COSHH Certifed Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring is a vital occupational health service that measures chemical exposure in the workplace by analyzing biological samples. It plays a key role in ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. By detecting hazardous substances before adverse health effects occur, biological monitoring helps prevent occupational diseases and assesses the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace safety measures.
Further Information
While not mandatory for all substances under the COSHH Regulations, biological monitoring is recommended for:
- Situations where chemicals can be swallowed or absorbed through the skin.
- Work environments using PPE and engineering controls to manage exposure.
- Employers that need to verify the effectiveness of safety measures in place.
- Cases where air sampling alone is insufficient to measure exposure.
The biological monitoring process includes:
- Collecting Samples: Employees provide urine, blood, or breath samples.
- Analysing Samples: A laboratory analyses the samples to measure levels of chemicals or their byproducts.
- Comparing Results: The test results are compared to reference values to determine whether exposure levels are within safe limits.
Blood tests are sent to an HSE-approved laboratory, and results may take up to 5 working days.
At Pathways Occupational Health, we prioritise accuracy and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for all employees.
The biological monitoring assessment typically takes approximately 45 minutes.
A qualified occupational health technician or a registered occupational health nurse will conduct the medical. A HSE-approved COSHH occupational health physician will interpret the results.
On average, the certification for biological monitoring is valid for a minimum of 1 year, depending on the specific requirements of your employer.
- Eyewear & Contact Lens Solution: Ensure contact lenses can be removed if necessary.
- Hearing Aids: If applicable.
- Photo ID: Such as a passport or driving licence.
- List of Medications: Provide a written record of any prescribed medications.
- Medical Records: Bring relevant medical documents related to pre-existing conditions.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids before the appointment to prepare for blood sample collection.
There are no specific clothing or footwear requirements for this test.
Biological monitoring can help:
- Identify early signs of overexposure to hazardous substances.
- Verify the effectiveness of workplace control measures.
- Protect the long-term health of employees.
- Estimate past exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Assess individual susceptibility to workplace hazards.
- Prevent occupational diseases before they develop.
Additionally, biological monitoring is mandatory for lead exposure under the Control of Lead at Work (CLAW) Regulations 2002.
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Certificate validation depends on various factors, including the findings of your medical report and your employer’s specific requirements. Validation periods provided on our website are general guidelines and may vary based on individual circumstances and company policies.