1. “Walk the Talk” Methylene Chloride
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
“Walk the Talk” Methylene Chloride
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES – “WALK THE TALK”
SPEAKER NOTES – SUPPLEMENTARY 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. We do not offer full training in the handling and use of these chemicals.
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.
Note the disclaimer on the last slide
PART 1 – Methylene chloride
MethyleneChloride is a useful blowing agent for flexible foam and has the benefits of low ozone depletion potential (ODP is 0.02 ; 141B is 0.11 ; R11 is 1) and a very low greenhouse warming potential (GWP is 9 ; CO2 is 1; 141B is 630 ; R11 is 4000!)  
IT is a colourless, volatile liquid with a mild ether-like odour ; it is flammable only at very high concentration in air .
However methylene chloride even not classified as toxic must be used with care and under appropriate conditions ( see later in the presentation)
Revision 2015

2. Methylene Chloride label information
CLP
DSD
Signal word: Warning
Hazard statements
H Causes skin irritation
H Causes serious eye irritation
H May cause respiratory irritation
H May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H Suspected of causing cancer
H May cause damage to liver/ blood
through prolonged or repeated
exposure
Precautionary Statements
Follow precaution statements and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.
Signal word: Harmful
Risk Phrases
R Limited evidence of a
carcinogenic effect
R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory
system and skin
R67 Vapours may cause drowsiness
and dizziness
Safety Phrases
Follow precaution statements and product
labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.
The purpose here is to indicate classification of Methylenechloride in order to be well aware, but not to scare people.
It may be carcinogenic, as it has been linked to cancer of the lungs, liver, and pancreas in laboratory animals .

3. Methylene Chloride: Hazardous Properties
MAIN PRACTICAL CONCERNS:
High concentrations of vapours will cause loss of feeling (anesthesia) and unconsciousness (narcosia)
Skin irritation by direct contact
OTHER WARNING PROPERTIES:
-> Sweet, ether-like odour at rather high level : inadequate warning for hazardous exposures.
->Gas density >>>air :vapours tend to remain localized and/or diffuse slowly in the breathing zone of workers .
->Flammable range: 14% to 22% (in air) : relatively low hazard .
Dichloromethane is the least toxic of the simple chlorohydrocarbons, but it is not without its health risks as its high volatility makes it an acute inhalation hazard. Dichloromethane is also metabolized by the body to carbon monoxide potentially.
A person breathing smaller amounts of methylene chloride may become less attentive and less accurate in tasks requiring hand-eye coordination ( potential source of accident).
Prolonged skin contact can result in the dichloromethane dissolving some of the fatty tissues in skin, resulting in skin irritation or chemical burns .
Odor is not an adequate warning property for methylene chloride, the odor threshold is 250 ppm, which is 10 times
higher than the OSHA PEL (25 ppm).

4. Where could you be exposed?
Protective Measures
Exposure to high levels of methylene chloride is likely if methylene chloride, or a product containing it, is used in a room with inadequate ventilation.
When heated to decomposition, even with a lit cigarette, methylene chloride is likely to generate phosgene and carbonyl fluoride.
…….. SO ………
 Use PPE when working
 Check that the extraction system is switched on  Do not eat, drink or smoke in the workplace
 If you feel unwell, inform your colleagues and leave
the workshop .
Key measures for safe handling are to avoid excessive contact and prevent any degradation of methylene chloride.
Refer to the the safe handling of iocyanates (TDI).
Where could you be exposed?

5. Where could you be exposed?
Foaming area
Sawing area
Foam curing area
Cleaning operations using methylene chloride as solvent
Spillages
Exposure is likely if and when methylene chloride is used as solvent ( cleaning operation ) or as blowing agent for flexible foam in the workshop .
If the foam contains several % of methylene chloride , the TLV can be reached without odor detection in the storage room as for TDI.

6. “Walk the Talk” Pentane
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
“Walk the Talk” Pentane
PART 2 – Pentane
Pentane is a very useful blowing agent and has the benefits of no ozone depletion potential (zero ODP) and a very low greenhouse warming potential (low GWP)
However, it is highly flammable

7. Pentane label information
CLP
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statements:
H Extremely flammable liquid and vapor
H May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
H May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
H Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
EUH066 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking
Precautionary Statements
Follow precautionary statements and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS
DSD
Signal word: Harmful
Risk Phrases:
R Extremely flammable
R Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed
R Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking
R Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness
R51/53 Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Safety Phrases
Follow safety phrases and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.
Additional Hazard information related to cyclo pentane and mixtures see supplier’s (e)SDS.

8. Hazardous Properties of Pentane
Flash Point: -40°C to - 20°C (the lowest temperature at which liquid releases sufficient vapour for ignition)
Auto ignition temperature ca. 280°C (where the vapour-air mixture ignites on a hot surface.)
Explosive vapour-air mixtures: Lower explosion limit: 1,4 Vol% = 41 g/m³ Upper explosion limit 7,8 Vol% = 240 g/m³ (Evaporation rate at 20°C - 30°C > 2,4 kg/h per m² surface) Vapour has higher density than air!
Easy build-up of electric charge.
Highly flammable.
Pentane is highly flammable because:
It has a low flash point
and
When mixed with air it readily forms explosive mixtures

9. Protective Measures Avoid explosive atmosphere (primary measure)
No open handling, closed systems.
Controlled ventilation.
Generate inert atmosphere with Nitrogen.
Avoid sources of ignition (secondary measures)
Explosion protected machinery (encapsulation, no sparks, no hot surfaces)
Avoid electrostatic sparks (earth machinary, no plastic containers)
Key measures for safe handling are to avoid explosive mixtures with air AND ignition sources

10. Incident / Alarm In case of spillage or alarm from monitors Keep calm
Stop pentane dosage, avoid ignition sources
Increase ventilation
Stop leakage
Cover spillage with absorbant
Self-contained breathing apparatus if ventilation is insufficient
Protective clothing
Extinguishing material: CO2, Foam, Powder; no water!
If safe levels of pentane are exceeded or there is a spillage stay calm and follow the steps shown
Several of the steps are similar to those if there is an MDI spillage but pentane has a much higher flammability
DO NOT USE WATER as a fire extinguishing material

11. Pentane is highly flammable and may build up
Use of Pentane
Pentane is highly flammable and may build up
explosive mixtures with air
Avoid any ignition source
Ensure that static electricity cannot build-up
Monitor level of pentane in air; remember that pentane is heavier than air
A summary of precautions to follow when using pentane
Safe use of pentane depends on having the correct engineering facilities in place AND using them correctly
It’s also important to know how much pentane is present in the atmosphere

12. “Walk the Talk” Catalysts
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
“Walk the Talk” Catalysts
PART 3 – Catalysts
Catalysts are used in the polyol formulations to control the speed of the polyurethane reaction
As with any other chemicals, there are precautions to be followed so that they can be used safely

13. Catalysts can be corrosive, irritants, sensitisers and flammable
Symptoms of exposure include chemical burn, swelling, itching, redness and hazy vision
Use PPE when working with catalysts and polyol formulation components
There are several types of catalysts and you should always take precautions, particularly when preparing formulations
Always use the appropriate PPE when working with catalysts

14. “Walk the Talk” Methyl Isocyanates
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
“Walk the Talk” Methyl Isocyanates
PART 4 – Methyl Isocyanates
(Use MDI or TDI comparisons as appropriate)
We are frequently asked about methyl isocyanate (MIC) and whether it is the same as MDI or TDI

15. Monoisocyanates and Diisocyanates
Monoisocyanates are used for various applications – but not for polyurethanes
For example, methyl isocyanate is used for pesticides and insecticides
All polyurethanes are made with diisocyanates such as MDI or TDI

16. Monoisocyanates and Diisocyanates
Methyl-isocyanate
is not used in
making polyurethanes
Monoisocyanates are used for various applications – but not for polyurethanes
For example, methyl isocyanate is used for pesticides and insecticides
All polyurethanes are made with diisocyanates such as MDI or TDI

17. 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.