1. “Walk the Talk” MDI USERS
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
“Walk the Talk” MDI USERS
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES – “WALK THE TALK”
SPEAKER NOTES – MDI MODULE
Explain that the purpose of these short modules is to discuss the EHS issues and safe handling of other chemicals used in the factory
If not already done – before the presentation/dialogue starts introduce yourself and explain that you have been trained to run the session. Then ask everyone present to simply introduce themselves – name and what they do in the factory. A reminder - we will learn more if we have a dialogue, that is, the presenter does not do all the speaking. We all learn by sharing experiences.
Please note the disclaimer on the last slide.
SLIDE #1
This module is designed for workers using MDI.
Revision 2017

2. ISOPA Member Companies
SLIDE #2
First – a few words about ISOPA. This initiative is shared by all members of ISOPA and you see the logos of the other members of ISOPA in this slide.

3. Walk the Talk - MDI Users
Content
Essential data
Good practice
When things go wrong . . .
 Dialogue
SLIDE #3
There are three items to cover in the presentation.
We will learn more if we have a dialogue, that is, the presenter does not do all the speaking. We all learn by sharing experiences.

4. MDI Classification according to EU Regulations
Regulatory requirements are subject to change and may differ between various locations. It is the buyer’s/user’s responsibility to ensure that his activities comply with all federal, state, provincial or local laws.
DSD
CLP
Symbol: Xn. Signal Word: Harmful
Risk-phrases
R20 Harmful by inhalation.
R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
R40 Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.
R42/43 May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact.
R48/20 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation.
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statements
H332 Harmful if inhaled.
H315 Causes skin irritation.
H Causes serious eye irritation.
H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H335 May cause respiratory irritation.
H351 Suspected of causing cancer.
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.

5. MDI Physical Properties
Like most substances MDI evaporates and will be present in air
The higher the temperature of the MDI the greater the potential concentration in the air
Vapour Pressure Concentration of MDI in air 10 20 30 50
Temperature ºC 40
SLIDE #5
Starting from simple science, the key point is that the vapour concentration of MDI in air increases as the temperature increases. Good ventilation is essential to prevent exposure. The higher the temperature the better the ventilation should be. These higher temperatures could occur, for example, during the summer.

6. MDI Physical Properties
You must always
protect yourself
against breathing in MDI
Like most substances MDI evaporates and will be present in air
The higher the temperature of the MDI the greater the potential concentration in the air
Vapour Pressure Concentration of MDI in air 10 20 30 50
Temperature ºC 40
SLIDE #6
At all temperatures and in all circumstances the breathing in of MDI has to be avoided. We will explain how this is done.

7. MDI Chemical Properties
MDI will react with many compounds – especially
water, polyol, amines, ammonium hydroxide, alkalides
Higher temperatures mean faster reactions
(beware temperatures > 40 °C)
During reaction heat & gases (CO2) will be formed
 Risk of burns/dangerous pressures
SLIDE #7
MDI is a very reactive chemical, which is why it is so useful to make many different products. The reactions have to take place in the right circumstances and be controlled.
All reactions speed up at higher temperatures – MDI at any temperature above room temperature requires extra care.
The reactions are “Exothermic”, giving heat. Pressure of the gas (CO2) will build up.
Where do you find these conditions ?

8. Where do you find these conditions?
Drums – decontamination
Spray applications
High temperature operations
Foam curing area
Polyol / diisocyanate stored together
Bulk off-loading of wrong chemical into a bulk tank
Spillage into a drain
MDI in eyes or other soft tissue
MDI in wet disposal (waste) drums
SLIDE #8
Examples of conditions were heat and pressures increase.
Where do they occur in this factory?
 Which are controlled and which are uncontrolled reactions?
(see factory tour check list)

9. Effect of MDI on your health
Short term / one-off exposure above safe level
Irritates mouth, throat, lungs
Tight chest, coughing
Difficulty in breathing
Eyes watering
Itching, red skin (immediately or delayed)
May be hot or burn
Symptoms can occur up to 24hrs
after exposure
SLIDE #9
This slide contains a list of the symptoms which can occur due to exposure.
These symptoms can become evident up to a day after exposure and so there should be careful monitoring to pick up the signs of exposure after the incident.

10. Effect of MDI on your health
Long term/repeated over- exposure from breathing or skin
contact leads to risk of sensitisation
Symptoms such as occasional breathing difficulties similar
to asthma, hay fever, sneezing
When sensitised, potentially severe asthma in the case of
even low MDI exposure
Sensitization could prevent working with diisocyanates for life; early and prompt removal from exposure can typically result in cessation of allergic responses.
SLIDE #10
There is a risk of sensitisation from even a single exposure to a high level of MDI vapour. In a sensitized person even a further low level of exposure can result in severe asthmatic symptoms.
Sensitisation is non-reversible and is a reaction of the
immune system. Not to be confused with irritation

11. Typical examples of unsafe behaviour
SLIDE #11
Recognise unsafe situations and behaviour. The key is to avoid exposure and here are five examples of situations which MUST be avoided:
Spillage
Water and MDI
Opening a drum
Eating in the working area, near MDI
Welding close to an MDI storage
Have you come across such situations in this factory?

12. Typical examples of safe behaviour
SLIDE #12
In contrast, here we show examples of good practice:
Emptying a drum using a pump
Getting qualified medical attention
Cleaning up a spill
Do you follow such practices?

13. Is the workplace clean and do you have good personal hygiene?
Safe handling of MDI
Is the workplace clean and do you have good personal hygiene?
Does anyone eat, drink or smoke in the workplace?
Is there good workplace ventilation?
Is there continuous use of the correct PPE – including during plant maintenance?
Do you know where to find emergency equipment?
Are MDI levels measured in the workplace?
Do you know and practice emergency procedures?
Are regular health checks performed?
SLIDE #13
Here is a list of questions to ask and to conduct a dialogue about good/bad practices and procedures for working with MDI.
Additional questions to ask, if appropriate
·         What is a clean workplace?
·         Is PPE available?
·         Do the maintenance engineers use PPE?
·         Could you show me where the emergency equipment is kept?
·         How often do you practice emergency procedures?
·         Can you remember the health check before you started working here – what was checked? Lung function?

14. Do not use solvents for washing Use disposable towels
Good personal hygiene
You can use barrier and moisturising creams to prevent skin dryness – before starting work
Wash with soap & water after finishing work and before eating, drinking or smoking
Do not use solvents for washing
Use disposable towels
Do not re-use contaminated clothing or gloves
SLIDE #14
 Keeping clean is always important. Barrier/moisturising creams are very useful.
Solvents can cause problems; soap and water is much better.

15. How to safely remove disposable gloves
Remove carefully to protect your skin from contamination

16. Clean and safe workplace
Keep work area clean and tidy
Respiratory equipment should be readily available (and well maintained)
Know the locations of safety showers and eyebaths
Do not eat, drink or smoke in the workplace
SLIDE #15
A clean and tidy workplace is safer in all respects.
How often should breathing apparatus be checked? (depends on manufacturers’ information)
Know where to go in an emergency.
Eat and drink in the canteen, never in the workplace. If you have to smoke, do it away from the shop floor, better still STOP SMOKING!
When washing, care should be taken not to spread the chemical onto unaffected areas of the body.

17. Good workplace ventilation
Check that the extraction system is switched on
Place hood as near as possible above the source
Repeatedly check flow-direction
SLIDE #16
Good ventilation reduces the risk of exposure to MDI; but it must be switched on and extract the critical areas.

18. Good workplace ventilation
Bad
SLIDE #17
Examples of good and rather poor ventilation:
The first does not extract over the workplace area
The last example covers the whole area and hence protects the worker
Best

19. Continuous use of the correct PPE
SLIDE #18
PPE requirements are simple; gloves; boots, long sleeves – even in summer and ALWAYS eye protection
Wear eye protection
Wear protective gloves
Wear overall & boots
In emergencies wear overall and/or heavy duty apron

20. Continuous use of the correct PPE
MDI at elevated temperature
Spray applications
Dust with unreacted MDI
Slide#19
Respiratory equipment is necessary under certain conditions, when work place ventillation is not sufficient
Respiratory equipment

21. Dealing with a spillage of MDI
VIDEO CLIPS:
Small Spillage – area less than about 2m2
Large Spillage – area more than about 2m2
SLIDE #20
Speaking script for the MDI spillage videos – practice this section to ensure that you are in step with the video. Click on the link to start a video:
For minor spillages use solid or liquid decontaminants which can also be used to clean equipment
Major spillages of more than 2 square metres should always be dealt with by trained personnel using protective clothing and PPE including breathing apparatus
If a spillage occurs first evacuate the area and prevent further leakage or spillage
Prevent the MDI going into drains by bunding the area
Use sold decontaminant, such as sand to contain, absorb and neutralise the MDI
Materials for cleaning up spillages, including clearly labelled decontaminants must be available both inside and outside where MDI is used
Place all waste materials in drums for further decontamination
Wash the affected area with liquid decontaminant
If a spillage is inside a building test the atmosphere for MDI vapour
All waste must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations and never dispose of, even small amounts, of MDI into drains or sewers

22. Dealing with a spillage of MDI
Small Spillage – area less than about 2m2
Clear immediate area
Large Spillage – area more than about 2m2
Evacuate
Put on PPE including respirator
Cover with fire extinguishing foam or sand to prevent escape of MDI vapours
All Spillages
Prevent MDI entering drains
Control spill with wet sand absorbent
Put contaminated sand in steel drums (max 2/3 full) and
leave open to prevent pressure build up
Treat as MDI waste
SLIDE #21
To remember, the key points with good practice to follow for small and large spillages. Here is guidance but you must judge between a large and small spillage
Follow the procedure
Has anyone here dealt with a spillage – did you follow this guidance?
The key points are:
To contain the spillage
Do not breath in MDI vapour
Dispose the clean-up materials safely and correctly

23. Know where to find the emergency equipment
Decontaminant solution
Shovels
Brushes and waste container
Absorbent material such as sand
SLIDE #22
To be able to act quickly and safely you must know where the emergency equipment is kept.
This includes the decontaminant solution (if used); absorbent material; shovels and containers.
Do you use sand as the absorbent material?

24. And don’t panic ! First Aid equipment
Know where your first aid equipment is
Know what to do
Know who to tell
SLIDE #23
If things go wrong you must start the first aid procedures.
This involves the first aid equipment; knowing what to do with it and knowing who to tell about the incident.
Know exactly where the various pieces of first aid equipment are kept.
The telephone is an important piece of equipment – the telephone number of the doctor/medical assistance should be prominently displayed next to the phone.
You will be more effective if you stay calm.
Shower
Soap
Clean running water is best
Eyebath or eye wash bottle
Telephone number of doctor
And don’t panic !

25. Know First Aid for MDI Emergency procedures VIDEO CLIP: SLIDE #24
Speaking script for the MDI First Aid video – practice this section to ensure that you are in step with the video. Click on the link to start the video:
 Incase of injury first aid is urgent  
If skin has been in contact with MDI wash thoroughly under the shower. Remove contaminated clothing
If MDI gets in eyes wash the person’s eyes thoroughly for 15 minutes (video voice-over says 15 minutes). The eyes have to be kept open and you will need to help your colleagues to ensure this happens
Always consult an eye specialist if this happens 
Never, never eat or drink when working with MDI 
If ingestion does occur the mouth has to be thoroughly washed and ensure that a lot of water is drunk 
Never cause the patient to vomit and call for a doctor 
A simple spillage may lead to inhalation 
Do not work with MDI outside a ventilated area 
If there is exposure to MDI respiratory symptoms may occur and can be delayed for up to 24 hours 
Exposure can result in lung damage 
Keep patient calm and get him/her into fresh air
In all cases get medical help

26. Know First Aid for MDI Emergency procedures Force open the eyelids
Flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes
If in doubt, keep flushing
See eye specialist as soon as possible
Advice not to wear contact lenses, they could complicate treatment in case of emergency.
Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap & water
An MDI skin decontamination study demonstrated that cleaning very soon after exposure is important, and that a polyglycol-based skin cleanser or corn oil may be more effective than soap and water
SLIDE #25
Some important First Aid tips
If there is any suspicion that MDI has got into your colleagues eyes flush with water. The flushing with water will not be pleasant but continue for 15 minutes. The alternative is much worse. An eye specialist MUST be consulted.
If MDI has got to your or a colleague’s skin – wash the area many times with soap and water
Fresh air helps recovery.
The patient/victim must see a doctor.
The doctor should be knowledgeable about MDI effects but more information to help the doctor can be obtained from your MDI supplier.
Is your local doctor knowledgeable about MDI?
Go outside into fresh air
Doctor must be called or patient taken to medical facility
Inform supplier – who can provide supporting information

27. Emergency procedures - Exposure to MDI
A single high exposure to MDI is one possible cause of sensitisation
Early treatment is important
Remember that symptoms may occur later
Help is available for the doctor from ISOPA member companies
SLIDE #26
Some summary points

28. Emergency procedures - Exposure to MDI
Speed is essential
Practice how to carry
out First Aid procedure
Seek medical advice
A single high exposure to MDI is one possible cause of sensitisation
Early treatment is important
Remember that symptoms may occur later
Help is available for the doctor from ISOPA member companies
SLIDE #27
Speed; practice and medical advice

29. Follow your normal factory emergency procedure
Emergency procedures
Fire involving MDI
Follow your normal factory emergency procedure
Sound Alarm
EVACUATE
Use trained specialists to fight fire
Ensure protection from MDI emissions
SLIDE #28
MDI, many other chemicals and materials, is flammable and may burn if ignited
Again speed is essential – let everyone know that there is a problem – fire alarm!
Emergency services are equipped to deal with fires
Remember that the high temperatures greatly increase the risk of exposure to MDI vapours
Follow your normal factory emergency procedure

30. Handling of fresh MDI-based foam
Hazards:
Exposure to MDI additives and release agent
Heat generated during reaction
Dust from sawing
Wear PPE
Good ventilation important
Beware risk of fire from scorching until foam has cooled down
SLIDE #29
Freshly-made foam can cause problems; here are some examples for rigid foams.
Can you think of more?
Remember the reaction can continue after the foam has left the production line/area/conveyor and so the safe working rules, including the use of PPE, still apply
In some processes the foam may scorch.
Can this happen in this factory?
It can occur if making blocks (rigid or flexible foam) or if freshly made laminates are stored with poor air circulation around them
The dust from sawing fresh foam may cause irritation or sensitisation.
Dust needs to be contained and controlled since it is an explosion hazard.

31. Burst drum of hot MDI in factory
Typical questions
What would you do if?
An diisocyanate pump which is being serviced is still mistakenly under pressure. A technician is sprayed in the face with diisocyanate
Burst drum of hot MDI in factory
Drum of MDI in an oven starts bulging
SLIDE #30
Let us see what you have remembered - - -
What would you do if - - -

32. Disclaimer External document disclaimer
While ISOPA and its members make every effort to present accurate and reliable information in utmost good faith on the basis of the best information currently available, it is to be relied upon at the user’s own risk. No representations or warranties are made with regard to its completeness, accuracy or reliability and no liability will be accepted by ISOPA nor any company participating in ISOPA for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the information.
SLIDE #31
Disclaimer