Biological Monitoring

Biological monitoring is a method of assessing chemical exposure by measuring toxic compounds, elements, or their metabolites in biological substances. This process typically involves analysing samples such as blood, urine, hair, or exhaled breath. It is utilised in both environmental health and occupational health and safety to evaluate exposure and conduct workplace health surveillance.

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About biological monitoring

The primary goal of biological monitoring is to detect hazardous substances in the body before adverse health effects occur. It aids employers in estimating past exposures and assessing individual susceptibility to workplace hazards.

In occupational safety and health, biological monitoring serves purposes such as regulatory compliance, workplace health surveillance, research, confirming the effectiveness of hazard controls, or as a component of occupational risk assessment. It can also be used to reconstruct exposures following acute or accidental events and to assess the effectiveness of personal protective equipment.

Biological monitoring is particularly relevant for employees working with substances like solvents (e.g., toluene and xylene), heavy metals (e.g., lead and mercury), pesticides, isocyanates used in spray painting, and other chemicals with established biological exposure limits. Industries such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, and chemical processing often require such monitoring.

The biological monitoring process

Identifying exposure risks – Assessing workplace substances and determining the need for monitoring.
Sample collection – Collecting blood, urine, or breath samples by trained professionals.
Laboratory analysis – Analysing samples to determine exposure levels.
Results & recommendations – Providing reports with guidance on actions required to reduce exposure.

Engaging in biological monitoring offers benefits such as early detection of harmful exposure, compliance with regulations like the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), improved workplace safety, and data-driven risk assessment.

At Insight Workplace Health, we offer expert-led biological monitoring services tailored to your industry’s needs. Our specialists ensure accurate testing, clear reporting, and practical advice on controlling workplace exposures. We provide on-site and clinic-based sample collection, confidential, laboratory-certified results, and comprehensive support for COSHH compliance.

Protect your workforce with professional biological monitoring services. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.

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Interested in implementing biological monitoring for your business? Get in touch with our team of friendly professionals. We are always happy to help and offer our expertise.

FAQs

What is biological monitoring?

Biological monitoring is a key component of workplace health surveillance, assessing workers’ exposure to hazardous substances by measuring the levels of these substances, or their breakdown products, in biological samples such as blood, urine, or breath. It provides an accurate reflection of actual exposure levels, helping to identify risks and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Why is biological monitoring Important?

Exposure to hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, or organic solvents, can pose serious health risks. Biological monitoring allows for early detection of overexposure, ensuring that protective measures are effective and preventing long-term health complications. It also supports employers in meeting their legal responsibilities under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

Who requires biological monitoring?

Biological monitoring is recommended for employees working with:

Solvents, such as toluene and xylene
Heavy metals, including lead and mercury
Pesticides and other hazardous chemicals
Isocyanates used in spray painting
Other substances with known biological exposure limits (BELS)

Explore our related services

As well as providing biological monitoring for your employees, we also have a variety of related services that will benefit your business and help you to stay within legal requirements. Find out more about all the services below.

Health Surveillance

Health Surveillance Programmes from Insight Workplace Health will help you meet your legislative requirements and obligations under COSHH.

Mobile Screening

We have a fleet of vehicles and experienced staff ready to undertake jobs of any size. We undertake thousands of Safety Critical Medicals and Health Surveillance appointments every year, for companies of all sizes and all industries. We are also able to undertake more specialist medicals where required.

Safety Critical Medicals

We provide thorough Safety Critical Medicals in Wales, as well as the rest of the UK. No matter the industry or size of your business, we’re here to lend our expertise and ensure your workforce is as healthy as can be.

Mental Health Support

Managing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders and more can be very complex in the workplace but is necessary to promote inclusiveness and support employees.

Employee Wellbeing & Health Promotion

Healthy workforces are more productive. Being recognised as an employer that takes the health and wellbeing of your employees seriously reflects positively on the reputation and culture of the organisation.

Management Referrals

Our occupational health professionals provide a quality and timely service, often returning reports faster than the industry standard lead times, without compromising on quality.

Client Testimonials

From fast turnaround times to bespoke support, businesses across a variety of industries consistently benefit from our comprehensive occupational health services. Have a look at our client testimonials to find out more.