HSE MDHS 85/2 – Triglycidyl Isocyanurate (and Coating Powders Containing Triglycidyl Isocyanurate) in Air

LEVCentral Expert Commentary

Triglycidyl Isocyanurate (TGIC) is widely used as a curing agent in polyester powder coating formulations. During powder coating operations, airborne dust containing TGIC may be generated during powder application, recovery, transfer, cleaning and maintenance activities.

This HSE Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances (MDHS) document describes the validated laboratory method for sampling and analysing airborne TGIC and coating powders containing TGIC. It specifies the collection of airborne particulate on filters followed by liquid desorption and laboratory analysis using liquid chromatography. The method is intended to support occupational exposure monitoring and demonstrate compliance with the requirements of COSHH.

Although the document is primarily aimed at occupational hygiene laboratories, it is also valuable for LEV engineers and occupational hygienists because it demonstrates how exposure measurements are obtained and highlights the importance of controlling airborne powder at source.

Where TGIC-containing powders are used, effective Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) should be provided at powder coating booths, recovery systems and associated handling processes to minimise operator exposure and prevent the accumulation of airborne dust.

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Key Learning Points

• TGIC is commonly used in polyester powder coating systems.
• Airborne exposure may occur during powder application and handling operations.
• The document describes a validated occupational hygiene sampling and analytical method.
• Air samples are collected using filter media before laboratory analysis by liquid chromatography.
• The method supports workplace exposure monitoring under COSHH.
• Reliable sampling requires appropriate calibration, sample handling and quality assurance procedures.
• Exposure monitoring should be combined with effective engineering controls rather than used as a substitute for them.
• LEV remains one of the principal engineering controls for reducing airborne powder concentrations.

Source Document Information

Organisation: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Document: MDHS 85/2 – Triglycidyl Isocyanurate (and Coating Powders Containing Triglycidyl Isocyanurate) in Air

Document Type: Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances (MDHS)

Primary Topics: Occupational Hygiene, Air Monitoring, Powder Coating, TGIC, COSHH

Audience: Occupational Hygienists, Analytical Laboratories, LEV Engineers, Health & Safety Professionals and Employers operating powder coating processes.

Further Resources

• HSG258 – Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work
• MDHS 25/4 – Organic Isocyanates in Air
• HSE COSHH Guidance
• LEVCentral Resources on Powder Coating

Recommended Learning

• M200 Basic Principles in Occupational Hygiene
• M501 Measurement of Hazardous Substances
• M505 Control of Hazardous Substances
• M507 Health Effects of Hazardous Substances
• P304 Fundamentals of CoSHH Risk Assessment & Control
• P603 CoSHH PPE
• P600 Methods for Testing Performance of LEV
• P601 LEV Thorough Examination & Testing
• P602 LEV Basic Design Principles
• P604 LEV Commissioning & Performance Evaluation

Thought Leadership

One of the strengths of the HSE MDHS series is that it provides standardised methods for measuring workplace exposure. While these documents are often viewed as laboratory procedures, they have wider value for LEV professionals because they explain how exposure is quantified and therefore how the effectiveness of engineering controls can be verified.

For powder coating operations, exposure monitoring should not be seen as an isolated activity.

The most effective approach combines competent LEV design, regular maintenance, Thorough Examination & Testing, good housekeeping and occupational hygiene monitoring to demonstrate that airborne exposure remains adequately controlled throughout the life of the installation.