NIOSH Report Contains Recommendations for Workers Spraying Isocyanate-Containing Paints

NIOSH recently issued a report (99-0122-2798) containing recommendations for painters spraying isocyanate-containing coatings (i.e. polyurethanes) in an airplane manufacturing facility.

The recommendations include:

• providing workers with supplied-air respirator protection in accordance with current OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.134);
• providing protective clothing, gloves and footwear that is impervious to isocyanate-containing substances to prevent dermal exposures; providing face shields and aprons to protect against spills and splashes of liquids of isocyanate-containing materials;
• establishing preplacement and periodic medical surveillance programs for all potentially exposed workers;
• conducting industrial hygiene surveys annually on all workers potentially exposed or when there are changes in the process or engineering controls.

SSPC recently published TU 8 (Technology Update) on the Use of Isocyanate-Containing Paints.which defines and distinguishes various isocyanate structures, and describes their role in the formulation of coatings and coatings raw materials.

A copy of the NIOSH report can be obtained from by writing to: The NIOSH Publication Office, 4676 Columbia Pkwy., Cincinnati, Ohio 45226. Include a self-addressed mailing label to expedite your request.