## Environmental, Safety **and Health Bill**  **Robert, CIH**  **BASF Corporation Spray**  **Poly urethane Foam**  **Association Accreditation**  **Course January**  **1 1, 2009**  **Note: The environment,**  **health, and safety**  **chapter of the Spray Polyurethane Foam**  **Alliance’s Accreditation**  **Program, Course 101 titled,**  **“Introduction to Spray Polyurethane**  **Foam”, developed by the**  **American Chemistry**  **Council’s Center**  **for the Polyurethanes**  **Industry (CPI),**  **has not been updated by CPI for 2009 and may not be relied upon until such**  **time as an updated chapter is released by CPI.**

## Presentation Agenda
• Video • PowerPoint presentation • Q & A session

## Introduction
• The two basic chemical ingredients in spray foam systems are

– Part A: Diisocyanates (monomeric MDI and polymeric MDI)

– Part B: Polyol resins Diisocyanate + Polyol Polyurethane Polymer + Heat

# Part B – Polyol Resin Systems
• Typically made up of:

– Polyols

– Catalysts (amine or metal) Increase speed and temperature of reactions

– Surfactants

– Blowing Agents (CP, HFC’s, water)

# Part B – Polyol Resin Systems

• Potential Health effects:

– Polyols (low vapor pressure / low toxicity)

– Catalysts • amine – fishy or rancid odor; irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory system. • Metal - irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory system; some can result in sensitization. Some can have target organ effects.

– Surfactants –low toxicity by all routes

– Blowing Agents – typically displace air in enclosed spaces and some can have CNS efffects

## Part A - Health Effects - Routes of

Exposure • Inhalation  Overexposure = breathing concentrations above the exposure limit 

### • Skin/eye contact • Ingestion

## Occupational Exposure Limits Published Exposure Limits for Airborne MDI ACGIH TL

V -TW A OSHA

PEL-C 0.005 ppm 0.02 ppm
• Polyols

– Neither OSHA nor ACGIH has established exposure limits for polyols

## Health Effects- Inhalation

• If MDI is sprayed or heated, there is a greater chance of overexposure • Irritation effects can include:  Coughing; chest-tightness/discomfort; shortness of breath; and reduced lung function • Overexposure also may result in sensitization; these effects can include:  Chest-tightness/discomfort; shortness of breath; coughing; wheezing; and possibly an asthma attack **If a worker**  **starts to feel**  **any of the symptoms listed**  **above, the worker**  **should inform the supervisor**  **immediately!**

## Health Effects- Sensitization
• Respiratory sensitization can result from:  One massive overexposure  Repeated exposure to airborne concentrations above the exposure limit  Sensitive populations can develop sensitization at levels below the exposure limit.

## Health Effects- Sensitization

• Persons that are sensitized may have asthma attacks provoked by exposures to concentrations of diisocyanates well below the occupational exposure limit. • If an individual becomes sensitized, any further exposure should be avoided, even in well controlled working atmospheres.

– Use of a respirator or inhaler, to temporarily relieve asthma symptoms, **is not a solution** • Health effects may occur immediately upon exposure, be delayed for several hours after exposure ends, or both can occur.

## Health Effects- Sensitization

• If diisocyanate sensitization or occupational asthma is diagnosed, or if the doctor does not clear the worker to work with diisocyanates due to poor respiratory function, any contact with diisocyanates may create a serious risk to the worker’s health  Consequences of sensitization:  Worker can no longer work with isocyanates even though symptoms generally disappear after contact with isocyanates stop (sensitization can be permanent)  Immediate removal of a sensitized individual will reduce the likelihood of long term breathing problems  Continued work with isocyanates may lead to more severe asthmatic attacks -- extreme asthmatic attacks can be life threatening

## Health Effects- Sensitization

First Aid • If someone is suspected of being overexposed, move the person to an area with fresh air, and try to keep them calm and warm- but not hot • Obtain immediate medical attention • If they are having difficulty breathing, a qualified person may provide oxygen • If they stop breathing, give artificial resuscitation and seek emergency medical attention

## Health Effects- Skin Contact

• Repeatedly getting MDI on the skin may cause discoloration, staining, redness, swelling or blistering; this also could lead to skin sensitization. • Further, animal tests have indicated that skin contact, followed by an inhalation exposure, may result in lung sensitization. • It is very important to wear gloves when there is the possibility of skin exposure to MDI (refer to the supplier/manufacturer MSDS for specific recommendations). • Any clothing contaminated with MDI should be removed; further, it is a good work practice to keep all work clothing at work. Discard items which can not be decontaminated, including leather articles such as shoes, belts and watch bands.

## Health Effects- Skin contact

First Aid • If skin contact with MDI does occur  Wipe with absorbent material to remove as much MDI as possible  Wash thoroughly with soap and water  Clean as soon as possible after exposure  Organic solvents should not be used as they can promote absorption of MDI  For severe exposure, use a safety shower after removing contaminated clothing • If your skin is irritated, seek medical attention

## Health Effects- Eye Contact

• Getting MDI in the eyes can cause tearing and irritation (burning/stinging) • If a worker gets MDI in their eyes:  Wash immediately with a continuous flow of low pressure water, preferably from an eyewash fountain, for 15 minutes or more  Remove contact lenses if present after the first five minutes and continue flushing the eyes.  Seek immediate medical attention

## Health Effects- Ingestion
• Swallowing small amounts of MDI may cause mild irritation, but no significant adverse effects are anticipated. Swallowing large amounts of MDI may cause injury. • If you swallow MDI, do NOT induce vomiting  Wash out the mouth with water  The person affected should be made to rest; obtain medical attention • Follow good hygiene practices when working with MDI to minimize the possibility of ingestion; where MDI is used,  Do not smoke or use other tobacco products  Do not store, prepare, or consume foods

## Exposure Control
• Engineering

– Providing adequate ventilation when working in an enclosed area (e.g., spray booth).

– Having hand wash stations or showers available in work area.

– Decontaminating surfaces that have come into contact with isocyanates.

– Controlling unauthorized or unprotected employee access to exposure areas.

– Monitor MDI in work areas to ensure levels are below exposure levels.

## Exposure Control
• Administration

– Workers and staff undergo proper training in how to handle isocyanates.

– Workers who will be handling isocyanates, undergo medical examinations.

– Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and other training materials are available to persons working with isocyanates.

– Keep records up-to-date.

– Follow all laws and regulations.

## Exposure Control
• Personal Protective Equipment

– Chemical worker’s goggles

– MDI -resistant long -sleeve coveralls or full body suits

– MDI -resistant fitted boots

– Head protection, such as a close-fitting hood

– An approved supplied air respirator or airpurifying respirator (consult your MSDS for guidance)

## Personal Protective Equipment

Example • Where there is adequate ventilation and the potential for exposure to MDI liquid or vapor is minimal, workers may use:

– Safety glasses or chemical worker’s goggles

– MDI -resistant chemical gloves

– Long -sleeve coveralls (heavy cotton preferred)

– Safety shoes or boots

## Personal Protective Equipment

Example • Where there is a risk of exposure to MDI liquid or vapor/aerosol at/or above allowable exposure limits, workers should use:

– An approved air-supplied respirator or airpurifying respirator (consult your MSDS and company respiratory protection program for guidance)

– Chemical worker’s goggles

– MDI -resistant long -sleeve coveralls or full body suit

– MDI -resistant fitted boots and

– Head protection, such as a close-fitting hood

## Dermal Protection
• A study, conducted in 1993 by the International Isocyanate Institute (III) and published by CPI, determined protection times of various gloves and suit materials against MDI and TDI. • Factors considered

– Thickness

– Material composition

– Light duty vs. standard duty • Note: since the study was conducted, some gloves and suits have been updated with newer models.

## Dermal Protection

• >4 hr break through time:

– Gloves: • Nitrile, Neoprene, Butyl, Laminate PE EVAL, PVC • <4 hr break through time

– Thin natural rubber gloves, especially for Testing Results Summary: MDI Laminate PE EVAL, PVC

– ‘Laminated’ disposable suits: • Laminated, Nonwoven

– Reusable suits: • PVC, laminate, polyurethane gloves, especially for longer projects

– ‘Uncoated’ disposable suits **PPE Identified by M** 

**aterial**

## Respiratory Protection

• OSHA regulations require employers to provide respirators where necessary to protect the health of employees (29 CFR 1910.134) • **Air -**  **purifying respirator**  means a respirator with an airpurifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element • **Air -** **supplied respirator**  means a respirator that supplies the respirator user with breathing air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere , and includes air-supplied respirators (ASRs) and selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units

## Respiratory Protection

• Respirators can protect employees from exposure to MDI and may be necessary to meet OSHA or other governmental workplace requirements

# Respiratory Protection- SARs
• Sources of breathing air include:

– Self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

– Air-lines 

### • Per OSHA, supply air should be equal to atmospheric air

## :

– 19.5 % to 23.5% oxygen

– Maximum 1000 ppm CO 2

– Maximum 10 ppm CO

# Respiratory Protection - APR
• Three types of Air Purifying Respirators:

– Full-face

– Half -face

– Powered APR 

### • Select cartridge type based on chemical and physical form of hazards present

# Respiratory Protection - APR
• In a spray application, if you use airpurifying respirators, make sure that you use the proper cartridges with them. • In most cases, a combination organic vapor cartridge with a particulate pre-filter is appropriate . • If you have any doubt about which cartridge to use, contact the supplier of the respirators for advice.

# Respiratory Protection - APR
• To meet the criteria for APR use, OSHA requires employers to perform a “Hazard Assessment and Respirator Selection” • Employer must reasonably estimate the employees’ exposure to contaminant by:

– Rationale based on applicable data from comparable industries and processes

– Exposure monitoring

# Respiratory Protection - APR

• To meet the OSHA criteria for APR use, respirators must have a NIOSH certified End of Service Life Indicator (ESLI) or employers must follow a cartridge change schedule. • ESLI is a system that warns the user of the approach of the **end of adequate respiratory p**  **rotection** ; e.g., the **end of adequate respiratory rotection**  e.g., the sorbent is approaching saturation or is no longer effective. • MDI does not have an ESLI so APR cartridge change schedules are typically based on objective information or data. • For current information on the status of approvals of respirators, email NIOSH at pubstaft@cdc.gov, or call 1 - 800-356-4674.

# Respiratory Protection - APR

• OSHA Respirator Rule:

– User should not rely on odor as a signal to change respirator cartridge for any chemical.

## Respiratory Protection Written Respirator Program • Required by OSHA if employees wear respirators – either voluntarily or by company policy. • Applies to all respirators.

## Respiratory Protection

Written Respirator Program **Program Elements (OSHA)** 1. Identify where respirators are needed 2. Designate Program Administrator 3. Designate Licensed Health Care Professional 4. Determine type of respirator to be used 5. Arrange for medical examinations 6. Conduct fit testing 7. Designate storage areas/develop maintenance plan 8. Train respirator users 9. Establish annual program evaluation 10. Maintain written documentation of program

## Respiratory Protection Model Respiratory Protection Program • Developed by CPI to help companies:

– Protect employees from respiratory hazards

– Assist in compliance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Program Standard 29 CFR § 1910.134 

### • Available on CPI’s website www.polyurethane.org

## Respirator Protection Model Respiratory Protection Program • For your company

– Fill in the all blanks

– Include all attachments

– Make “company specific”

# Medical Evaluations
• Medical evaluations are required to determine the employees ability to use a respirator, before intended use **1** • Employees should not be permitted to wear a respirator until a physician has determined that they are medically able to do so**2** • Medical evaluations should include medical questionnaires and medical examination during the employee's normal working hours or at a time and place convenient to the employee **3**
**1,2,3 In accordance with OSHA** **’ s**  **Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR §**  **1910.134).**

# Fit Testing
• Before an employee uses any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece, the employee should be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used on the job **1** 

### • Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) Protocols vs. Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT) Protocols**2**

**1,2 In accordance with OSHA** **’ s**  **Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR**  **§ 1910.134).** 

# User Seal Check
• Each time a respirator is used, “user seal check” should be conducted **1**

– Facepiece Positive and/or Negative Pressure Checks 

### • User seal checks are not substitutes for qualitative or quantitative fit tests**2**

**1,2 In accordance with OSHA** **’ s**  **Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR**  **§ 1910.134).** 

## Handling and Storage Requirement

• Polymeric MDI, when shipped in drum quantities, is not classified as a hazardous product during normal transportation. • Many systems have been developed for labeling potentially hazardous chemicals. The most common two are the Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) systems.

## HMIS® 

## Label (Second Edition)

HMIS ®

## HMIS® 

## Label (Second Edition)

• Uses scale of 0 to 4

– 0 - Minimal Hazard;

– 4 - Severe Hazard • Categories rated:

– Health (blue rectangle) • 1 st Box for “Chronic Hazard Indicator”

– Flammability (red rectangle)

– Reactivity (yellow rectangle)

– PPE (white rectangle)

## Personal Protection Equipment

## Polymeric MDI HMIS® 

## Ratings HMIS ® 

# Polymeric MDI

 

## 2 **1 1**  **X**

## NFPA ® 

## Label National Fire Protection Association • Indicates hazards under fire conditions for fire fighters in protective clothing • Uses scale of 0 to 4 • 0 is lowest hazard; 4 the highest • Left diamond: Health • Top diamond: Fire • Right diamond: Instability • Bottom: Special/specific hazards

## Other Safety Considerations

Thermal Degradation
• When overheated, polyurethanes and other polymers may breakdown and produce smoke and/or vapors that contain various chemicals. This breakdown is known as thermal degradation. • When polyurethanes undergo thermal **Hot W ork Includes**  **:**
• **Welding • Heating**  **of poly** **urethane foam**  **wh ile w** **orking on pipes**  **• Heating MDI**  **- based**  • When polyurethanes undergo thermal degradation some toxic chemicals may be emitted. This may or may not be seen as smoke or vapors. • These chemicals may include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide, isocyanates and amines. **• Heating MDI**  **- based**  **glues • Soldering**  **• T reatment**  **wi th a**  **heat gun • Cutting**  **wi th torches**  **or hot wi**  **re • Hot**  **scissors • Grinding**  **• Saw ing** 

## Other Safety Considerations

Thermal Degradation • Improper application of spray foam can be another fire hazard because of the high temperatures that can be generated. • Properly applied spray foam reaches approximately 160 ° F to 200 ° F during the curing process. • Spray foam that is applied too thickly can reach curing temperatures of about 300 ° F. In some cases, this can ignite the spray foam.

### Other Safety Considerations Energized Equipment and Static Electricity • Spray foam is often applied near energized electrical equipment and lines. Be extremely cautious when working near this type of hazard . Never let equipment touch or come too close to electric lines or equipment. • Equipping electric equipment that is used in spray foam applications with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFI) will help prevent electrical shock or electrocution if a short develops in the equipment.

# Environmental Reporting
• Title III of SARA...known as EPCRA SARA – Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act EPCRA – Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know Act

### EPCRA § 311 Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting • Section 311 requires users of any substances for which a MSDS must be maintained under OSHA and are on site at any time above threshold quantities, to provide an MSDS, within 90 days, to:

– Local fire department,

– LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) and

– SERC (State Emergency Response Commission)

## Threshold Quantities
• For extremely hazardous chemicals, threshold quantity is 500 lbs. • For hazardous chemicals, threshold quantity is 10,000 lbs.

– MDI is classified as “hazardous”

## EPCRA § 312 Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting • EPCRA § 312 requires facilities to file a report on any hazardous chemicals reported under § 311 • This report, called the tier I or II report, is due March 1 st 

### of each year and must be submitted to the LEPC, SERC, and local fire departments

## EPCRA § 313 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) • TRI reporting is required by SARA 313 • TRI is a publicly available EPA database that contains information on toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities reported annually by certain covered industry groups as well as federal facilities. • MDI, TDI, and HDI are subject to TRI annual reporting to EPA in the Diisocyanates Category, N120.

## EPCRA § 313 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting • TRI regulations require that a report be filed by an owner/operator of a facility which meets ALL of the following criteria:

– Has 10 or more full-time employees

– Is included in designated SIC codes

– Manufactures, processes, or otherwise uses EPCRA 313 chemicals in quantities greater than the established threshold in the course of a calendar year. Note: Most spray foam operations do not meet the SIC code requirements and are exempt from reporting

## Tools to Help with TRI Reporting
• Airborne releases are often overestimated, so CPI’s Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program (RCAP) was developed to help estimate true releases of MDI/PMDI. • www.polyurethane.org  Environment  emissions • RCAP includes:

– MDI Emissions Estimator Software Version 3.0

– Reporting Guidelines

– CPI Consultant available for consultation **Updated in 2007!** 

## Waste Disposal
• MDI waste products must be disposed of according to federal, state and local regulations. • MDI is NOT a federally regulated hazardous waste.

## Disposal of MDI
• Although MDI is currently not listed under federal RCRA, some states may apply specific disposal requirements to MDI as a regulated waste stream. • Check with appropriate state and local regulatory agencies before disposing of MDI or MDI -based polyurethane foams.

# Disposal of Empty Containers
• Decontamination can help prevent exposure to residual MDI in containers destined for a scrap dealer or landfill

– Empty MDI containers can be decontaminated by filling them with water or decontamination solution (5- 10% sodium carbonate) and allowing them to stand, unsealed for at least 48 hours

– Decontamination solutions and rinse water should be disposed of properly according to federal, state and local laws and regulations

# Disposal of Empty Containers
• Depending on the circumstances, there are three options typically used for disposing of decontaminated steel containers that have contained MDI:

– A container reconditioner

– A scrap metal dealer

– An approved landfill

# Disposal of Empty Containers

• Containers that have contained MDI should be properly disposed of so that they are not accidentally used to store another material • Storing other materials in containers that previously held MDI could lead to a chemical reaction and potential worker safety issues • The use of hot torches can result in a dangerous fire or explosion. If a used MDI container must be cut, use cool tools. • Containers that have held MDI may be punctured or crushed to prevent reuse

# Disposal of Empty Containers
• Some sources to find a drum reconditioner:

– Your local Environmental Protection Agency

– Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (www.reusablepackaging.org)

# Minor Spills of MDI

• Contain minor spills to help prevent further spreading of MDI to protect workers and the environment • When possible, absorb MDI with sand, wet earth or absorbent clays (e.g., vermiculite, Oil- Dri, kieselguhr) • Add neutralizer to the absorbent materials and carefully transfer materials into an open top container • Transport containers outdoors and treat with neutralizing solutions

– Waste MDI may be neutralized by reacting the product with water or caustic solution

– Note: MDI can react with water, so resealing a diisocyanate container when it has become contaminated with moisture could cause the container to swell and potentially rupture.

# Major Spills of MDI

• Dispose of treated material properly according to federal, state and local laws and regulations • Appropriate PPE should be worn, including respiratory protection and protective clothing • Call your supplier’s emergency response center for advice and/or assistance • If spill involves a tank car or tank truck, call CHEMTREC (1 -800-424-9300)

# CPI Literature

• Model Respiratory Protection Program • Guidelines for the Responsible Disposal of Wastes and Containers from Polyurethane Processing • Polyurethane and Thermal Degradation. • PMDI User Guidelines for Chemical Protective Clothing Selection.

# Review 1. For protection against the potential adverse health effects of isocyanates, the applicator should have ________ for all foam spraying operations. a. Rubber boots b. No respirator c. Combination organic vapor/cartridge respirator with particulate pre-filter d. a supplied air respirator (i.e., "Type C" air-supplied respirator) e. Either C or D

# Review 2. Isocyanates have been assigned one of the lowest allowable exposure limits because of their potential adverse health effects due to sensitization.

– True

– False

# Review 3. Skin and/or respiratory sensitization is not considered a potential adverse health effect of the materials used in spray foam systems.

– True

– False

# Review 4. Which of the following glove materials does not provide good protection against MDI? a. Neoprene b. Cotton c. 4H or silver shield laminate d. Nitrile

# Review 5. To meet the OSHA criteria for APR use, respirators must have a NIOSH certified End of Service Life Indicator (ESLI) or employers must follow a cartridge change schedule.

– True

– False

# Review 6. The _______ regulations require reporting to government agencies when more than the threshold amount of hazardous chemicals is present at a single site. a. OSHA b. RCRA c. FIFRA d. SARA

# Review 7. Which of the following materials may be generated in a fire involving spray foam materials? a. Cyanide compounds b. Isocyanates c. Oxides of carbon and nitrogen d. All of the above

# Review 8. The health hazard associated with an HMIS or NFPA ranking of "1" is ___________ the hazard associated with a ranking of 3. a. greater than b. less than c. the same as d. cannot be determined

# Review 9. OSHA standards require that a written respiratory protection program be in place for all companies that use respirators.

– True

– False

# Review 10. For individuals who become sensitized to isocyanates, which of the following is the correct course of action? a. Let them continue working in their present job because the sensitization will go away. b. Assign them to jobs in which there is no possibility of exposure to isocyanates. c. Have them get plenty of exercise. d. Have them wear a respirator.

# Review 11. All of the following except one are part of a good job site personal hygiene program. Which is NOT a work rule? a. Eating, drinking, and smoking should be prohibited in areas where chemicals are in use. b. Chemicals should be removed from the skin with solvents. c. Contaminated work clothing and personal protective equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before reuse. d. Work clothing that may be contaminated should not be worn home.

# Review 12. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are used to ____________ . a. Reduce the potential for electric shocks. b. Ensure that a respirator fits properly. c. Monitor the air for toxic chemicals. d. None of the above.

# Review 13. Isocyanates can react with water and/or alcohols if they are accidentally mixed.

– True

– False

# Review 14. Per OSHA, supply air should be equal to atmospheric air: a. 19.5 % to 23.5% oxygen b. Maximum 1000 ppm CO2 c. Maximum 10 ppm CO d. All of the above