Insane in the Membranes

Insane in the Membranes
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Spray Foam Magazine – Fall Issue 2021 – Isocyanates are extremely responsive chemicals and are widely used to manufacture foams, fibers, and coatings. This includes many spray polyurethane products. Due to the powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts, it is imperative that everyone in the spray foam industry be aware of these potential dangers and have these dangers included in safety preps, steps and talks when applicable.

Health Effects

There are many disturbing effects on exposure to isocyanates, for example direct contact on the skin can result in noticeable and extreme inflammation. Isocyanates can also cause severe asthma attacks and even death if a person is repeatedly exposed. There is also evidence that respiratory and dermal exposures can lead to sensitization. Exposure to isocyanates can also cause tenacious or frequent, nasal congestion, eye irritation, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath, in addition to chest tightness. If any of these symptoms have occurred medical advice should be sorted immediately.

If isocyanates exposure is prevented the health hazard is drastically reduced. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) publishes a set of standards for general industry, maritime and construction industries to adhere to and includes the maximum concentration to which a worker can be exposed.

In June 2013 OSHA issued a three-year National Emphasis Program (NEP) which highlighted isocyanate exposure. This program was extended through June of 2019. The NEP goal was to recognize, decrease and potentially eradicate, the health effects linked to work-related exposure by implementation and educational efforts. The goal was, and still is, to raise awareness among workers and employers in addition to further educating health professionals to what can be severe health problems related to occupational isocyanates exposure.

Decreasing exposure

OSHA clarifies specific actions to help decrease or eradicate the potential exposures. Firstly, by eliminating the hazards from the source through engineered controls, secondly by instigating policies and procedures, and making sure the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is used. These steps are essential in preventing exposure to isocyanates and eliminating the health hazards.

OSHA'S Three Lines of Defense

  1. Engineering controls – replacing alternative chemicals or closed systems and ventilation to minimize isocyanate exposure in the workplace.
  2. Administrative controls – Including: educating workers, maintenance, personal hygiene requiring workers to shower and change clothes before leaving the worksite and limiting their exposure time to the chemicals.
  3. PPE – respirators, gloves, and clothing to limit and prevent inhalation of isocyanates.

Adhering to OSHA’s steps may not only save a life but a hefty fine too. One example of this is a “serious” violation due to failure to establish a written respiratory protection program. In short, follow the steps and manufacturer’s guidelines. Both of which will help keep workers safe and stop employees paying massive fines.  



Quick Refresher: The Correct PPE is Fundamental

OSHA assesses the correct PPE by using their NPE steps and breaks these into four categories:

Respiratory Protection, Eye Protection, Body Protection, and Hand Protection.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Are to be used following OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard which states that air purifying (cartridge) respirators (APRs) are suitable only if a cartridge change schedule is applied. These changes will ensure the cartridge is not used beyond product duration date. If isocyanate levels are not known, APRs cannot be used. Instead, a supplied air respirator (SAR) or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be used.

EYE PROTECTION: Suitable eye and face protection is essential when working with Isocyanate. The compounds can irritate both the skin and eyes and can be difficult to remove. Due to the splash possibility, safety eyewear alone is not satisfactory. Non-vented goggles with a face shield or a standalone full-face respirator will provide an additional guard to liquid contact protection.

BODY & HAND PROTECTION: Gloves and clothing material choice will be on the manufacturer's chemical resistance testing guide. This is essential information and should be followed. Next steps are the basics - comfort, temperature, and overall robustness. Basically, the glove or clothing that is most impervious to the chemicals being used should be the items selected. Again, it is essential to remember that glove and clothing selection needs to be centered on the manufacturer’s test data.

By: Spray Foam Magazine staff on Sep 27, 2021
Categories: Safety and Testing
Tags: spray foam magazine, safety, Fall Issue 2021
Issue: Fall Issue 2021

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