Problem Solving Forum
March 9 - March 13, 2015
What health and safety precautions should contractors take when applying isocyanate-cured epoxies in the field?
Selected Answers
From
Wilfred Offor of Intertek Moody International on
August 25, 2016:
Consult the MSDS to determine the toxicity of the ...read more
Consult the MSDS to determine the toxicity of the material and apply the specified protective equipment needed.
From
Jerry Trevino of Protective Liner Systems on
April 1, 2016:
Isocyanate-cured polymers are currently used in ve ...read more
Isocyanate-cured polymers are currently used in very small confined spaces such as manholes and underground concrete structures. They are atomized-sprayed in manholes 4 feet in diameter and 5 feet to 15 feet in depth. The sewer collection system remains operational as the work is being performed; therefore, the isocyanate-cured polyurethane is exposed to all the attendants, home owners and bystanders. This is a very risky, hazardous practice. One hundred percent solid epoxies are much better suited to this environment.They are less risky, generate less hazardous exposure, and actually bond better to the wet substrates than polyurethanes or urethane coatings. Therefore, isocyanate-cured products should be avoided in underground confined spaces.
From
Qaisar Malik of ABC on
July 13, 2015:
Take proper care, shield your face, and use a mask ...read more
Take proper care, shield your face, and use a mask.
From
Joe Miller of NextGen Green Building Products, Inc. dba Direct2Contractors.com on
July 3, 2015:
There are isocyanate-free, 100% solids, minimal od ...read more
There are isocyanate-free, 100% solids, minimal odor polyurethane formulations on the market today that are two times more durable than conventional polyurethane-based floor coatings and that reduce the need for extreme protective gear.
From
James Colter of Structural Integrity Solutions on
July 1, 2015:
When I was painting, I always had the practice of ...read more
When I was painting, I always had the practice of being covered from head to toe (coveralls, gloves, spray socks, etc.) as well as using a full-faced respirator with tear-away covers as opposed to half-faced respirator, and with the proper cartridges due to isocyanates being potentially carcinogenic.
This toxin can be readily absorbed through your eyes as well as your skin.
It is a chemical known to cause sensitization and occupational asthma in exposed workers, as well as being known to cause cancer in animals.
Bottom line is, the workers should be equipped the proper PPE and knowledge of the hazard they are working with.
From
David Rasmussen of E2 Consulting Engineers/ PG&E on
June 25, 2015:
We have a brand-new, custom-made, state-of-the-art ...read more
We have a brand-new, custom-made, state-of-the-art extraction and ventilation system at our new ADF facility in Great Falls, Montana. Even so, we require half-face chemical respirators on all our paint crew members. Even with all this expensive technology, it still comes down to proper PPE.
From
paul graham of Tornado Combustion on
March 17, 2015:
From the handling aspect to application to clean u ...read more
From the handling aspect to application to clean up, ensure all containers are sealed, and use respiratory care.
Post signage for personnel to stay out unless protected.
From
Stephen Cantrelle of Century Industrial Coatings on
March 11, 2015:
Due to the various formulations and the raw materi ...read more
Due to the various formulations and the raw materials that go into them, the safest thing to do would be to consult the manufacturer's SDS/MSDS.
From
tim hady of tjhady painting on
March 10, 2015:
Use air-supplied respirators, long-sleeve coverall ...read more
Use air-supplied respirators, long-sleeve coveralls, and gloves.