FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENi\'lf2 
S.No. 
1 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article II, 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 elimillation of exposures is essential to reduce the risk of 
long-term or permanent respiratory problems for workers who have become sensitized. 
(1) 


This bill seeks to address the health and safety cone ems posed by isocyanates in the 
workplace. 1 
I This bill was originally filed in the Fourteenth Congress, Second Regular Session 
(2) 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
I 
AN ACT 
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REGULATING THE USE OF ISOCY ANATES IN THE WORKPLACE 
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Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
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Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Isocyanate Regulatory Act." 
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SECTION 2. Definition of terms. - As used in this Act, the term-
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(A) "Isocyanate" is one of a group of neutral derivatives of primary amines or any 
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compound containing the isocyanato functional group; 
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(B) "Department" means the Department of Labor and Employment; 
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SECTION 3. Requirements for a workplace using isocyanates. - an employer must 
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observe the following requirements ifhe uses isocyanates in his place of business-
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(A) Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) from the supplier to know exactly what 
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type of isocyanates they are working with and what precautions to take; 
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(B) Obtain technical bulletins that may provide additional health and safety information; 
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(C) Proper design and operation of the isocyanate delivery system- Use a system 
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designed to generate a minimum amount of fluid mist. It is prohibited to use 
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compressed air to blow clean parts covered with isocyanate as the air pressure causes 
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the isocyanates to be airborne; 
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(D) Install complete enclosures or splash guards, depending on the operation, to keep the 
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isocyanates contained and away from the operator; 
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(E) The use of exhaust ventilation to prevent accumulation and recirculation of airborne 
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contaminants is hereby required; 
(1) 


1 
(F) Workers must use a full-facepiece, supplied-air respirator and must wear personal 
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protective clothing such as hooded coveralls, chemical- resistant gloves, and footwear 
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to prevent dermal absorption during the spray application process; 
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SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- The Department shall adopt the 
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Implementing Rules and Regulations for this Act which shall include the following: 
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(A) Adoption of administrative controls in the form of good work practices; 
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(B) Guidelines for the mandatory use of personal protective equipment and clothing 
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where necessary; 
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(C) Proper engineering controls to minimize the deleterious effects ofisocyanates. 
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SECTION 5. Penalties. - The Department is empowered to establish and assess penalties 
lIar fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In 
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no circumstance will any penalties or fines exceed PI0,000.00 for each day the permit holder 
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remains in violation. 
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting. 
• 
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SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
(2)