FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
8 
Itjoy 1 0 !J 1 :"I 
Second Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 11, Section 15 provides: 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them. 
Isocyanates are a family of low molecular weight and highly reactive chemicals. 
They are commonly used in the making of flexible and rigid foams, fibers, coatings such 
as paints and varnishes, and elastomers, and are now also used in the automobile 
industry, car body repair, and even building insulation materials. Spray-on polyurethane 
products containing isocyanates have been made for a range of commercial, retail, and 
industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum, including 
protective coatings for trailers, truck beds, boats, foundations, and decks. 
Isocyanates are strong irritants to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal 
and respiratory tracts and eyes. Direct skin contact is also capable of causing marked 
inflammation. Isocyanates can also sensitize workers, making them subject to severe 
asthma attacks if they are exposed again. Death from severe asthma in some sensitized 
subjects has been reported. 
Preventing exposure to isocyanates is an important step in eliminating the health 
hazard. Engineering controls such as closed systems and ventilation should be the 
principal method for minimizing isocyanate exposure in the workplace. Other controls, 
such as worker isolation and personal protective clothing and equipment may also be 
necessary. Early recognition of sensitization and prompt and strict elimination of 


exposures is essential to reduce the risk of long-term or permanent respiratory problems 
for workers who have become sensitized. 
This bill seeks to address the health and safety concerns posed by isocyanates in 
the workplace. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
8 
M[’V 
10 i 3 . j  : K $ ’  
I.: 
Second Regular Session 
) 
...~.. .
I
 
fl.”.l-.” 
\ a 
SENATE 
$’i~‘E~”Esfr vi: 
S.B. No. 
.. 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE USE OF 
ISOCYANATES IN THE WORKPLACE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Isocyanate Regulatory Act of 
2008.” 
SECTION 2. Definition of terms. -As used in this Act, the tern- 
(A) “Isocyanate” is one of a group of neutral derivatives of primary amines or any 
compound containing the isocyanato functional group; 
(B) “Department” means the Department of Labor and Employment; 
SECTION 3. Requirements for a workplace using isocyanates. - an employer must 
observe the following requirements if he uses isocyanates in his place of business- 
(A)Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) from the supplier to know exactly what 
type of isocyanates they are working with and what precautions to take; 
(B) Obtain technical bulletins that may provide additional health and safety information; 
(C)Proper design and operation of the isocyanate delivery system- 
Use a system 
designed to generate a minimum amount of fluid mist. It is prohibited to use 
compressed air to blow clean parts covered with isocyanate as the air pressure causes 
the isocyanates to be airborne; 
@)Install complete enclosures or splash guards, depending on the operation, to keep the 
isocyanates contained and away from the operator; 


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(E) The use of exhaust ventilation to prevent accumulation and recirculation of airborne 
contaminants is hereby required; 
(F) Workers must use a full-facepiece, supplied-air respirator and must wear personal 
protective clothing such as hooded coveralls, chemical- resistant gloves, and footwear 
to prevent dermal absorption during the' spray application process; 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- 
The Department shall adopt the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations for this Act which shall include the following: 
(A) Adoption of administrative controls in the form of good work practices; 
(B) Guidelines for the mandatory use of personal protective equipment and clothing 
where necessary; 
(C) Proper engineering controls to minimize the deleterious effects of isocyanates. 
SECTION 5. Penalties. -The Department is empowered to establish and assess penalties 
or fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In 
no circumstance will my penalties or fines exceed P10,OOO.OO for each day the permit holder 
remains in violation. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Efectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,