Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420:reg:15:p14
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00420
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 15 (pt 14/22)
Character Range: 222909–230080

present in that area. When used for cleaning of equipment, this was in the same area and had electrical equipment that was rated as intrinsically safe in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.
The following main actions from the assessment are recommended:
    * regular maintenance and testing of ventilation rates and the clearance time of the
      spray booth
    * regular replacement/cleaning of filters in the spray booth
    * provision of suitable personal protective equipment including respiratory protection against solvent vapours during spray painting and airborne isocyanates
    * regular air monitoring of solvent vapours and isocyanates
    * health monitoring (including biological monitoring) for determining isocyanate exposure
      be considered
    * appropriate training of workers.
TASK                    ROUTE OF EXPOSURE                                               CONTROLS ALREADY IN PLACE?                                                                          RISK TO HEALTH? Yes/No/Not Sure                                                                                                                                                                                                               ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
 MIXING                 Skin                                                            No specific controls are used                                                                       Yes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           SDS states that isocyanate and thinning solvent exposure can cause skin irritation. The risk of exposure is high because protective clothing is generally not worn.                                                                                                                                                          Gloves and overalls should be worn as stipulated on SDS
Inhalation              No; the area used for this task is not mechanically ventilated  Yes                                                                                                 SDS of pre-polymer indicates only 0.4% content of volatile HDI. Given the nature and duration of the task, the risk of exposure from inhalation is not considered significant.                                                                Air monitoring should be considered to assess levels of solvents used for thinning paints.
                                                                                                                                                                                            There is risk to health from inhalation from solvents used for thinning paints.                                                                                                                                                               Due to low levels of volatile HDI in paint, the risk is low, however, it may still be worth considering air monitoring for isocyanates too.
Ingestion               No eating, drinking or smoking permitted.                       No                                                                                                  Procedures are followed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N/A
COLOUR MATCHING         Skin                                                            No specific controls are used                                                                       Yes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           The risk of skin exposure is high because gloves and suitable overalls are not worn for this task. Isocyanates are skin irritants and sensitisers                                                                                                                                                                            Gloves and overalls should be worn as per SDS to prevent skin contact.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This task should be performed wearing an air-fed, full-face respirator to prevent inhalation.
Inhalation              No specific controls are used                                   Yes                                                                                                 Short-term inhalation exposure of isocyanate aerosol and vapour is high during spraying because no respiratory protection is worn. Exposure standard may be exceeded during this task. Isocyanates are respiratory irritants and sensitisers  Perform task in down flow spray booth. Immediately service down flow booth to ensure it is working as designed and installed.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Air monitoring for isocyanates is recommended unless process moved to ventilated area.
Ingestion               No eating, drinking or smoking is permitted                     No                                                                                                  Procedures are followed                                                                                                                                                                                                                       N/A
SPRAY PAINTING          Skin                                                            No specific controls are used                                                                       Yes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           The risk of skin contact is high because isocyanate-based paint is sprayed without protective clothing being worn.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Protective gloves and