Public-private partnership renewed for PU-related safety

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Federal safety officials and the American Chemistry Council are renewing a partnership aimed at workers handling a compound used to make polyurethane.

The alliance between ACC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration aims to "reduce and prevent exposure to aliphatic and aromatic diisocyanates," according to OSHA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor.

The effort also will provide guidance and information regarding health and safety issues for workers in the PU value chain and the broader chemical industry, OSHA said. This is designed to help both employers and workers understand their rights and responsibilities.

OSHA describes isocyanates as raw materials to make polyurethane products. Exposure to the material can cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness and difficulty breathing, the federal government said. Asthma and other lung problems can develop as well.

"OSHA's renewed alliance with the American Chemistry Council will help ensure that employers and employees in the polyurethane industry are able to recognize the hazards associated with these chemicals, and implement the methods to control employee exposures," said Loren Sweatt, principal deputy assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, in a statement.

ACC's involvement includes its Center for the Polyurethanes Industry and the trade group's diisocyanates and aliphatic diisocyanates panels. These groups include makers and distributors of chemicals and equipment used to manufacture PU.

It was just about three years ago that the ACC and OSHA established an initial alliance to raise worker exposure to diisocyantes.

At that time, the organizers called for web-based training, creation of guidance on medical surveillance and clinical evaluation techniques for employers and workers using the chemicals, and best practice seminars.