A practical guide to the safe use of isocyanates, principally toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) and diphenylmethane di-isocyanate (MDI). This is an essential reference book in every polyurethane flexible foam and elastomer factory. It will also provide a useful source of information for health and safety specialists and occupational health workers in the polyurethane industry.
Sections cover:-
Physical and chemical properties of TDI and MDI
Safe handling and storage of isocyanates
Safe receipt of isocyanates, including tanker discharge and decontamination of containers
Fire hazards of di-isocyanates and stored foam
Emergency procedures for isocyanate spillage or fire
Monitoring for TDI and MDI
Personal protective equipment including respirators
Control of airborne contamination
Health hazards of working with isocyanates including exposure standards and respiratory sensitisation
Health surveillance including questionnaires and details of respiratory function testing
Safety data on additional di-isocyanates including 1,6-hexamethylene di-isocyanate (HMDI), isophorone di-isocyanate (IPDI), 1,5-naphthalene di-isocyanate (NDI) and m-tetramethylxylene di-isocyanate (TXMDI)
Updated safety data on ancillary chemicals, i.e. catalysts, polyols, fire retardants, blowing agents, surfactants, colours and cleaning solvents.
There is a useful summary of EU and UK legislation, Risk, Safety and Hazard labelling. In addition there is a chapter comprising the BRMA Code of Practice for the use of MbOCA in the manufacture of polyurethane elastomers, including a description of hazards, health surveillance and testing
