A Workshop on Biological Monitoring:

The workshop will be held at the Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire on the following date:

Date
Wednesday 24 September 2008

Introduction
Biological monitoring is a useful tool for occupational hygiene and health 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. Biological monitoring for workers significantly exposed to lead (as defined in the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (as amended)) is compulsory. For all other substances biological monitoring is voluntary but it has roles 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. It can also be used to investigate the behavioural aspects of exposure controls. A further benefit is the ‘personal’ nature of biological monitoring: results can be used to give workers reassurance about their exposure and risk of ill health.

This workshop is an overview of biological monitoring and how it can enhance the service occupational hygiene and health professionals 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 and occupational hygiene and health providers.

Venue
The workshop will be run at the new HSL laboratory in the spa town of Buxton. Buxton is in the heart of the Peak District and has good links to mainline train stations and Manchester International Airport.

Comments & Feedback "Excellent, well worth the time." Andrew Booth, RPS Business Healthcare

Who should attend?
The workshop is designed for occupational hygiene and health providers 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 and other laboratory tests. 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 session on ‘Making the case for biological monitoring’ and a tour of 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 - John leads the Biological Monitoring Team at HSL, providing biological monitoring services to HSE, other government departments and private firms to help with assessment of occupational exposure to hazardous substances. John has over 30 years experience in the field of biological monitoring and is a member of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Biological Exposure Indices committee.
Howard Mason - Principal Scientist, Health Effects (expertise in toxicology, biochemistry, drug & 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).

The cost of the course is £275 + VAT per person (includes a copy of presentations, lunch and refreshments).

  To register online please click here

For further information email: training@hsl.gov.uk or contact the Training Unit at HSL directly on 01298 218806.

  Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com

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