1

“Walk the Talk”Methylene Chloride

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES

Revision 2015

Methylene Chloride label information

Signal word: Warning

Hazard statementsH315 Causes skin irritationH319 Causes serious eye irritationH335 May cause respiratory irritationH336 May cause drowsiness or dizzinessH351 Suspected of causing cancerH373 May cause damage to liver/ blood through prolonged or repeated exposure

Precautionary StatementsFollow precaution statements and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.

Signal word: Harmful

Risk PhrasesR40 Limited evidence of a

carcinogenic effect R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory

system and skin R67 Vapours may cause drowsiness

and dizziness

Safety PhrasesFollow precaution statements and productlabelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.

CLP DSD

3

MAIN PRACTICAL CONCERNS:High concentrations of vapours will cause

loss of feeling (anesthesia) and unconsciousness (narcosia)

Skin irritation by direct contact

OTHER WARNING PROPERTIES:

-> Sweet, ether-like odour at rather high level : inadequate warning

for hazardous exposures.

->Gas density >>>air :vapours tend to remain localized and/or diffuse

slowly in the breathing zone of workers .

->Flammable range: 14% to 22% (in air) : relatively low hazard .

Methylene Chloride: Hazardous Properties

4

Protective Measures

• Exposure to high levels of methylene chloride is likely if methylene chloride, or a product containing it, is used in a room with inadequate ventilation.

• When heated to decomposition, even with a lit cigarette, methylene chloride is likely to generate phosgene and carbonyl fluoride.

…….. SO ………

Use PPE when working

Check that the extraction system is switched on

Do not eat, drink or smoke in the workplace

If you feel unwell, inform your colleagues and leave

the workshop .Where could you be exposed?

5

• Foaming area

• Sawing area

• Foam curing area

• Cleaning operations using methylene chloride as solvent

• Spillages

Where could you be exposed?

6

“Walk the Talk”Pentane

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES

7

Pentane label information

DSDSignal word: Harmful

Risk Phrases:R12 Extremely flammableR65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowedR66 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or crackingR67 Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizzinessR51/53 Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

Safety PhrasesFollow safety phrases and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.

CLPSignal word: Danger

Hazard statements:H224 Extremely flammable liquid and vaporH304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effectsEUH066 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking

Precautionary StatementsFollow precautionary statements and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS

Additional Hazard information related to cyclo pentane and mixtures see supplier’s (e)SDS.

8

Flash Point: -40°C to - 20°C (the lowest temperature at which liquid releases sufficient vapour for ignition)

Auto ignition temperature ca. 280°C(where the vapour-air mixture ignites on a hot surface.)

Explosive vapour-air mixtures:Lower explosion limit: 1,4 Vol% = 41 g/m³Upper explosion limit 7,8 Vol% = 240 g/m³(Evaporation rate at 20°C - 30°C > 2,4 kg/h per m² surface)Vapour has higher density than air!

Easy build-up of electric charge.

Highly flammable.

Hazardous Properties of Pentane

9

Protective Measures

Avoid explosive atmosphere (primary measure)

No open handling, closed systems.

Controlled ventilation.

Generate inert atmosphere with Nitrogen.

Avoid sources of ignition (secondary measures)

Explosion protected machinery (encapsulation,

no sparks, no hot surfaces)

Avoid electrostatic sparks (earth machinary,

no plastic containers)

10

Incident / Alarm

In case of spillage or alarm from monitors

Keep calm

Stop pentane dosage, avoid ignition sources

Increase ventilation

Stop leakage

Cover spillage with absorbant

Self-contained breathing apparatus if ventilation is

insufficient

Protective clothing

Extinguishing material: CO2, Foam, Powder; no water!

11

Pentane is highly flammable and may build up

explosive mixtures with air

Avoid any ignition source

Ensure that static electricity cannot build-up

Monitor level of pentane in air; remember that pentane is heavier than air

Use of Pentane

12

“Walk the Talk”Catalysts

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES

13

Catalysts

Catalysts can be corrosive, irritants, sensitisers

and flammable

Symptoms of exposure include chemical burn,

swelling, itching, redness and hazy vision

Use PPE when working with catalysts and

polyol formulation components

14

“Walk the Talk”Methyl Isocyanates

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES

15

Monoisocyanates are used for various applications –

but not for polyurethanes

For example, methyl isocyanate is used for

pesticides and insecticides

All polyurethanes are made with diisocyanates such

as MDI or TDI

Monoisocyanates and Diisocyanates

16

Monoisocyanates are used for various applications –

but not for polyurethanes

For example, methyl isocyanate is used for

pesticides and insecticides

All polyurethanes are made with diisocyanates such

as MDI or TDI

Monoisocyanates and Diisocyanates

Methyl-isocyanate is not used in

making polyurethanes

17

Disclaimer

While ISOPA and its members make every effort to present accurate and reliable information in utmost good faith on the basis of the best information currently available, it is to be relied upon at the user’s own risk. No representations or warranties are made with regard to its completeness, accuracy or reliability and no liability will be accepted by ISOPA nor any company participating in ISOPA for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the information. 

1

1

“Walk the Talk”Methylene Chloride

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES

Revision 2015

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES – “WALK THE TALK”

 

SPEAKER NOTES – SUPPLEMENTARY MODULE

 

Explain that the purpose of these short modules is to discuss the EHS issues and safe handling of other chemicals used in the factory. We do not offer full training in the handling and use of these chemicals.

 

If not already done – before the presentation/dialogue starts introduce yourself and explain that you have been trained to run the session. Then ask everyone present to simply introduce themselves – name and what they do in the factory. A reminder - we will learn more if we have a dialogue, that is, the presenter does not do all the speaking. We all learn by sharing experiences.

 

Note the disclaimer on the last slide

PART 1 – Methylene chloride

MethyleneChloride is a useful blowing agent for flexible foam and has the benefits of low ozone depletion potential (ODP is 0.02 ; 141B is 0.11 ; R11 is 1) and a very low greenhouse warming potential (GWP is 9 ; CO2 is 1; 141B is 630 ; R11 is 4000!)  

IT is a colourless, volatile liquid with a mild ether-like odour ; it is flammable only at very high concentration in air .

However methylene chloride even not classified as toxic must be used with care and under appropriate conditions ( see later in the presentation)

2

Methylene Chloride label information

Signal word: Warning

Hazard statementsH315 Causes skin irritationH319 Causes serious eye irritationH335 May cause respiratory irritationH336 May cause drowsiness or dizzinessH351 Suspected of causing cancerH373 May cause damage to liver/ blood through prolonged or repeated exposure

Precautionary StatementsFollow precaution statements and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.

Signal word: Harmful

Risk PhrasesR40 Limited evidence of a

carcinogenic effect R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory

system and skin R67 Vapours may cause drowsiness

and dizziness

Safety PhrasesFollow precaution statements and productlabelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.

CLP DSD

 

The purpose here is to indicate classification of Methylenechloride in order to be well aware, but not to scare people.

It may be carcinogenic, as it has been linked to cancer of the lungs, liver, and pancreas in laboratory animals .

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3

MAIN PRACTICAL CONCERNS:High concentrations of vapours will cause

loss of feeling (anesthesia) and unconsciousness (narcosia)

Skin irritation by direct contact

OTHER WARNING PROPERTIES:-> Sweet, ether-like odour at rather high level : inadequate warning

for hazardous exposures.

->Gas density >>>air :vapours tend to remain localized and/or diffuse

slowly in the breathing zone of workers .

->Flammable range: 14% to 22% (in air) : relatively low hazard .

Methylene Chloride: Hazardous Properties

 

•Dichloromethane is the least toxic of the simple chlorohydrocarbons, but it is not without its health risks as its high volatility makes it an acute inhalation hazard. Dichloromethane is also metabolized by the body to carbon monoxide potentially.A person breathing smaller amounts of methylene chloride may become less attentive and less accurate in tasks requiring hand-eye coordination ( potential source of accident).

• Prolonged skin contact can result in the dichloromethane dissolving some of the fatty tissues in skin, resulting in skin irritation or chemical burns .

Odor is not an adequate warning property for methylene chloride, the odor threshold is 250 ppm, which is 10 times

higher than the OSHA PEL (25 ppm).

 

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4

Protective Measures

• Exposure to high levels of methylene chloride is likely if methylene chloride, or a product containing it, is used in a room with inadequate ventilation.

• When heated to decomposition, even with a lit cigarette, methylene chloride is likely to generate phosgene and carbonyl fluoride.

…….. SO ………

Use PPE when working

Check that the extraction system is switched on Do not eat, drink or smoke in the workplace

If you feel unwell, inform your colleagues and leave

the workshop .Where could you be exposed?

 

Key measures for safe handling are to avoid excessive contact and prevent any degradation of methylene chloride.

Refer to the the safe handling of iocyanates (TDI).

5

5

• Foaming area

• Sawing area

• Foam curing area

• Cleaning operations using methylene chloride as solvent

• Spillages

Where could you be exposed?

Exposure is likely if and when methylene chloride is used as solvent ( cleaning operation ) or as blowing agent for flexible foam in the workshop .

If the foam contains several % of methylene chloride , the TLV can be reached without odor detection in the storage room as for TDI.

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6

“Walk the Talk”Pentane

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES

PART 2 – Pentane

Pentane is a very useful blowing agent and has the benefits of no ozone depletion potential (zero ODP) and a very low greenhouse warming potential (low GWP)

 

However, it is highly flammable

7

Pentane label information

DSDSignal word: Harmful

Risk Phrases:R12 Extremely flammableR65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowedR66 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or crackingR67 Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizzinessR51/53 Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

Safety PhrasesFollow safety phrases and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS.

CLPSignal word: Danger

Hazard statements:H224 Extremely flammable liquid and vaporH304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effectsEUH066 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking

Precautionary StatementsFollow precautionary statements and product labelling in supplier’s (e)SDS

Additional Hazard information related to cyclo pentane and mixtures see supplier’s (e)SDS.

8

8

Flash Point: -40°C to - 20°C (the lowest temperature at which liquid releases sufficient vapour for ignition)

Auto ignition temperature ca. 280°C(where the vapour-air mixture ignites on a hot surface.)

Explosive vapour-air mixtures:Lower explosion limit: 1,4 Vol% = 41 g/m³Upper explosion limit 7,8 Vol% = 240 g/m³(Evaporation rate at 20°C - 30°C > 2,4 kg/h per m² surface)Vapour has higher density than air!

Easy build-up of electric charge.

Highly flammable.

Hazardous Properties of Pentane

 

Pentane is highly flammable because:

 

•It has a low flash point

 

and

 

•When mixed with air it readily forms explosive mixtures

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9

Protective Measures

Avoid explosive atmosphere (primary measure)

No open handling, closed systems.

Controlled ventilation.

Generate inert atmosphere with Nitrogen.

Avoid sources of ignition (secondary measures)

Explosion protected machinery (encapsulation,

no sparks, no hot surfaces)

Avoid electrostatic sparks (earth machinary,

no plastic containers)

 

Key measures for safe handling are to avoid explosive mixtures with air AND ignition sources

10

10

Incident / Alarm

In case of spillage or alarm from monitors

Keep calm

Stop pentane dosage, avoid ignition sources

Increase ventilation

Stop leakage

Cover spillage with absorbant

Self-contained breathing apparatus if ventilation is

insufficient

Protective clothing

Extinguishing material: CO2, Foam, Powder; no water!

 

If safe levels of pentane are exceeded or there is a spillage stay calm and follow the steps shown

 

Several of the steps are similar to those if there is an MDI spillage but pentane has a much higher flammability

 

DO NOT USE WATER as a fire extinguishing material

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11

Pentane is highly flammable and may build up

explosive mixtures with air

Avoid any ignition source

Ensure that static electricity cannot build-up

Monitor level of pentane in air; remember that pentane is heavier than air

Use of Pentane

 

A summary of precautions to follow when using pentane

 

Safe use of pentane depends on having the correct engineering facilities in place AND using them correctly

 

It’s also important to know how much pentane is present in the atmosphere

 

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12

“Walk the Talk”Catalysts

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES

PART 3 – Catalysts

Catalysts are used in the polyol formulations to control the speed of the polyurethane reaction

 

As with any other chemicals, there are precautions to be followed so that they can be used safely

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13

Catalysts

Catalysts can be corrosive, irritants, sensitisers

and flammable

Symptoms of exposure include chemical burn,

swelling, itching, redness and hazy vision

Use PPE when working with catalysts and

polyol formulation components

There are several types of catalysts and you should always take precautions, particularly when preparing formulations

 

Always use the appropriate PPE when working with catalysts

14

14

“Walk the Talk”Methyl Isocyanates

ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES

PART 4 – Methyl Isocyanates

(Use MDI or TDI comparisons as appropriate)

 

We are frequently asked about methyl isocyanate (MIC) and whether it is the same as MDI or TDI

15

15

Monoisocyanates are used for various applications –

but not for polyurethanes

For example, methyl isocyanate is used for

pesticides and insecticides

All polyurethanes are made with diisocyanates such

as MDI or TDI

Monoisocyanates and Diisocyanates

16

16

Monoisocyanates are used for various applications –

but not for polyurethanes

For example, methyl isocyanate is used for

pesticides and insecticides

All polyurethanes are made with diisocyanates such

as MDI or TDI

Monoisocyanates and Diisocyanates

Methyl-isocyanate is not used in

making polyurethanes

17

17

Disclaimer

While ISOPA and its members make every effort to present accurate and reliable information in utmost good faith on the basis of the best information currently available, it is to be relied upon at the user’s own risk. No representations or warranties are made with regard to its completeness, accuracy or reliability and no liability will be accepted by ISOPA nor any company participating in ISOPA for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the information.