Isocyanates

Overview

Isocyanates are used to make polyurethane, a synthetic material that has many commercial and industrial uses. The most common forms of isocyanates are toluene diisocyanate (TDI), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI).

Isocyanates are extremely hazardous. You are exposed when you breathe the vapors or get the chemicals on your skin (which will absorb Isocyanates like a sponge). Isocyanates don’t have a distinctive odor, so you cannot use your sense of smell to protect you.

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Publications

Fact sheets
- Isocyanates
  Describes what isocyanates are, why they're extreme health hazards, and how employees can protect themselves.
  English 12/08/2014
Hazard alerts
- Diisocyanates in spray-on (truck) bed liners
  Hazard alert on the health affects of diisocyanates. Information about Oregon OSHA’s local enforcement emphasis program to identify specific industries for health inspections where diisocyanates are used.
  English 12/04/2006
Quick facts
- Diisocianatos
  Diisocyanates
  Datos rápidos para trabajadores sobre los diisocianatos. Los diisocianatos son productos químicos que se usan para hacer el poliuretano. Si usa productos que contienen poliuretano donde trabaja, debería saber acerca de los diisocianatos, quienes pueden irritar sus ojos, garganta, nariz, y piel. - | - Quick facts for employees about diisocyanates. Diisocyanates are chemicals used to make polyurethane. If you use products that contain polyurethane where you work, you should know about diisocyanates, which can irritate your eyes, throat, nose, and skin.
  Spanish 09/11/2012

Education and training

Rules and rule-related

Final Rules
- Division 2, Subdivision Z, 437-002-0382, Oregon Rules for Air Contaminants
  Administrative Order 11-2021 Word version
- Division 3, Subdivision Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances
  Administrative Order 11-2021 Word version
- Division 4, Subdivision Z, Chemical/Toxins
  Administrative Order 4-2022 Word version
Program Directives
- Local Emphasis Program (LEP): Diisocyanates
  Purpose: This directive describes policies and procedures for implementing a local emphasis program (LEP) to identify, reduce or eliminate the workplace incidence of adverse health hazards associated occupational exposure to isocyanates and to establish neutral administrative standards to select employers in those industries for health inspections.
  A-256 01/20/2017
- Spray Finishing: Assessing Fire Safety and Industrial Hygiene Issues
  Purpose: This directive provides guidance for identifying the hazards of spray finishing, and evaluating spray booths and engineering controls for overexposures.
  A-243 05/13/2015

Isocyanates

Overview

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