1. Walk the Talk MISCELLANEOUS CHEMICALS
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
Walk the Talk MISCELLANEOUS CHEMICALS
Reading the (e)SDS from your supplier is a MUST, because it
contains information on safe handling and in case of a REACH eSDS
information on uses and how to be in regulatory compliance with REACH
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES – “WALK THE TALK”
SPEAKER NOTES – MISCELLANEOUS 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

2. WtT as launched in 2006 is not WtT 2nd Generation contains REACH
restricted to regions and will stay
WtT 2nd Generation contains REACH
and GHS/CLP information which
concerns Europe.

4. SAFETY is not a one time effort
Commitment from the ISOPA Member Companies
Continuous improvement required
Working with hazardous chemicals requires right attitude towards health & safety from management and workers.
Good Environmental, Health and Safety attitude helps to secure future business success

5. Walk the Talk Methylene Chloride
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
Walk the Talk Methylene Chloride
Reading the SDS from your supplier is a MUST, because it
contains information on safe handling and in case of a REACH eSDS
information on uses and how to be in regulatory compliance with REACH
Methylene Chloride
Methylene Chloride could be used in polyurethanes as a blowing agent and has the benefits of low Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a very low Greenhouse Warming Potential (GWP )  
It is a colourless, volatile liquid with a mild ether-like odour ; it is flammable only at very high concentration in air .

6. Important Properties Methylene Chloride
Very volatile: boiling point: 39.8°C, vapor pressure: 47.3 kPa
Odor, sweet, ether-like
The DNEL (Derived No Effect Level) for potential health effects for long-term
inhalation is 353 mg/m3 (100 ppm), for details see supplier (e)SDS.
Odor is inadequate for warning of hazardous exposures.
Vapour is heavier than air
vapours tend to remain localised and may diffuse slowly in the breathing zone.
Larger amounts of vapours may cause oxygen deficiency
Flammable range: 14% to 22% (in air): relatively low hazard.
When heated to decomposition, (surrounding fire or even with a lit cigarette), methylene chloride is likely to generate phosgene, carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
Methylene Chloride (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. Methylene Chloride 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 Methylene Chloride 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 exceeds the DNEL on inhalation.

7. Methylene Chloride label information under CLP
Signal word: Warning
Hazard statements
H Causes skin irritation
H Causes serious eye irritation
H May cause respiratory irritation
H May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H Suspected of causing cancer
H May cause damage to liver/ blood through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements
Follow precaution statements and product labelling in supplier (e)SDS.
The purpose here is to indicate classification of Methylene Chloride 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 .

8. Exposure Scenarios
Methylene Chloride could be used in polyurethanes as a blowing agent,
For the RMM (Risk Measurement Measures) see supplier (e)SDS
Exposure to high levels of Methylene Chloride vapour is likely if Methylene Chloride, or a product containing it, is used or stored in a room with inadequate ventilation:
Foaming area
Methylene Chloride tends to accumulate in the lowest parts of the foam line, like the bottom paper pit. Extra or portable ventilation at low positioned inlets and outlets should be added in those areas.
Sawing area
Foam curing area
Spillage:
Major hazard of inhalation and direct contact
Intensify ventillation when spillage occurs

9. Risk Reduction Measures
Use personal protective equipment when working with Methylene Chloride
Respiratory protective equipment in case of insufficient ventilation
Use chemical resistant gloves classified under Standard EN374
Check that the ventilation is effective at storage area and workplace
the extraction system is switched on
flow direction is correct
Do not eat, drink or smoke in the workplace
Keep instructions for storing due to high volatility
Avoid contact with
strong oxidants and reducing agents
strong bases
hot surfaces, fire
Key measures for safe handling are to avoid excessive contact and prevent any degradation of Methylene Chloride.
Refer to the the safe handling of isocyanates (TDI).

10. ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
Walk the Talk Pentane
Reading the SDS from your supplier is a MUST, because it
contains information on safe handling and in case of a REACH eSDS
information on uses and how to be in regulatory compliance with REACH
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)
Pentane is extremely flammable because:
It has a low flash point
 and
When mixed with air it readily forms explosive mixtures

11. Hazardous Properties of Pentane
Flash Point: < - 20°C (the lowest temperature at which liquid releases sufficient vapour for ignition)
Auto ignition temperature: > 200°C (where the vapour-air mixture ignites on a hot surface.)
Explosive vapour-air mixtures: Lower explosion limit: 1,3 Vol% = 41 g/m³ Upper 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.
Extremely flammable.
Pentane is extremely flammable because:
It has a low flash point
and
When mixed with air it readily forms explosive mixtures

12. Protective Measures Avoid explosive atmosphere (primary measures)
No open handling, closed systems.
Controlled ventilation of working environment.
Use proper ventilation or generate inert atmosphere with Nitrogen
during foam filling of molds or fridge cabinets.
Monitor atmosphere for dangerous Pentane levels
Avoid sources of ignition (secondary measures)
Explosion protected machinery (encapsulation, no sparks, no hot surfaces)
Avoid electrostatic sparks (grounded machinery, no plastic containers, wear shoes with anti static soles)
Key measures for safe handling are to avoid explosive mixtures with air AND ignition sources

13. Incident / Alarm
In case of spillage or alarm from monitors Keep calm
Stop pentane dosage, avoid ignition sources
- In case of a spillage increase ventilation
- Stop leakage
- Cover spillage with absorbant
- Self-contained breathing apparatus if ventilation is insufficient
- Protective clothing
- In case of a fire: Extinguishing material: CO2, Foam, Powder; water fog or fine spray
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 is extremely flammability
DO NOT USE WATER as a fire extinguishing material

14. Pentane C&L information
CLP
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statements:
H Extremely flammable liquid and vapour
H May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
H May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
H Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Precautionary Statements
Follow precaution statements and product labelling in supplier (e)SDS
Additional Hazard information related to cyclo pentane and mixtures see supplier (e)SDS.

15. Walk the Talk Amine Catalysts
ISOPA PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMMES
Walk the Talk Amine Catalysts
Reading the SDS from your supplier is a MUST, because it
contains information on safe handling and in case of a REACH eSDS
information on uses and how to be in regulatory compliance with REACH
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

16. Properties of Amine Catalysts
Consult supplier (e)SDS when working with amine catalyst and working with formulation components for the use of the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and RMM (Risk Management Measures).
Amine catalysts can be : corrosive, irritant, sensitizing, toxic and flammable.
Symptoms of exposure could include chemical burn, swelling, itching, redness and hazy vision.
There are several types of catalysts and you should always take precautions, like when preparing formulations
Always use the appropriate PPE when working with catalysts

17. Disclaimer External document 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 17