What should I do if isocyanate levels exceed safe limits?

If isocyanate levels come back above the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL), it's a serious signal that your current controls aren’t working well enough — and action is needed right away.

Here’s what to do:

1. Stop the task if possible, especially if levels are significantly high or workers are showing symptoms.

2. Review your control measures — this includes ventilation, process containment, and PPE. Look at whether tasks can be automated or enclosed.

3. Re-train staff on safe handling procedures and PPE use. Sometimes issues stem from small mistakes or lapses in routine.

4. Repeat air monitoring after improvements, to confirm that exposure is back under control.

5. Document everything — actions taken, results, training, and any health surveillance outcomes. This shows you're meeting your legal duty to reduce risk.

You might also want to bring in an occupational hygienist to help review processes and recommend changes.