a comprehensive analytical service and has representatives on UK and international standard setting bodies.
HSL analyses over 8000 samples per year for over 100 different chemicals and our customers include HSE, occupational health providers and companies directly (mostly SMEs).
Venue.
The workshop will be run at the new HSL laboratory in the spa town of Buxton.
Buxton is in the heart of the UK Peak District and has good links to mainline train stations and Manchester International Airport.
Who should attend?.
The workshop is designed for occupational health providers (physicians, nurses and health and safety professionals) who are interested in what biological monitoring can do for them and their clients.
What can you expect?.
The programme will start with an introduction to biological monitoring - what it is, why do it, where it fits into the regulations and how it can help you assess chemical exposure and the risk of ill-health followed by biological effect monitoring.
Practical examples of biological monitoring will then be illustrated through case studies and a session will cover the interpretation of results.
After lunch, there will be a tour of five areas of the laboratory to look at biological monitoring and related topics.
The day will conclude with an informal forum to allow questions and discussion of issues with HSL scientists.
Presenters include:.
John Cocker - head of biological monitoring (expertise in biological monitoring including regulatory approaches).
Howard Mason - principle scientist, health effects (expertise in toxicology, biochemistry, drug and alcohol screening, HAVS).
Kate Jones - principal scientist, biological monitoring (specialist in biological monitoring for organic chemicals).
Jackie Morton - senior scientist, biological monitoring (specialist in biological monitoring for inorganic chemicals).
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