Page 5 - Polycoat 1.1 Table of Contents

SECTION 1.3
GENERAL GUIDELINES

TOXICITY AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS Immediate effect is stupor (central nervous system
Isocyanates may cause allergic skin or respiratory reactions. depression). Individuals with chronic respiratory problems
Individuals with chronic respiratory problems or prior or prior respiratory reactions to such materials should not
respiratory reactions to such material should not be exposed to be exposed to vapors.
vapors. All personnel in the application area must wear OSHA The application method of using an airless sprayer will cause
approved air respirators where an airborne concentration of the same volume of product to produce higher airborne vapor
isocyanate vapors is expected to exceed the threshold limit concentrations in a shorter period than other application
value (TLV) or if the concentration levels are unknown. For methods. It is important that air is monitored and full
emergencies, use a positive pressure self-contained breathing precautions are taken as indicated above.
apparatus. Cartridge-type respirators are not approved for
protection against isocyanates because they have poor First Aid: In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing
warning properties since the odor at which isocyanate can as needed and immediately wash off with plenty of water and
be smelled is substantially higher than the exposure limits. mild soap for at least 15 minutes.
Use explosion proof, suction type, ventilation equipment If medical attention is required, have label and safety data
(exhaust fans and blowers) with sufficient cfm capacity to sheet (SDS) available for physician.
keep isocyanate vapors below the TLV limit.
For industrial use by professional applicators only. Not
Caution! Air circulation and exhaustion of isocyanate vapors intended for sale to the general public. Not to be sold or
must be maintained until the coatings have fully cured to ensure delivered to a minor. Keep out of the reach of children.
that no potential fire, explosion or health hazard remains. HEALTH & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Warning symptoms (irritation of the eyes, nose and throat or The uncured components of these products can cause
odor) are not adequate to prevent chronic overexposure from irritation to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and respiratory
inhalation. This material can produce asthmatic sensitization tract, and are harmful if swallowed. Avoid contact with eyes
upon even a single inhalation or upon repeated inhalation and skin, especially open cuts. Wear protective clothing,
exposures to lower concentrations. Exposure to vapors of chemical-resistant-rubber gloves, chemical-tight goggles,
heated isocyanates can be extremely dangerous. Employee protective-barrier cream, etc. to prevent contact with material.
education and training in safe handling of this material is Wash hands with soap and water before eating, drinking,
required under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
smoking, applying cosmetics, or using the toilet facilities.
Portable, air-sampling equipment can be used to measure the Launder contaminated clothing and footwear before reuse.
content of some solvents in the air. Work ers and foreman must Air-dry contaminated clothing and keep in a well ventilated
be certain that measurements of this type are being made area where fumes can dissipate before laundering. Discard
when people are working in an enclosed area. unwashable contaminated shoes and clothing. Safety shower
When solvent vapor is present, an approved fresh-air-supplied, and eye wash stations should be available. Educate and train
respirator with an approved source of respirable air must be employees in the safe use of all products. Untrained persons
used for protection. The use of a fresh air supplied respirator must not be allowed in or around work areas unsupervised
does not reduce the necessity for good ventilation, as this is and without proper safety and respiratory equipment.
still needed to lessen fire hazards and ensure proper drying Prior to beginning any project, the health and safety of building
of coatings. occupants and people in adjacent areas and buildings should
Any time a worker begins to feel discomfort or irritation to be considered. Vapors are heavier than air and can travel
the eyes, nose, or throat, the concentration of solvent vapor considerable distances. Take care to protect these people by
is too high for steady exposure. If a person feels light-headed, posting signs, sealing off buildings from infiltration of odors
giddy, dizzy or exhilarated, the solvent vapor concentration is and fumes by turning off air intake, vacating the building
too high and must be reduced by improved ventilation. Any or using other appropriate measures. Precautions should
persons so affected must go to an area of fresh air. continue until coatings have completely cured and no residual
odor remains.
The effectiveness of ventilation depends on the physical
barriers, which restrict airflow. Open exterior areas on roofs These products may contain chemicals that the State of
or decks ventilate normally by natural air move ment. Confined California lists as causing cancer, birth defects, or other
areas in rooms, tanks and some pit or pond areas, as well as reproductive harm (Proposition 65).
roofs or decks surrounded by walls or high parapets require OTHER SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
forced air ventilation. Footwear must be a safety shoe with steel toe for protection.
Solvents may cause allergic skin or respiratory reactions. Fifty-five gallon drums of coating are very heavy and can cause

POLYCOAT PRODUCTS TEL 562.802.8834 | FAX 562.921.7363 Section 1.3
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