Biological monitoring is a way to measure the levels of hazardous substances or their metabolites (breakdown products) in a person’s body. It’s used to assess exposure to workplace contaminants and to evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures.
Purpose of Biological Monitoring
To assess exposure to hazardous chemicals.
To identify if controls (like PPE or ventilation) are working effectively.
To detect early signs of overexposure before health effects develop.
To help ensure compliance with workplace health and safety regulations, particularly under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Biological monitoring helps to protect people in the workplace from harm to their health. It can also help to improve how well businesses manage health risks.
How Biological Monitoring Works
A blood, urine, or other biological sample (like breath for alcohol testing) is collected by one of our Occupational Health Nurses.
The sample is securely sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
The laboratory tests for specific substances (such as lead, arsenic, mercury, solvents, organophosphates, or other chemicals the worker may be exposed to in their role).
The test results are compared to recognised standards, such as Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) or other health-based reference values.
Results help to identify whether exposure levels are within acceptable limits or if there may be a need to review work practices, controls, or personal protective equipment (PPE).
If results are elevated, further investigation needs to be carried out to determine the cause and actions needed to reduce exposure and protect worker health.
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