PowerPoint Presentation

[Virtual Presenter] Hello, according to the new directives of the European union we are going to give you a training to everyone who comes in contact with di-isocyanates going from, what are diisocyanates, how do we handle them, and how do we protect ourselves. Please note, this training is about di-isocyanates not to be confused with the release agent used in the lines. Our production process within autoneum is structured in such a way that an operator is protected at his maximum because the fusion with iso and polyol is done in a closed environment, or as with the rast production line, in an open environment, but protected in the back enclosed with fencing far away from the operator..

[Audio] ALL Diisocyanates are hazardous substances and therefore require training to ensure safe handling of these chemicals..

[Audio] They are related to chemical building blocks to manufacture products such as foams, paints, adhesives or composite products such as wood.

[Audio] ALL DIISOCYANATES are dangerous and can contribute to occupational asthma..

[Audio] Product labels and SAFETY DATA SHEETS give us a warning about potential hazards..

[Audio] Communication about these hazards is also seen on product labels and instructions for use, with an emphasis on AWARENESS.

[Audio] The hazard labels can help us identify dangerous chemicalIes, and how we know to avoid them. (You can also find more explanation about this in our DOJO training room).

[Audio] As previously reported, ALL DIISOCYANATES ARE DANGEROUS. They may contain skin irritants, eye irritants and respiratory irritants. These are represented by the following hazard labels..

[Audio] On the safety instruction cards we can find info to prevent exposure and about wearing the PPE (personal protective equipment). Also found in the line are the intervention team and first aid team. For larger incidents, we refer you to the intervention plan..

[Audio] An SDS (or safety data sheet) provides us with info on the handling and use of hazardous substances (among other info to help protect human health and the environment).

[Audio] In it we find the chemical name, hazard label and CAS/EC numbers for the unique chemical indicators..

[Audio] Chemistry of diisocyanates These are reactive chemicals and react with polyols, amines and water..

[Audio] When these are contaminated with water, CO2 is released and pressure will build up in a closed vessel which can lead to a bulging of the vessel and eventually a dangerous rupture of the vessel. The emergency plan describes how to handle such a situation..

[Audio] What are the risks now in case of exposure? Factors that determine the exposure potential can be (volatility, quantity,concentration and the way they are used in a process. For example, pouring, spraying and rolling). The higher the temperature the higher the concentration in the air. In the form of spraying, particles (aerosol) can become airborne. As for temperature, the higher the temperature is, the higher the volatility and potential concentration in the air. Why are tasks involving mixing TDI with polyols a high risk? During mixing and foam production, TDI vapors can be released. In a closed circuit, it is especially watchful of reacted vapors that may volatilize from the warm/hot uncured foam for example during cutting. Thinking for a moment about spraying diisocyanates, we must protect ourselves from the mist droplets that we can easily inhale. In aerosol form, much higher levels of unreacted spray particles can be present in the air..

[Audio] Caution ! Odor is NOT A RELIABLE INDICATOR FOR HAZARD !.

[Audio] Most people can NOT smell diisocyanates. Smell should never be relied upon as an indication of exposure..

[Audio] Sensitization. Symptoms such as irritation mouth, throat, lungs, chest tightness, coughing, difficulty breathing, tears in the eyes, itching, may occur as early as a few hours after exposure. Much depends on the degree of exposure and sensitivity of the person.

[Audio] The development of hypersensitivity can appear in both the short term and long term. CAUTION ! Even minor exposure can lead to serious health effects..

[Audio] Repeated overexposure leads to a risk of hypersensitivity. Symptoms such as occasional breathing difficulties can be likened to hay fever symptoms. Acute asthma attacks may occur in individual cases. Sensitization is not reversible and is a reactive effect of the immune system, not to be confused with irritation. CAUTION : Early and prompt removal of exposure can usually result in cessation of allergic reactions.

[Audio] How can we manage these risks now ?. 20. Safe use and handling of diisocyanates - General training.

[Audio] Good workplace ventilation is required when working with diisocyanates. Always check that the ventilation system is switched on Repeatedly check the direction of flow.

[Audio] Always use CHEMICAL RESISTANT gloves (e.g. nitrile, neoprene) when working with diisocyanates, definitely not latex gloves. Glove type recommendations can be found in the SDS under section 8.

[Audio] How to safely remove a glove ? As a refreshment training, you will find this step-by-step plan on the shop floor..

[Audio] As body protection, depending on the process, long-sleeved clothing is required to protect your arms from skin contamination. Going home with work clothes is not recommended. Depending on the concentration in the workplace, the appropriate respiratory protection device must be chosen. A medical examination and approval is required before workers may use RPE. You may use self-contained breathing apparatus with a compressed air cylinder only if you have been trained to do so. Keep in mind that people have different face shapes and sizes. Therefore, respirators must be customized..

[Audio] Employees with beards are not eligible to work with RPE. Workers who need glasses or lenses ask for a special mask in which the glasses are integrated. Always check filters after use and remove damaged equipment immediately, the undamaged filter always in their plastic bag for storage..

[Audio] Always wash your hands after work and before eating, drinking or smoking. Do not reuse contaminated clothing or gloves..

[Audio] During cleaning and sanitation operations, workers must be informed of the potential risks and provided with the proper PPE before starting these operations..

[Audio] As a start, a good task training and info is of great importance, the workers must properly follow the established work procedures, analyze the task and implement the safety regulations drawn up based on the manufacturer's recommendations along in this process..

[Audio] Caution MORE THAN 80% OF ALL ACCIDENTS CAN BE MAINTAINED BY SAFE MANAGEMENT! (Clean areas, well ventilated, proper PPE, report incidents, do not eat, drink or smoke and properly seal all containers of diisocyanates..

[Audio] EMERGENCIES. 30. Safe use and handling of diisocyanates - General training.

[Audio] In case of eye contact (use eyewash phNeutral), in case of skin contact (remove clothing, wash thoroughly with large amounts of water, and then wash thoroughly with soap and water), in case of inhalation, move the person from the risk of further exposure, ventilate the area, contact the supplier, physician or site manager for supporting information if necessary.

[Audio] Resources available are eyewash, an emergency shower, eye bath, and of course the doctor.

[Audio] In case of spilled diisocyanates, sound the alarm and after determining risk evacuation! As PPE, full skin protection, gloves, eye protection, safety shoes and appropriate respirators. Then contain the spill to prevent access to sewage. Use a solid disinfectant to prevent escape of vapors, After reaction, scoop into drums with open lid and fill max 70% and dispose of as hazardous waste. Lastly disinfect area well with liquid disinfectant and inspect.

[Audio] In our emergency plan, we find who coordinates, who is responsible for contacting authorities and, of course, the description of measures to be taken to control the conditions..

[Audio] Afterwards, we find in this, what first warning should be taken, and afterwards what detail information is going to be given..

[Audio] In case of change, building, process parameters, limits, formulations and or new raw materials, always include them in the change management. Regarding waste, always prevent its discharge into the environment, and have it disposed of by an authorized waste disposal company..

[Audio] Supervisor should check the Safety Instructions regularly, workers check the basic functionality (such as airflow, speed in ventilation), filters, empties and closures...). ATTENTION (especially to supervisors -_> supervisors), consult Safety Instruction Cart, and review manufacturers' instructions..

[Audio] As a conclusion Know the risks, work in a safe environment, and protect yourself and others ! All diisocyanates pose a potential hazard to humans and the environment. -Safety Data Sheet --> read, understand, observe -Instructions for use --> read, understand, observe- -Minimize risk when handling diisocyanates -Protect yourself where and when necessary -Always follow technical and organizational measures -Use your personal protective equipment and keep it in good condition. -More than 80% of all accidents can be prevented by safe behavior..

[Audio] We move on to part 2 : flexible molded foam.

[Audio] In this training, you will be given concrete examples of activities you may need to do, along with advice on appropriate behavior. The training concludes with a quiz to test your understanding of risks and precautions to take..

41. Safe use and handling of diisocyanates - General training.

[Audio] A closed system is not going to generate release of diisocyanates. During lab work, on the other hand, wear long-sleeved gloves and eye protection. (Again, pay attention to proper ventilation and whether respiratory protection is needed).

[Audio] Here we look at the process from left to right and see the different steps during a polymerization zone until the curing of the foam which will be free of any danger and risk. Steps such as opening, demoulding, cleaning, release agent, inserts, pouring and sealing can be seen in several production lines within Autoneum Genk..

[Audio] In the mixing head we find the greatest risk. the mixture in the mold contains much less diisocyanates than in the mixing head, waiting until after the demolding and thus after cured foam arrive at zero risk..

[Audio] The curing process is influenced by the size, formulation, temperature and density of the foam (i.e. amount of water used)..

[Audio] Automatic pouring (as with the rast, for example), restricted access while the machine is in operation is critical ! Wear gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and depending on the layout, possibly respiratory protection. Again, check your clothing and skin..

[Audio] While cleaning the mixing head always wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection, again possibly respiratory protection depending on layout. After this process also here, check your clothes and skin..

[Audio] During the demoulding process (foam), wear gloves, depending on processing process possibly protective clothing to protect other parts of the skin, with the important point being a good extraction to avoid exposure by inhalation..

[Audio] After demolding, the foam goes to the post-treatment areas where it is deburred. Foam is more cured and cooled so no respiratory protection equipment is still needed here..

[Audio] We hope this training has given you more clarity on how to protect ourselves from the dangers "working with diisocyanates. As a test, here is a quiz with 10 multiple choice questions. Good luck and thank you very much for your attention..