SSPC-TU 8
February 1,2000
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE No. 8
The Use of Isocyanate-Containing Paints as Industrial
Maintenance Coatings
1. Background Information
Isocyanates are chemicals that contain at least one
isocyanate (-NCO) group. Depending on the number of
isocyanate groups, one can distinguish among
monoisocyanates (1 group), diisocyanates (2 groups), or
polyisocyanates (3 or more groups).
Monoisocyanates are of no value in coatings because
they cannot build the polymeric structure needed for a
coating raw material. Nevertheless, diisocyanates, often
called monomers, are important building blocks for coating
raw materials.
Commonly used diisocyanates are MDI (diphenylmeth-
ane diisocyanate),TDI (toluene diisocyanate), IPDI
(isophorone diisocyanate), HDI (hexamethylene diisocyan-
ate), HMDI (bis(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane), and
TMXDI (tetramethylxylene diisocyanate).
Evaporation rates determine how quickly a material is
vaporized and dispersed into the atmosphere. High evapo-
ration rates cause faster dispersion and more vapor expo-
sure than lower evaporation rates. Diisocyanates have
varying evaporation rates. For example, the evaporation
rates of TDI and HDI are considerably higher than that of
MDI.
In order to make TDI and HDI safer to use as coatings
raw materials, they are further reacted to make slightly
larger polyisocyanates that may contain from 3 to 7 units of
the starting diisocyanate monomer. These polyisocyanates
do not evaporate and can become airborne only during
spray application. However, the polyisocyanates do con-
tain a very small amount (0.15% to 1.6%) of residual free
HDI and unreacted TDI monomer that can still evaporate.
TDI, MDI and their polyisocyanates are known as
aromatic isocyanates. These materials absorb ultraviolet
light (UV) from the sun and therefore become dull due to a
chalky layer that forms on the paint surface. Therefore,
paints based on these materials are not typically used as
topcoats in outdoor applications. On the other hand, HDI,
IPDI, HMDI and TMXDI are called aliphatic isocyanates.
These do not absorb much UV light and therefore can be
used in formulating outdoor topcoats.
“Polyurethane” (PU) is the name of the material formed
by the chemical reaction of an alcohol and an isocyanate or,
more precisely, polyalcohols and polyisocyanates.
Polyurethane coatings can be of several types. In a
one-component or moisture-cure polyurethane, the
polyisocyanate reacts with water in the atmosphere. In a
1
COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
two-component system, the polyisocyanate reacts with a
resin having reactive hydrogen, which can be acrylic, poly-
ester, polyether, vinyl, castor oil, etc.
The paint film resulting from this chemical reaction is
the foundation of the performance properties of polyure-
thanes: durability, corrosion and chemical resistance, and
color and gloss retention. These properties have resulted in
the use of polyurethanes in a wide range of industry
segments.
In 1998, 13.3 million gallons of PU coatings were used
in transportation, 12.7 million gallons in industrial mainte-
nance, 28.8 million gallons in architectural, and 53 million
gallons in product finishing applications. Some typical in-
dustrial maintenance applications are bridges, chemical
plants, tank farms, power plants, and municipal structures
(e.9. as anti-graffiti coatings).
High performance paints can contain diisocyanates,
polyisocyanates, solvents, pigments, additives, and other
resins. All these ingredients can present certain potential
health hazards if one is exposed to a sufficiently high
dosage. This is why the applicator and any other workers in
the application area must be properly protected. All coat-
ings, including those containing isocyanates, can be ap-
plied safely when proper personal protective equipment
(PPE) is worn and safe work practices are observed.
This technology update focuses on the isocyanates in
industrial maintenance coatings. Exposure to
polyisocyanates in excess of recommended limits can
irritate the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs. An overex-
posed person may develop skin sensitization and/or respi-
ratory sensitization resulting in asthmatic symptoms that
could be permanent. Exposure in excess of recommended
limits may also result in a reduction in lung function and
possible permanent lung damage. Symptoms of overexpo-
sure can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, or
an achy feeling. There is no evidence that isocyanate
exposure causes human cancer, birth defects,’ nerve darn-
age, or reproductive effects.
2. Worker Exposure
2.1 RECOGNITION OF HAZARD: In order to deter-
mine whether a particular coating contains isocyanates,
one should refer to the paint can label and the material
safety data sheet (MSDS). If a coating is referred to as a
polyurethane or a polyurea, it may contain isocyanates.
However, some polyurethane coatings are fully reacted.
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That is, all of the isocyanate groups are chemically changed
to polyurethane groups prior to packaging for shipment.
Examples of such coatings would be most one-package,
clear, polyurethane wood varnishes sold at retail home
improvement stores. Polyurethane coatings used for in-
dustrial maintenance painting usually contain unreacted
isocyanates at the time of application to the substrate. The
two-package types have a “paint“ side that needs to be
mixed with a hardener, activator or “catalyst”, just before
application. The hardener is the pari that typically contains
the unreacted isocyanate. Because these two paris of the
paint system are packaged and shipped separately, the
supplier often provides two different MSDSs, one for the
“paint” side and one for the “catalyst” side. Both MSDSs
must be reviewed in such a case because the “paint” side
MSDS will typically not mention that “free” isocyanates may
be present.
Another type of polyurethane coating typically used in
industrial maintenance is the one-package, moisture-cure
system. This type does contain the isocyanate ingredient in
the single can. This type of paint cures by reaction of the
unreacted isocyanate with atmospheric moisture once the
can has been opened to the ambient environment.
Specific words and acronyms to look for on labels and
MSDSs are: isocyanate, polyisocyanate, aliphatic isocyan-
ate, aromatic isocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate
(HDI), diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI), isophorone
diisocyanate (IPDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI),
dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (HMDI), TMXDI
(tetramethylxylene diisocyanate), HDI homopolymer, iso-
cyanate prepolymer, isocyanate oligomer, isocyanate mono-
mer, etc.
If the applicator suspects that a particular coating
contains isocyanates but cannot find any mention of them
on the label or MSDS, a second step would be to call the
paint supplier and ask to speak to a product safety special-
ist. Often the MSDS itself will list the name of the contact.
2.2 EVALUATION: Once it has been established that
a particular paint system does contain an isocyanate ingre-
dient, the workplace atmosphere should be characterized
to determine the airborne concentration. Most diisocyanate
monomers have an OSHA(’) Permissible Exposure Limit
(‘1 US Dept. of Labor, OSHA, Officeof Public Affairs - Room N3647, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington DC 20210, or contact via internet
at http://www.osha.gov/readingroom/html
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive, Suite 600, Cincinnati OH 45240 (http://
www.acgih.org).
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201. (http://www.cdc.gov/
niosh).
(4) Bayer Product Safety Department at Bayer Corporation, 100 Bayer Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9741, Phone: (412) 777-2867. (Contact
(PEL), an ACGIH(2)Threshold Limit Value (TLV), a NIOSH(31
Recommended Exposure Limit (REL), or a Manufacturer’s
Guideline Limit (MGL). Most commonly, the 8 hour Time
Weighted Average (TWA) airborne concentration guideline
or standard for diisocyanates is five parts per billion paris
of air (ppb). For HDI monomer, this is equal to 0.034
milligrams/per cubic meter of air (mg/m3). Polyisocyanates
are less toxic and therefore can have a higher allowable
TWA exposure, The MGL (and Oregon OSHA PEL) for HDI
polyisocyanates is usually 0.5 mg/m3 as an 8-hour TWA
and 1.O mg/m3 as a 15 minute Short Term Exposure Limit
(SIEL). MSDSs often list the applicable airborne concen-
tration guidelines/standards. Another source for
diisocyanate monomer exposure standards is the ACGIH
publication entitled “Guide to Occupational Exposure Val-
ues.”
Monitoring of the workplace air to determine concen-
trations of isocyanates is a key step in determining the
effectiveness of engineering controls as well as in deter-
mining the type of respiratory protection and other personal
protective equipment which may be required. Specific sam-
pling and analytical techniques have been developed to
determine these levels.
At present, the recommended method for sampling
and analysis of HDI, TDI, and IPDI polyisocyanates in spray
applications is Bayer Method 1.4.4.(4) Samples are col-
lected using impingers containing 2 x 10.‘ M N-(4-
nitrobenzy1)-propylamine (nitroreagent) in toluene. Analy-
sis is by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
and ultraviolet detection at 254 nanometers. Bayer has
developed Method 1.4.4 independently and used it suc-
cessfully for 20 years. In terms of current NIOSH methods,
the one which is perhaps most similar is Method 5521
which uses an impinger containing methoxyphenyl pipera-
zine (MOPP) reagent in toluene.(5)This NIOSH method
uses both electrochemical and ultraviolet (UV) detectors.
However, if only the UV detector is used and the calibration
Gurues are run using diisocyanate monomer and commer-
cial polyisocyanate, the method would be quite similar to
Bayer 1.4.4. In addition, OSHA Method would be
similar to Bayer 1.4.4 if an impinger jet inlet were used
instead of the fritted glass bubbler inlet specified in OSHA
18.

for information on the Bayer methods mentioned in this report.)

NIOSH Publications, 4676 Columbia Parkway. Mail Stop C-13,Cincinnati, OH 45226-í998.May be downloadedfrom NlOSH web page
at http://www.cdc.govlniosh/nmarn/nmatnmenu,htrnl
16) Method 18 from US Dept. of Labor, OSHA, Office of Public Affairs, Room N3647, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington DC 20210, (http:/

/www.osha.gov/readingroom/html)

2
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For situations in which only HDI, TDI, IPDI, HMDI,
TMXDI monomer vapors would be present, such as in non-
spray handling and use, Bayer Method 1.7.6 is recom-
mended. Samples may be collected using a 1-(2-pyridyl)
piperazine impregnated glass fiber filter with analysis by
HPLC. Bayer 1.7.6 is OSHA Method 42 modified by coating
the filter with 2 mg of derivatizing reagent instead of 0.1 mg
and by loading the filter in the cassette with a stainless-
steel backup screen in place of the mixed-cellulose ester
back-up pad. Both of these modifications are designed to
prevent the loss of derivatizing reagent. Such a depletion of
reagent can result in under-estimation of airborne isocyan-
ate concentrations.
Air monitoring for MDI can be performed using Bayer
Method 1.7.7. This method is similar to Method 1.7.6 above
but uses a 13 millimeter (mm) diameter glass fiber filter
instead of a 37 mm filter.
Continuous or direct reading monitors for diisocyanate
monomer vapors have recently been developed. It must be
pointed out, however, that these units may not be suitable
for monitoring in spray application environments since the
spray paint mist droplets can coat the optics and/or the
treated paper tape and give erroneous readings. These
instruments may provide information as to airborne
diisocyanate monomer vapor concentrations during non-
spray applications such as: mixing, repackaging,
batchmaking, coil coating, and brush/roller/squeegee ap-
plication. To date, no direct reading instrument has been
developed which can be used to accurately determine
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airborne concentrations of polyisocyanates in spray appli-
cation of c ~ a t i n g s . ( ~ . ~ )
The technology for evaluating skin exposure to isocy-
anates is not as advanced as that for airborne monitoring.
Check for any visual evidence of deposition of paint onto
the skin. Usually, this is rather obvious because of the paint
pigmentation and/or a feeling of stickiness on the skin. If
the user wishes to check a surface to determine if isocyan-
ate residue has been removed, such as after a spill clean-
up, he should consider purchase and use of SwypeTMTest
kits which are manufactured by Colorimetric Laboratories,
ln~.(~>
3. Control of Health Hazards
3.1 ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Ideally, hazard con-
trol of vapor or spray mist is accomplished through engi-
neering controls. Effective engineering controls should be
used whenever possible to reduce and/or eliminate worker
exposure to all respiratory hazards.
(7iormationconcerning direct reading diisocyanate vapor monitors can be obtained from: Zellweger Analytics, 405 Barclay
Blvd., Lincolnshire, IL 60069, (847) 634-2800 or (800) 323-2000, or Bacharach Inc., 625 Alpha Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
15238, (412) 963-2200 or (800) 736-4666.
(8) Information on the Bayer methods mentioned above can be obtained by contacting the Bayer Product Safety Department
at Bayer Corporation, 100 Bayer Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9741, Phone: (412) 777-2867.
(9) Colorimetric Laboratories (CLI Labs)., 1261A Rand Road, Des Plaines IL 60016 (http://www.clilabs.com).
COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
SSPC-TU 8
February 1,2000
There are several engineering controls available to
reduce exposure to vapors and mists generated by the use
of these products. The most common is a properly de-
signed and ventilated enclosure. General dilution ventila-
tion, local exhaust ventilation, or isolation may prove ad-
equate under certain conditions. “Adequate” generally
means ventilation sufficient to keep airborne concentra-
tions of contaminants below their respective Threshold
Limit Values (TLVs), Permissible Exposure Limits (PELS)
and Manufacturer’s Guideline Limits (MGLs). Whenever
possible, local exhaust ventilation should be provided in
accordance with the guidelines provided in Industrial Ven-
tilation, A Manual of Recommended Practice.
Use of alternative application equipment (e.g., airless,
HVLP, or electrostatic spray equipment) may help reduce
spray mist generation during spray painting. In addition, the
use of spray gun extenders may help reduce the amount of
spray mist in the breathing zone of the painter.
The likelihood of overexposure in non-spray, non-
heated applications of coatings containing polyisocyanates
is reduced due to the low volatility of these materials.
Hence, the use of brush, roller, or squeegee for coating
application reduces the likelihood of inhalation overexpo-
sure.
3.2 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: One manufac-
turer of polyisocyanates recommends air-supplied respira-
tors for spray apptication if the airborne concentrations are
unknown or if they exceed ten times the appropriate air-
borne concentration standards/guidelines.’ However, the
same manufacturer states that air-purifying respirators
may be used under the following conditions:
if airborne concentrations are known to be less
than 1O times the standard/guideline concentra-
tion;
if the spraying is not being done in a confined
space;
i f pre-filters are changed as needed to prevent
excessive breathing resistance; and
if appropriate change schedules are implemented
for the organic vapor cartridges (OVCs) in accor-
dance with 29 CFR 1910.1 34.
Studies have shown that HDI polyisocyanates are
essentially non-volatile and become airborne only as me-
chanically generated aerosols during spray application.2
Furthermore, these aerosols are efficiently collected by the
particulate pre-filters of a spray painting air-purifying respi-
r a t ~ r . ~The. ~ . same
~ , ~ studies show that these pre-filters did
not fail by allowing breakthrough of the aerosol. Rather,
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 SSPC-TU 8
February 1,2001
they simply became increasingly clogged until airflow re-
sistance was too great to allow easy breathing. Therefore,
when breathing resistance becomes noticeably higher dur-
ing use, the respirator wearer need only replace the used
pre-filters with new ones.
A recent study7 has shown that:
Organic vapor respirator cartridges demonstrated a
collection efficiency for HDI vapors greater than 99.6%
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for 40 hours.
Neither saturation of the cartridge with solvent vapors
nor variation of the relative humidity resulted in break-
through of HDI vapor.
There was no evidence of desorption or migration of
HDI within the cartridge during storage at room tem-
perature overnight for five nights, after repeated expo-
sures to high concentrations of HDI and solvents day-
after-day for five days.
Therefore, for coatings containing HDI polyisocyanates
and a small amount of unreacted HDI monomer, there is
good evidence that a respirator equipped with organic
vapor cartridges and P-95 particulate prefilters will provide
good protection against isocyanate exposure for 40 hours
of use. However, the user must ensure that the cartridge
service life is not exceeded for other paint ingredients such
as solvents. Of course, as with any respirator use situation,
a respirator program, as mandated by OSHA respirator
standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, must be in place.
-
3.3 PERSONAL PROTECTION SKIN: Exposed skin
areas should be covered with clothing and permeation
resistant gloves, preferably constructed of butyl rubber,
nitrile rubber, or neoprene. Organic solvents (e.g. MEK)
should not be used for skin cleaning since they wash oils
Table 1
Coverall Suggestions for Applicators
(in ascending order of protective value)
Conditions
Intermittent spraying
Good ventilation
Small amount of overspray
No splash potential
Continuous Spray
Moderate amount of overspray
Moderate splash potential
Potential to rub against freshly painted surfaces
Heavy and continuous overspray
Heavy splash potential
Coverall surface becomes thoroughly wetted with
paint
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out of the skin and can cause secondary reactions. If
coating is accidentally splashed onto the skin, the worker
should stop work immediately and scrub it off with soap and
water. If some paint does cure onto the skin, it is better to
let it wear off than to try to remove it by drastic means such
as harsh solvents.
3.3.1 Guidance Concerning Protective Coveralls:
Coverall suggestions for applicators in ascending order of
their relative protective value are shown in Table 1,
In any case, a method to check whether one has the
proper level of protection is to periodically examine the
inside of the suit looking for any color or stickiness indicat-
ing coating penetration or permeation (note: to prevent
dermal contact with isocyanates, use a gloved hand for this
examination.) An alternative is to use an analytical method
such as swipe testing to test for isocyanate contamination
on the inside of the coverall. If there is evidence of break-
through, use of the next more protective level of coverall is
indicated.
3.3.2 Medical Testing: Since isocyanates are sensi-
tizers, people who work with them should have a complete
pre-placement medical examination and periodic (at least
an nuai) examinat ions the reafter, including a puImona ry
function test. It is advisable that pulmonary function testing
be administered before placement in an isocyanate area to
establish a baseline - then two weeks and again two
months after starting work. Pulmonary function testing
should be repeated routinely at six-month or yearly inter-
vals thereafter. Special, non-routine testing after a major
exposure or accident is also advisable. Anyone with a
medical history of chronic respiratory disease, asthma or
Types of Coveralls
TyvekTM
Kimberly Clark KleenGuard GPTM
Kappler ProShield lTM
or equivalent
Tyvek QCTM
Kimberly Clark KleenGuard FPTM
Kappler ProShield 2TM
or equivalent
Tyvek Saranex 23P-CoatedCM
Kappler ProShield 3TM
or equivalent

bronchial attacks, or indications of allergic responses or
recurrent eczema or sensitization conditions of the skin
should not handle or work with isocyanates.
If a worker develops respiratory distress when working
with these products, he/she should be removed from expo-
sure and be examined by a physician. If hypersensitivity to
isocyanates has developed, the worker must be removed
from any further exposure to any isocyanate-containing
coating. At present, there is no conclusive screening test
suitable for detecting persons most likely to become sensi-
tized to isocyanates. Therefore, it is essential to examine
all cases of absence due to illness, especially if related to
the respiratory system, to determine an individual’s ability
to continue work with isocyanate containing products.
4. Environmental/Public Health Rick
The public health risk associated with isocyanate-
containing paints includes the potential of human respira-
tory sensitization through repeated or high exposures to
isocyanates in the ambient air. Although unlikely, skin
irritation and allergic reactions might occur through direct
skin contact. Public health risk is difficult to quantify. The
likelihood that the public adjacent to a painting project
would develop an allergic sensitization is remote. However,
an allergic respiratory reaction in a previously sensitized
person might occur at exposures below the odor threshold
(¡.e. when a person smells the material) and Threshold
Limit Value(s) (TLVs) for the specific isocyanate involved.
The environmental risk associated with isocyanate-
containing paints appears to be minimal under normal
application and removal conditions. There is no evidence
that the application or removal of isocyanate-containing
paints creates any significant risk to the environment pro-
vided that basic control on spills and clean up of removed
materials is performed. This is because isocyanates react
with environmental moisture to produce essentially non-
toxic polyureas.
Most isocyanate-containing coatings are classified as
hazardous air pollutants (HAPS) under the Clean Air Act
(CAA) as pari of the volatile organic compound (VOC)
regulations. Introduction of isocyanate-containing rnateri-
als into the water is prohibited by both the Clean Water Act
(CWA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
4.1 EVALUATION OF THE HAZARD: Regulated area
monitoring can be conducted around the areas where field
application occurs to quantify the potential risk to the
public. This could be conducted using low or high flow
personal sampling pumps in accordance with previously
identified NIOSH, OSHA, and Bayer sampling methods.
Typically, exposures below the Action Level (1/2 of the PEL
or TLV) are considered acceptable levels of exposure to
unprotected workers and therefore could be extrapolated
to identify the potential for public exposures based upon
their proximity to the work area during application. Cur-
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COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
SSPC-TU 8
February 1,2001
rently, EPA has not established standards or methodolo-
gies for measuring ambient isocyanate concentrations.
4.2 CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC
HEALTH RISKS: Several studies conducted by a major
polyisocyanate manufacturer showed that natural dilution
reduced airborne isocyanate concentrations to below work-
place guidelines within 50 feet downwind of the spray gum8
In addition, a physical barrier such as a containment screen
(e.g., air penetrable tarps, screens, or curtains) was shown
to be quite effective in preventing overspray drift and thus
reducing airborne isocyanate levels below accepted guide-
lines. Of course, workers within the containment area still
needed respirators, gloves, eye protection, and coveralls
to prevent overexposure to isocyanates and other paint
ingredients.
4.3 HANDLING PRACTICES: Suggested handling
practices to reduce potential isocyanate exposures through
spills and releases include:
Automatically pump isocyanates from drums to the
process equipment where possible.
Store new product and removed materials in tightly
closed containers in cool, well-ventilated area. Do not
tightly reseal opened isocyanate containers if moisture
contamination is suspected. The isocyanate-water re-
action produces carbon dioxide gas that can pressur-
ize sealed containers and may cause explosive rup-
ture.
Keep isocyanate-containing coatings and removed
materials separate from potential ignition sources.
Spill Control Procedure:
Evacuate area and remove ignition sources.
Don personal protective equipment.
Control source and dike spill (if applicable).
Use absorbent material to collect liquid material,
Dispose of absorbent material (may be hazard-
ous).
Decontaminate surface with decontaminating so-
lution or surfactant to assist in the absorption of
the spilled material.
5. Waste Management
5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTE:
Hazardous wastes are regulated as part of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 40 Code of Fed-
eral Regulations (CFR) -281. These regulations require a
waste to be considered hazardous if it poses a potential
hazard to human health or the environment. Wastes are
classified as hazardous if they are specifically listed by the
EPA in the regulation or ifthey are characteristic wastes as
identified by laboratory testing (40 CFR 261).
Listed wastes are automatically identified as hazard-
ous by the EPA and require no additional testing. Solid and
liquid (e.g. excess paint) wastes generated from the use of
5
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toluene diisocyanate (TDI) are considered listed wastes
(EPA 10 No. U223), and should be treated as hazardous
from the point of generation through disposal. However,
most industrial maintenance coatings do not contain TDI.
No other isocyanates used in these coatings are listed
RCRA hazardous wastes.
Characteristic wastes are categorized as hazardous if
they exhibit characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reac-
tivity, or toxicity. Some isocyanate containing wastes may
meet the characteristic of ignitable waste. Ignitable wastes
are liquids having a flash point of less than 60°C (140 OF).
Wastes generated from the use of isocyanates should be
subject to flash point testing in accordance with RCRA
requirements to determine if they are hazardous.
Additionally, the RCRA requirements discussed above
apply to containers where hazardous materials could be
poured, pumped, or aspirated from the container; or con-
tain more than 1 inch of residue; or contain more than three
percent (3%) by weight of the capacity of containers 426
liters (1 10 gallons) or less; or contain more than 0.03% by
weight of the capacity of containers greater than 426 liters
(1 1O gallons).
In two component polyurethanes, once the isocyanate
catalyst has been added to the “paint“ component, the
material will gel in the can within several hours. Once the
paint has completely hardened, the isocyanate has reacted
to form the polyurethane and the disposal decision is based
on the amount of potentially ignitable residue solvent still
entrained in the material, the presence of heavy metals or
the presence of TDI.
Based on the above criteria, many isocyanate residues
and leftover isocyanate-containing paints may be consid-
ered hazardous waste and must be characterized, handled,
and disposed of appropriately.
5.2 HANDLING, STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION,
AND DISPOSAL: Store isocyanate-containing waste in
tightly sealed containers, unless moisture contamination is
suspected. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area. Comply
with 40 CFR 260-268 regulations regarding handling, stor-
age, and disposal. Comply with 49 CFR 170-179 regula-
tions relative to transportation of isocyanate-containing
materials.
Implement a Hazardous Waste Management Plan in-
cluding procedures for:
Waste Minimization - This section should include a
description of the waste minimization efforts implemented.
Waste Sampling, Testing, and Classification - This
section should describe how liquid and solid isocyanate-
containing wastes will be characterized (¡.e. through analy-
sis or declaration), the sample collection method, number
of samples to be collected, and the type of laboratory
analysis to be conducted.
Paint and Solvent Waste Handling and Storage -This
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COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
section should include residues of waste in empty contain-
ers, container and storage area criteria, and labeling and
signage requirements.
Transportation and Disposal - This section should
address who will obtain the EPA ID number (¡.e. who is the
generator) and use of licensed transporters and permitted
disposal and incineration facilities.
Contingency Plan and Training - This section should
include a description of the Preparedness, Prevention, and
Contingency Plan (PPCP); spill control procedures: worker
training; and record keeping.
Implementation Forms - The section should include
implementation forms addressing site storage inspections,
labeling requirements, emergency phone numbers, and
hazard release documentation forms.
Training - Contractors may also wish to incorporate
hazard communication, flammable and combustible liq-
uids, and personnel protective equipment training require-
ments as part of its program and training in compliance with
the OSHA regulations relative to isocyanate exposures and
handling of wastes.
6. References
Desmodur N, Hexamethylene Diisocyanate Based
Polyisocyanates: Health and Safety Information, (Pitts-
burgh, PA: Bayer Corporation, December 1999).
J. Rando and H. G. Poovey, “Development and
application of a dichotomous vapor/aerosol sampler for
HDI-derived total Reactive Isocyanate Group,” Am. Ind.
Hyg. ASSOC.J. 60(6): 737-746 (1999).
V. Dharmarajan, P. M. Uhrin, and D. R. Hackathorn,
“Evaluation of air purifying respirators in simulated isocy-
anate based paint spraying operations,” unpublished study
(Pittsburgh, PA: Bayer Corporation (formerly Mobay Cor-
poration). 1982).
4J. F. Vasta, “Respirator Cartridge Evaluation for Iso-
cyanate Containing Imron” and Centari” Enamels,” Am.
Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 46, 1, p.39-44 (1985).
C. Rosenberg and T.Tuomi, “Airborne Isocyanates in
Polyurethane Spray Painting: Determination and Respira-
tor Efficiency,“ Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 45, 2, p. 117-121
(1984).
6G.V. Croshaw and S. W. Horstman, “Air-purifying
Respirator Performance Against a Two-component Poly-
urethane Spray Paint Aerosol,” Poster Session at the
American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition,
May 21-26, at St. Louis, MO, 1989.
V. Dharmarajan, R. D. Ling and H. E. Myer, “Evalua-
tion of Organic-Vapor-Respirator Cartridge Efficiency for
Hexamethylene Diisocyanate in the Presence of Organic
Solvents,” Accepted for publication in Applied Occupa-
tionaland Environmental Hygiene (expected in February or
March 2001 issue).
a Bayer Corporation, unpublished internal study.
6
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7. Bibliography
“Automotive Refinishing Industry Isocyanate Profile,” Sci-
ence Applications International Corporation, May 1,
1997. May b e d o w n l o a d e d from http://
www.epa.gov.opptintr/dfe/autobody/profile/intro.pdf
(January, 2001)
EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right to
Know Act), 42 U.S.C. 101 1 et. seq. Text available at:
http://www.epa.gov/ceppo/lr-regs. htm#epcra
Guide to Occupational Exposure Values (current year).
Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmen-
tal Industrial Hygienists.
Industrial Ventilation: a Manual of Recommended Practice
(latest edition). Cincinnati, OH: American Conference
of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
Streicher, Robert P., Reh, Christopher M., Key-Schwartz,
Rosa, Schlect, Paul C., and Cassinelli, Mary-Ellen,
“Determination of Airborne Isocyanate Exposure,”
Section K of NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods.
Cincinnati OH: NIOSH, 1998.
U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) TitJe 29 “Labor”,
Part 191O, Section 134 ”Respiratory Protection,” para-
graphs (a) through (o). Washington, DC: Office of the
Federal Register, 1998. May be downloaded from
ht t p:llw ww. os ha - s lc. gov/Os hSt d-da t a/
1910-0134.html (January, 2001).
U S . Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40 “Protec-
tion of the Environment,” Washington, DC: Office of
the Federal Register. Many of these CFRs are avail-
able from local U.S. Government Printing Offices or by
downloading from the internet. The search page for
COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
SSPC-TU 8
February 1,2001
the Code of Federal Regulations is http://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/index.html (January,
2001). Consult the blue pages of the local phone
directory for offices in many major cities. Of special
interest are the following sections:
40 CFR 100-149, Clean Air Act
40 CFR 171-179, Hazardous Materials Transpor-
tation Act
40 CFR 261, Appendix II, Toxicity Characteristic
Leaching Procedure
40 CFR 262, Standards Applicable to Generators
of Hazardous Waste
40 CFR 264, Standards for Owners and Operators
of Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and
Disposal Facilities
40 CFR 265, Interim Status Standards for Owners
and Operators of Hazardous Waste Treat-
ment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities
40 CFR 265, Subpart C, Preparedness and Pre-
vention
40 CFR 265, Subpart D, Contingency Plan and
Emergency Procedures
40 CFR 265.16, Personnel Training
40 CFR 268, Land Disposal Restrictions.
40 CFR 302, Designation, Reportable Quantities
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and Notification
40 CFR 355, Emergency Planning and Notifica-
tion.
U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 33
“Navigation and Navigable Waters”, Chapter 26, (Clean
Water Act). Text of this Act is available at http://
www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/unf ramed/33/ch26. html
(January, 2001).
7
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