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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 iso-
cyanate 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 (diphenylmethane
diisocyanate),TDI (toluene diisocyanate), IPDI (isophorone
diisocyanate), HDI (hexamethylene diisocyan-ate), HMDI
(bis(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane), and TMXDI (tetrameth-
ylxylene diisocyanate).
Evaporation rates determine how quickly a material is
vaporized and dispersed into the atmosphere. High evapora-
tion rates cause faster dispersion and more vapor exposure
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 appli-
cation. However, the polyisocyanates do contain 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 applica-
tions. 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 two-component
system, the polyisocyanate reacts with a resin having reactive
hydrogen, which can be acrylic, polyester, polyether, vinyl,
castor oil, etc.
The paint film resulting from this chemical reaction is the
foundation of the performance properties of polyurethanes:
10-109
SSPC-TU 8
February 1, 2001
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
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 maintenance,
28.8 million gallons in architectural, and 53 million gallons in
product finishing applications. Some typical industrial mainte-
nance applications are bridges, chemical plants, tank farms,
power plants, and municipal structures (e.g. as anti-graffiti
coatings).
High performance paints can contain diisocyanates, poly-
isocyanates, 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 coatings, including those
containing isocyanates, can be applied 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 overexposed person may develop
skin sensitization and/or respiratory 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 overexposure 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 damage,
or reproductive effects.
2. Worker Exposure
2.1 RECOGNITION OF HAZARD: In order to determine
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 polyure-
thane coatings are fully reacted. 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 industrial 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 part that typically contains the unreacted
SSPC-TU 8
February 1, 2001
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

isocyanate. Because these two parts 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 isocyanate,
aromatic isocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), di-
phenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI), isophorone diisocyanate
(IPDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), dicyclohexylmethane diiso-
cyanate (HMDI), TMXDI (tetramethylxylene diisocyanate), HDI
homopolymer, isocyanate prepolymer, isocyanate oligomer,
isocyanate monomer, 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 specialist. 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 ingredi-
ent, the workplace atmosphere should be characterized to
determine the airborne concentration. Most diisocyanate
monomers have an OSHA(1) Permissible Exposure Limit
(PEL), an ACGIH(2) Threshold Limit Value (TLV), a NIOSH(3)
Recommended Exposure Limit (REL), or a Manufacturerʼs
Guideline Limit (MGL). Most commonly, the 8 hour Time
Weighted Average (TWA) airborne concentration guideline or
standard for diisocyanates is five parts per billion parts 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 1.0 mg/m3 as a 15 minute
Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL). MSDSs often list the ap-
plicable airborne concentration guidelines/standards. Another
source for diisocyanate monomer exposure standards is the
ACGIH publication entitled “Guide to Occupational Exposure
Values.”
Monitoring of the workplace air to determine concentrations
of isocyanates is a key step in determining the effectiveness
of engineering controls as well as in determining the type of
respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment
which may be required. Specific sampling and analytical tech-
niques have been developed to determine these levels.
At present, the recommended method for sampling and
analysis of HDI, TDI, and IPDI polyisocyanates in spray ap-
plications is Bayer Method 1.4.4.(4) Samples are collected
using impingers containing 2 x 10-4 M N-(4-nitrobenzyl)-
propylamine (nitroreagent) in toluene. Analysis is by high
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet
detection at 254 nanometers. Bayer has developed Method
1.4.4 independently and used it successfully 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 piperazine (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 curves are run using diisocyanate monomer and
commercial polyisocyanate, the method would be quite similar
to Bayer 1.4.4. In addition, OSHA Method 18(6) 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 situations in which only HDI, TDI, IPDI, HMDI, TMXDI
monomer vapors would be present, such as in non-spray han-
dling and use, Bayer Method 1.7.6 is recommended. 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 derivatiz-
ing 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 modifica-
tions are designed to prevent the loss of derivatizing reagent.
Such a depletion of reagent can result in under-estimation of
airborne isocyanate 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.

(1)
US Dept. of Labor, OSHA, Office of Public Affairs - Room N3647, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington DC 20210, or contact via internet at
http://www.osha.gov/readingroom/html
(2)
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive, Suite 600, Cincinnati OH 45240 (http://www.acgih.
org).
(3)
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 for
information on the Bayer methods mentioned in this report.)
(5)
NIOSH Publications, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Mail Stop C-13, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998. May be downloaded from NIOSH web page at
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/nmammenu.html
(6)
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)

10-110

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 application. To date, no direct reading instru-
ment has been developed which can be used to accurately
determine airborne concentrations of polyisocyanates in spray
application of coatings.(7,8)
The technology for evaluating skin exposure to isocyanates
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 isocyanate residue has been
removed, such as after a spill clean-up, he should consider
purchase and use of SwypeTM Test kits which are manufactured
by Colorimetric Laboratories, Inc.(9)
3. Control of Health Hazards
3.1 ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Ideally, hazard control
of vapor or spray mist is accomplished through engineering
controls. Effective engineering controls should be used when-
ever possible to reduce and/or eliminate worker exposure to
all respiratory hazards.
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 designed
and ventilated enclosure. General dilution ventilation, local
exhaust ventilation, or isolation may prove adequate under
certain conditions. “Adequate” generally means ventilation suf-
ficient to keep airborne concentrations of contaminants below
their respective Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), Permissible
Exposure Limits (PELs) and Manufacturerʼs Guideline Limits
(MGLs). Whenever possible, local exhaust ventilation should
be provided in accordance with the guidelines provided in
Industrial Ventilation, 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
7)
Information concerning 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).
10-111
SSPC-TU 8
February 1, 2001
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
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 overexposure.
3.2 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: One manufac-
turer of polyisocyanates recommends air-supplied respirators
for spray application if the airborne concentrations are
unknown or if they exceed ten times the appropriate airborne
concentration standards/guidelines.1 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
10 times the standard/guideline concentration;
• if the spraying is not being done in a confined
space;
• if pre-filters are changed as needed to prevent exces-
sive breathing resistance; and
• if appropriate change schedules are implemented for
the organic vapor cartridges (OVCs) in accordance
with 29 CFR 1910.134.
Studies have shown that HDI polyisocyanates are essen-
tially non-volatile and become airborne only as mechanically
generated aerosols during spray application.2 Furthermore,
these aerosols are efficiently collected by the particulate
pre-filters of a spray painting air-purifying respirator.3,4,5,6 The
same studies show that these pre-filters did not fail by allow-
ing breakthrough of the aerosol. Rather, they simply became
increasingly clogged until airflow resistance was too great to
allow easy breathing. Therefore, when breathing resistance
becomes noticeably higher during 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 col-
lection efficiency for HDI vapors greater than 99.6% for
40 hours.
• Neither saturation of the cartridge with solvent vapors nor
variation of the relative humidity resulted in breakthrough
of HDI vapor.
• There was no evidence of desorption or migration of HDI
within the cartridge during storage at room temperature
overnight for five nights, after repeated exposures 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
SSPC-TU 8
February 1, 2001
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
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 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 indicating 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 breakthrough, use of the
next more protective level of coverall is indicated.
3.3.2 Medical Testing: Since isocyanates are sensitiz-
ers, people who work with them should have a complete pre-
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
10-112
placement medical examination and periodic (at least annual)
examinations thereafter, including a pulmonary 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 intervals 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 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 coat-
ing. At present, there is no conclusive screening test suitable
for detecting persons most likely to become sensitized 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 individualʼs ability to continue work
with isocyanate containing products.
4. Environmental/Public Health Risk
The public health risk associated with isocyanate-contain-
ing paints includes the potential of human respiratory sensiti-
zation 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
Types of Coveralls
TyvekTM
Kimberly Clark KleenGuard GPTM
Kappler ProShield 1TM
or equivalent
Tyvek QCTM
Kimberly Clark KleenGuard FPTM
Kappler ProShield 2TM
or equivalent
Tyvek Saranex 23P-CoatedTM
Kappler ProShield 3TM
or equivalent

remote. However, an allergic respiratory reaction in a previ-
ously sensitized person might occur at exposures below the
odor threshold (i.e. when a person smells the material) and
Threshold Limit Value(s) (TLVs) for the specific isocyanate
involved.
The environmental risk associated with isocyanate-con-
taining paints appears to be minimal under normal application
and removal conditions. There is no evidence that the applica-
tion or removal of isocyanate-containing paints creates any
significant risk to the environment provided 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 part of the volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations.
Introduction of isocyanate-containing materials 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 ap-
plication 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.
Currently, EPA has not established standards or methodologies
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 gun.8
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 re-
ducing airborne isocyanate levels below accepted guidelines.
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 prac-
tices 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 reaction produces
carbon dioxide gas that can pressurize sealed containers
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SSPC-TU 8
February 1, 2001
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
and may cause explosive rupture.
• Keep isocyanate-containing coatings and removed materi-
als 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 solution
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 Federal
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 if they are characteristic wastes as identified by
laboratory testing (40 CFR 261).
Listed wastes are automatically identified as hazardous
by the EPA and require no additional testing. Solid and liquid
(e.g. excess paint) wastes generated from the use of 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 mainte-
nance 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, reactiv-
ity, 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 °F). 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 ap-
ply to containers where hazardous materials could be poured,
pumped, or aspirated from the container; or contain more than
1 inch of residue; or contain more than three percent (3%) by
weight of the capacity of containers 426 liters (110 gallons) or
less; or contain more than 0.03% by weight of the capacity of
containers greater than 426 liters (110 gallons).
In two component polyurethanes, once the isocyanate
catalyst has been added to the “paint” component, the mate-
rial 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.
SSPC-TU 8
February 1, 2001
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
Based on the above criteria, many isocyanate residues
and leftover isocyanate-containing paints may be considered
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, storage, and disposal. Comply
with 49 CFR 170-179 regulations relative to transportation of
isocyanate-containing materials.
Implement a Hazardous Waste Management Plan includ-
ing procedures for:
• Waste Minimization - This section should include a de-
scription 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 (i.e. through analysis
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
section should include residues of waste in empty containers,
container and storage area criteria, and labeling and signage
requirements.
• Transportation and Disposal - This section should address
who will obtain the EPA ID number (i.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 liquids,
and personnel protective equipment training requirements as
part of its program and training in compliance with the OSHA
regulations relative to isocyanate exposures and handling of
wastes.
6. Disclaimer
6.1 This technology update is for information purposes
only. It is neither a standard nor a recommended practice.
While every precaution is taken to ensure that all informa-
tion furnished in SSPC technology updates is as accurate,
complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot assume
responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use
of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein, or of
the technology update itself.
10-114
6.2 This technology update does not attempt to address
problems concerning safety associated with its use. The user
of this specification, as well as the user of all products or prac-
tices described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with
all governmental regulations.
7. References
1
Desmodur N, Hexamethylene Diisocyanate Based Poly-
isocyanates: Health and Safety Information, (Pittsburgh, PA:
Bayer Corporation, December 1999).
2
R. J. Rando and H. G. Poovey, “Development and ap-
plication of a dichotomous vapor/aerosol sampler for HDI-de-
rived total Reactive Isocyanate Group,” Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc.
J. 60(6): 737-746 (1999).
3
V. Dharmarajan, P. M. Uhrin, and D. R. Hackathorn, “Evalu-
ation of air purifying respirators in simulated isocyanate based
paint spraying operations,” unpublished study (Pittsburgh, PA:
Bayer Corporation [formerly Mobay Corporation]. 1982).
4
J. F. Vasta, “Respirator Cartridge Evaluation for Isocya-
nate Containing Imron” and Centari” Enamels,” Am. Ind. Hyg.
Assoc. J. 46, 1, p.39-44 (1985).
5
C. Rosenberg and T. Tuomi, “Airborne Isocyanates in
Polyurethane Spray Painting: Determination and Respirator
Efficiency,” Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 45, 2, p. 117-121 (1984).
6
G. V. Croshaw and S. W. Horstman, “Air-purifying Res-
pirator Performance Against a Two-component Polyurethane
Spray Paint Aerosol,” Poster Session at the American Indus-
trial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, May 21-26, at St.
Louis, MO, 1989.
7
V. Dharmarajan, R. D. Ling and H. E. Myer, “Evalu-
ation of Organic-Vapor-Respirator Cartridge Efficiency for
Hexamethylene Diisocyanate in the Presence of Organic
Solvents,” Accepted for publication in Applied Occupational
and Environmental Hygiene (expected in February or March
2001 issue).
8
Bayer Corporation, unpublished internal study.
8. Bibliography
“Automotive Refinishing Industry Isocyanate Profile,” Science
Applications International Corporation, May 1, 1997. May
be downloaded from http://www.epa.gov.opptintr/dfe/au-
tobody/profile/intro.pdf (January, 2001)
EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know
Act), 42 U.S.C. 1011 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 Governmental
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,
 SSPC-TU 8
February 1, 2001
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

“Determination of Airborne Isocyanate Exposure,” Section

K of NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. Cincinnati
OH: NIOSH, 1998.
U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29 “Labor”, Part
1910, Section 134 “Respiratory Protection,” paragraphs
(a) through (o). Washington, DC: Office of the Federal
Register, 1998. May be downloaded from http://www.osha-
slc.gov/OshStd_data/1910_0134.html (January, 2001).
U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40 “Protection of
the Environment,” Washington, DC: Office of the Federal
Register. Many of these CFRs are available from local
U.S. Government Printing Offices or by downloading from
the internet. The search page for 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 Transporta-
tion 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 Treatment,
Storage, and Disposal Facilities
40 CFR 265, Subpart C, Preparedness and Preven-
tion
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
and Notification
40 CFR 355, Emergency Planning and Notification

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/unframed/
33/ch26.html (January, 2001).

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