Isocyanates are a group of highly reactive, low molecular weight compounds used in the production of urethane and polyurethane compounds, respectively. Isocyanates are the raw materials that make up all polyurethane products. Jobs that may involve exposure to isocyanates include painting, foam-blowing, and the manufacture of many polyurethane products, such as chemicals, polyurethane foam, insulation materials, surface coatings, car seats, furniture, foam mattresses, under-carpet padding, packaging materials, shoes, laminated fabrics, polyurethane rubber, and adhesives, and during the thermal degradation of polyurethane products.
Unless otherwise specified, the term "isocyanate" will be used interchangeably to include diisocyanates.
Isocyanates
What are the hazards associated with isocyanates?
The concern with occupational exposure to isocyanates arises from the health effects, which include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficult breathing. Isocyanates include compounds classified as potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals. However, the main effects due to hazardous exposures are occupational asthma and other lung problems, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin.
Is there a special emphasis program associated with this topic?
Occupational exposure to isocyanates falls within the OSH Division health hazards special emphasis program.
What can I do to protect myself?
Employees working with isocyanate-containing materials should always work in a well ventilated area and, whenever possible, use local exhaust ventilation. When this is not feasible, the employer must provide the appropriate type of respiratory protection in conjunction with an effective respiratory protection program. In addition, be sure to wear the appropriate type of gloves to prevent absorption of isocyanates into the skin.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Training and Outreach Services
The presentations on hazard communication, respiratory protection, health hazards special emphasis program and personal protective equipment are available to assist employers in training their staff. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.
In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).
Safety and Health Programs
These example programs, hazard communication, respiratory protection, hazardous chemical program and PPE and hazard analysis can assist the employer in the development of their programs. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Safety and Health Topics
Other relevant information pertaining to hazard communication, personal protective equipment, eyewash stations and emergency showers and respiratory protection can be found on the applicable safety and health topics page.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply?
OSH has adopted the following standards for occupational exposure to isocyanates in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
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29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1 - air contaminants
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29 CFR 1910.132 - personal protective equipment - general requirements
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29 CFR 1910.133 - eye and face protection
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29 CFR 1910.134 - respiratory protection
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29 CFR 1910.138 - hand protection
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29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication
Maritime, Shipyard Employment
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29 CFR 1915.1000 - air contaminants
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29 CFR 1915.152 - personal protective equipment - general requirements
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29 CFR 1915.153 - eye and face protection
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29 CFR 1915.154 - respiratory protection
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29 CFR 1915.157 - hand and body protection
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29 CFR 1915.1200 - hazard communication
Construction
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29 CFR 1926.55 - gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists
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29 CFR 1926.59 - hazard communication
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29 CFR 1926.95 - criteria for personal protective equipment
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29 CFR 1926.102 - eye and face protection
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29 CFR 1926.103 - respiratory protection
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more?
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to occupational exposure to isocyanates in construction.
- Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to occupational exposure to isocyanates in general industry.
- Industry Guide 53 - OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, highlights the requirements of standards related to occupational exposure to isocyanates in shipyard employment.
Compliance Documents
- Operational Procedure Notice: OPN 135, Special Emphasis Programs for Health Hazards, describes the conduct of inspections and associated activities under this SEP.
- OSHA Technical Manual (TED 01-00-015) provides technical information about workplace hazards and controls to OSHA’s Compliance Safety and Health Officers.
Technical Assistance
Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.