.sIHUlh> 
., 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
ti))HlH or Ili~ .~"r"br~ 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
AUG 22 P 5 :02 
SENATE 
S.No. 1336 
~ 
______________________________________________ ~R~f~:(~"f~:_'\~i!~~~P_f~·~~Y~:~~V_ 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15 provides: 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and 
instill healtli 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 subj ect 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 thtl. Y"0r~place. 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. 
I 


This bill seeks to address the health and safety concerns posed by isocyanates in the 
workplace. , 
;j.~ it J*' 
~\,. ~ 
............... 
~. MIRIAM DEF . SOR S NTI 
, ·1·;· ,I' 
• This bill was originally filed in the Fourteenth Congress, Second Regular Session. 
2 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENj\IE 
S.No.· 1~36 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
.§f'l1!ltl' 
(@:H,:t' \If tllf" ~1~ff~il1rq 
'13 
~UG 22 P5 :02 
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." 
SECTION 2. Definition of Terrhs •. ~ As used in this Act, the tenn: 
6 
(A) 
"Isocyanate" is one of la group of neutral derivatives of primary amines or any 
7 
compound containing the isocyanato functional group; and 
8 
(B) 
"Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor and Employment. 
9 
SECTION 3. ReqUirements for a Workplace Using Isocyanates. - An employer must 
10 
observe the following requirements ifthe employer uses isocyanates in the place of business-
11 
(A) 
Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) from the supplier to know exactly 
12 
what type of isocyanates they are working with and what precautions to take; 
13 
(B) 
Obtain technical bulletins that may provide additional health and safety 
14 
infonnation; 
15 
(C) 
Use a system designed to generate a mlmmum amount of fluid mist. It is 
16 
prohibited to use compressed air to blow clean parts covered with isocyanate as the air pressure 
17 
causes the isocyanates to be airborne;, .. 
18 
(D) 
Install complete enclosures or splash guards, depending on the operation, to keep 
19 
the isocyanates contained and away from the operator; 
I 


1 
(E) 
Use exhaust ventilation to prevent accumulation and recirculation of airborne 
2 
contaminants is hereby required; 
3 
(F) 
Workers must use a full-facepiece, supplied-air respirator and must wear personal 
4 
protective clothing such as hooded coveralls, chemical- resistant gloves, and footwear to prevent 
5 
dermal absorption during the spray application process; and 
6 
(G) 
Such other requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Labor and Employment. 
7 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- Within sixty (60) days from the 
8 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate the Implementing Rules and Regulations 
9 
for this Act, which shall include the following: 
10 
(A) 
Adoption of administrative controls in the form of good work practices; 
11 
(B) 
Guidelines for the mandatory use of personal protective equipment and clothing 
12 
where necessary; and 
13 
(C) 
Proper engineering controlsto minimize the deleterious effects ofisocyanates. 
14 
SECTION 5. Penalties. - The Secretary is empowered to establish and assess penalties or 
15 
fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In no 
16 
circumstance will any penalties or fines exceed PI0,000.00 for each day the permit holder 
17 
remains in violation. 
18 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or 
19 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
20 
valid and subsisting. 
21 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
22 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
23 
with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
2 


1 
SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
2 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
,I" I'" !I' 
3