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Department of Occupational Health and Safety
Department of Occupational Health and Safety
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Asthma (Occupational)
Some substances encountered at work can cause allergies if breathed in. Such substances are called respiratory sensitizers. They can cause permanent damage to the nose, throat and lungs. If this happens, further exposure, sometimes to even minute quantities, may result in allergic symptoms such as:
- running eyes
- itchy eyes and nose.
These may be followed by more symptoms typical of asthma, such as:
- wheezing
- tightness of chest
- breathlessness
- coughing.
Occasionally an asthma attack results in death.
Occupational asthma falls in the category of Reportable Diseases under RIDDOR. Disease List
Symptoms do not occur on first exposure to the substance. Most cases of sensitization occur during the first two years of exposure, often in the first few months, but sometimes they only appear after decades of exposure. Symptoms are often most severe in the evening or during the night and they may not be associated with work activities. However, improvement of symptoms during weekends and holidays often points to an occupational cause.
Any member of staff or students who may have acquired any of these symptoms should see their local manager, Safety Representative, Workplace Safety Adviser or Tutor and also consult with the Occupational Health Manager of the Occupational Health Service on campus.
Substances likely to cause symptoms
A wide variety of substances in the University could cause symptoms if breathed in. Especial vigilance should be taken with work with:
- isocyanates
- laboratory animals
- wood dust
- some glues/resins
- soldering flux.
COSHH assessment work should already have identified areas where potential respiratory sensitizers are used and staff and students should already be receiving statutory health surveillance from the Occupational Health Manager. See Statutory Health Surveillance
Heads of Schools / Departments should ensure that competent COSHH assessments are carried out and that staff and students carrying out the work comply with the work protocol by routine inspection, surveying or auditing.
This process will give you an early indication that control measures provided are being used, that where necessary all personal protective equipment provided is in fact being used, that it is properly maintained and stored. Systems exist for reporting any defects in control measures and personal protective equipment and that users are aware that they must report any symptoms through their line management and involve the Occupational Health Manager.
