Page 85 - Industrial Coatings
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TOXICITY AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS application methods. It is important that air is monitored
Isocyanates may cause allergic skin or respiratory reactions. and full precautions are taken as indicated above.
Individuals with chronic respiratory problems or prior res-
piratory reactions to such material should not be exposed First Aid: In case of skin contact, remove contaminated
to vapors. All personnel in the application area must wear clothing as needed and immediately wash off with plenty of
OSHA approved air respirators where an airborne concen- water and mild soap for at least 15 minutes.
tration of isocyanate vapors is expected to exceed the thresh-
old limit value (TLV) or if the concentration levels are un- If medical attention is required, have label and material
known. For emergencies, use a positive pressure self-con- safety data sheet (MSDS) available for physician.
tained breathing apparatus. Cartridge type respirators are
not approved for protection against isocyanates because For industrial use by professional applicators only. Not
they have poor warning properties since the odor at which intended for sale to the general public. Not to be sold or
isocyanate can be smelled is substantially higher than the delivered to a minor. Keep out of the reach of children.
exposure limits. Use explosion-proof, suction type, ventila-
tion equipment (exhaust fans and blowers) with sufficient HEALTH & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
cfm capacity to keep isocyanate vapors below the TLV limit. The uncured components of these products can cause
irritation to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and respira-
Caution! Air circulation and exhaustion of isocyanate vapors tory tract, and are harmful if swallowed. Avoid contact with
must be maintained until the coatings have fully cured to eyes and skin, especially open cuts. Wear protective clothing,
ensure that no potential fire, explosion or health hazard re- chemical resistant rubber gloves, chemical tight goggles,
mains. Warning symptoms (irritation of the eyes, nose and protective barrier cream, etc. to prevent contact with material.
throat or odor) are not adequate to prevent chronic overex- Wash hands with soap and water before eating, drinking,
posure from inhalation. This material can produce asthmatic smoking, applying cosmetics, or using the toilet facilities.
sensitization upon even a single inhalation or upon repeated Launder contaminated clothing and footwear before reuse.
inhalation exposures to lower concentrations. Exposure to Air dry contaminated clothing in a well ventilated area before
vapors of heated isocyanates can be extremely dangerous. laundering. Discard unwashable contaminated shoes and
Employee education and training in safe handling of this clothing. Safety shower and eye wash stations should be
material is required under OSHA Hazard Communication available. Educate and train employees in the safe use of this
Standard. product. Untrained persons must not be allowed in or around
work area unsupervised and without proper safety and res-
Portable air sampling equipment is available to measure piratory equipment.
the content of some solvents in the air. Workers and fore-
man must be certain that measurements of this type are Prior to beginning any project, the health and safety of
being made when people are working in an enclosed area. building occupants and people in adjacent areas and build-
ings should be considered. Vapors are heavier than air and
When solvent vapor is present, an approved fresh air sup- can travel considerable distances. Take care to protect
plied, respirator with an approved source of respirable air these people by posting signs, sealing off buildings from
must be used for protection. The use of a fresh air supplied infiltration of odors and fumes by turning off air intake,
respirator does not reduce the necessity for good ventila- vacating the building or using other appropriate measures.
tion, as this is still needed to lessen fire hazards and en- Precautions should continue until coatings have com-
sure proper drying of coatings. pletely cured and no residual odor remains.
Any time a worker begins to feel discomfort or irritation to the These products may contain chemicals which the State of
eyes, nose or throat, the concentration of solvent vapor is California lists as causing cancer, birth defects, or other
too high for steady exposure. If a person feels light-headed, reproductive harm (Proposition 65).
giddy, dizzy or exhilarated, the solvent vapor concentration is
too high and must be reduced by improved ventilation. Any OTHER SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
persons so affected must go to an area of fresh air. Footwear must be a safety shoe with steel toe for protection.
Fifty-five gallon drums of coating are very heavy and can
The effectiveness of ventilation depends on the physical cause considerable damage if set on an unprotected foot.
barriers, which restrict airflow. Open exterior areas on roofs The sole should be of a soft, resilient material to give the
or decks ventilate normally by natural air movement. Confined best traction without damaging coated areas.
areas in rooms, tanks and some pit or pond areas, as well
as roofs or decks surrounded by walls or high parapets Use extreme caution when working on sloped areas. Use
require forced air ventilation. lifelines. Wet coatings are very slippery.
Solvents may cause allergic skin or respiratory reactions. When working in bright sun with light colored coating, wear
Immediate effect is stupor (central nervous system dark glasses to prevent glare blindness.
depression). Individuals with chronic respiratory problems
or prior respiratory reactions to such materials should not PROPERTY PRECAUTIONS
be exposed to vapors. Consider possible damage to property. Overspray can ruin
finishes on autos and other surfaces (brick, paint, plastic,
The application method of using an airless sprayer will cause etc.). Solvent vapors in confined areas can be harmful to
the same volume of product to produce higher airborne vapor plants and pets. Foods, even those stored in freezers, can
concentrations in a shorter period of time than other pick up a solvent taste and should be protected from vapors.
14722 Spring Avenue  Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670-5108 USA  Tel: 562/802-8834  Fax: 562/921-7363  www.polycoatusa.com  Copyright March 2011 Polycoat Products
