REMINDER … the monthly SAFER meeting is October 4, 2023 and is located 780 Allens Avenue, Providence, RI. 

Enter the door marked “Dimeo Construction Company Training Center”.  Parking is available across the street at the Brass Monkey parking lot.   

The meeting topic is Isocyanates in Everyday Life and HAZCOM presented by Chris King.

OSHA resources: isocyanates click here hazard communication standard click here (search standard using browser to find “access” with standard).

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Isocyanates are compounds containing the isocyanate group (-NCO). They react with compounds containing alcohol (hydroxyl) groups to produce polyurethane polymers, which are components of polyurethane foams, thermoplastic elastomers, spandex fibers, and polyurethane paints. 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.

Health effects of isocyanate exposure 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. The main effects of hazardous exposures are occupational asthma and other lung problems, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.