Health Effects of Diisocyanates: Guidance for Medical Personnel This guidance document is designed specifically for medical personnel to provide current information about the potential health effects from diisocyanate exposure, and to provide guidance to assist with medical diagnosis and management. The discussion focuses on two widely used diisocyanate-based products: diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI). (AX-150, 2013)

CPI offers many guidance documents and informational brochures available for free download. CPI also offers valuable resources about the industry available for sale. Download CPI’s order form to purchase the latest technical conference proceedings, Polyurethane Professional Development Program course materials, and other important documents for the industry. CPI’s Free Downloadable Resources and Document Library provides a variety of guidance documents, informational brochures, and videos.

MAIL ORDER PRODUCTS

• 2010 End-Use Market Survey on the Polyurethanes Industry
  The 2010 End-Use Market Survey for the Polyurethanes Industry in the United States, Canada and Mexico provides a breakdown of polyurethane production by type and by major end-use market for each country.
  
  CD
  Price:  $5,000.00
  Member Price: $2,500.00
  
  Hardcopy
  Price:  $2,000.00
  Member Price: $1,000.00
  
  
• 2012 Polyurethane Professional Development Program (CD)
  The CD contains presentations shared during the 2012 Polyurethane Professional Development Program at the 2012 Polyurethanes Technical Conference held September 24-26, 2012 at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
  Price:  $300.00
  Member Price: $150.00

• Polyurethanes 2012 Technical Conference Proceedings (flash drive)
  The flash drive contains technical papers presented and poster abstracts presented at the 2012 Polyurethanes Technical Conference held September 24-26, 2012 at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
  Price:  $300.00
  Member Price: $150.00

• Polyurethanes 2011 Technical Conference Proceedings (flash drive)
  The flash drive contains technical papers presented and poster abstracts presented at the Polyurethanes 2011 Technical Conference held September 26-28, 2011 at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee.
  Price:  $300.00
  Member Price: $150.00

In order to purchase any of the above materials, please complete our order form.

FREE DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES AND DOCUMENT LIBRARY

Below you will find free information about a wide variety of polyurethane applications, along with important health and safety information about the manufacture, transport, and use of polyurethane and its raw materials. [Note: Some documents have a large file size and may take a moment to open].

Industry Information
Environment, Health and Safety
Spray Truck Bed Liner
Combustibility and Fire Safety
Rigid Foam
Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers
Flexible Foam and Furnishings
Videos for Working with MDI and TDI
Spray Foam Health and Safety

Industry Information

• The Economic Impact of the Polyurethanes Industry in 2010
  This analysis conducted by the Economics and Statistics Department of the American Chemistry Council summarizes the importance of the polyurethanes industry to the U.S. economy.

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Environment, Health and Safety

• Health Effects of Diisocyanates: Guidance for Medical Personnel
  This guidance document is designed specifically for medical personnel to provide current information about the potential health effects from diisocyanate exposure, and to provide guidance to assist with medical diagnosis and management. The discussion focuses on two widely used diisocyanate-based products: diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI). (AX-150, 2013)

• Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
  This document provides information on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest. EPA requires hazardous waste generators and transporters to use the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest for all hazardous waste shipments, including waste toluene diisocyanate (TDI), which is a listed hazardous waste (U223). (AX-406, 2013)

• CPI Guidance on OSHA’s Revised Hazard Communication Standard: Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
  This document provides general information on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) modifications to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform with the United Nations (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The updated standard will apply to manufacturers and workers who produce or handle hazardous chemicals across the United States. (AX-500, 2012)

• Guidelines for Freight Securement: Freight Loading and Securement for Chemical Shipments in the Polyurethane Industry
  This guidance document is intended to provide basic principles and examples of freight loading and securement for intermodal domestic and international shipments. The document is intended for transportation professionals that ship or receive polyurethane related materials. The comprehensive guidance document provides useful and essential safety mechanisms, preload inspection of trailers and containers, restraint systems and the closure of the transport containers. Clear, detailed photographs provide helpful representations of appropriate freight loading and securement practices. This document also references regulatory and modal requirements governing these shipments. (AX-173, 2012) | (Spanish)

• TDI Fugitive Air Emissions Reporting Guidelines for the Polyurethane Industry
  This document is intended to provide guidance to TDI manufacturers, processors, and users on estimating routine and accidental fugitive air emissions for the EPA Toxic Release Inventory as required by Section 313 of EPCRA. (AX-433, 2012)

• MDI Emissions Reporting Guidelines for the Polyurethane Industry
  This document is intended to provide guidance to MDI/PMDI manufacturers, processors, and users on estimating routine and accidental emissions for the EPA Toxic Release Inventory as required by Section 313 of EPCRA. Revised (AX-186, 2012)

• Guidance for Working with MDI and Polymeric MDI: Things You Should Know
  An easy-to-read, brochure which provides information about important health and safety considerations when working with MDI or Polymeric MDI. (AX-205, 2012)

• Guidance for Working with TDI: Things You Should Know
  An easy-to-read, brochure which provides information about important health and safety considerations when working with TDI. (AX-202, 2012)

• Guidance for Melting 4,4'-Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanates (MDI) in Drums
  This guidance provides information that is intended to serve as a general guideline on how to heat drums to melt frozen or fused MDI. (AX-363, 2012) | (Spanish)

• Guidance for Melting Toluene Diisocyanates (TDI) in Drums
  This guidance provides information that is intended to serve as a general a guideline on how to heat drums to melt frozen or fused TDI. (AX-364, 2012) | (Spanish)

• Occupational Hygiene Air Monitoring for MDI and TDI Guidance
  This guidance document describes workplace air monitoring methods for MDI and TDI, and provides information on personal and area sample collection. Several instruments and derivatization methods for monitoring vapors are presented. (AX-248, 2012)

• General Guidance on EPA’s Risk Management Program Requirements and TDI
  A guidance document that provides general guidance on Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), which requires the EPA to promulgate regulations for the prevention and mitigation of accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances. Under this section, EPA establishes a list of regulated substances, which includes TDI, and thresholds and issued the Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions. Amongst the various requirements of this rule, regulated companies must submit a Risk Management Plan (RMP). (AX-404, 2012)

• Hazard Information to Consider When Labeling of Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI), Polymeric MDI and Isocyanate-terminated MDI Prepolymers Containing Products for the Consumer Market
  This document provides information about the potential hazards from exposure to diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), polymeric MDI (PMDI) and Isocyanate-terminated MDI prepolymers. This information is intended to assist company label writers who are responsible for communicating the potential hazards and safe handling guidelines for consumer products to prospective customers, also known as Do-It-Yourself (DIY) users. (AX-264, 2012)

• Guidance for Videos or Images Showing Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Application
  This guidance document is intended to support the development of visual media content (e.g. videos, photos, animations, and graphic or artistic illustrations) showing the installation of SPF or polyurethane-based insulating foam sealants. (AX-245, 2011)

• Polyurethane Amine Catalysts Guidelines for Safe Handling and Disposal
  These guidelines provide general information to workers, supervisory personnel, and others about health/safety issues associated with the use of polyurethane amine catalysts. The safety/health information provided in this bulletin is for the pure amine catalysts only. (AX-173, 2011) | (Spanish)

• Health and Safety Product Stewardship Program for High-Pressure Application of SPF
  This program presents general information with respect to the use of spray polyurethane foam chemicals and other associated chemicals used in spray polyurethane foam applications. The Workbook and Presentation provide guidance to applicators and helpers who apply professional grade high pressure spray polyurethane foam in both interior and exterior construction applications. (2010) | (Presentation)

• Polyurethane and Thermal Degradation
  Polyurethane is a material that can be found in many of the products that we use in our daily lives. Incidental heating of polyurethanes or polyurethane containing articles may be necessary during some product applications or operations. This document highlights the toxic products that may be of concern when polyurethanes are thermally degraded, the risks of working in proximity to those toxic products and some worker safety and health precautions to consider. (AX-396, 2008) | (Spanish) | (French) | (Portuguese)

• Equipment Guidelines for Diisocyanate Storage Tanks
  This Technical Bulletin is intended to provide guidelines for describing various equipment options for storage tank systems intended for diisocyanate product service. The Bulletin includes a reference table of equipment options, which is supplemented by additional text. (AX-365, 2008) | (Spanish) | (French) | (Portuguese)

• Model Respiratory Protection Program
  This program was developed to help protect employees from respiratory hazards during truck bed lining applications and facilitate compliance with OSHA's Respiratory Protection Program Standard (29 CFR §1910.134). The program provides guidance on appropriate respirators, respirator use, storage, fit and evaluation. (AX-246)

• Transloading Polymeric Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanates (PMDI)
  These guidelines have been developed to describe various options for transloading PMDI from rail tank cars to cargo tank trailers (AX-409, 2007) | (French)

• Guidelines for the Responsible Disposal of Wastes and Containers from Polyurethane Processing
  This technical bulletin is designed to help processors of polyurethane chemicals manage waste chemicals and empty containers in a responsible manner that complies with federal and state regulations. In particular, this bulletin focuses on chemicals used in polyurethane processing operations that may be regulated as hazardous waste. (AX-151, 2002) | (Spanish) | (French) | (Portuguese)

• Guidance for the Selection of Protective Clothing for MDI Users
  Describes useful guidance on selecting the appropriate PPE and the performance characteristics of gloves, coveralls, splash suites, and other protective suites commonly used when working with MDI. (AX-178, 2013)

• Guidance for the Selection of Protective Clothing for TDI Users
  Describes useful guidance on selecting the appropriate PPE and the performance characteristics of gloves, coveralls, splash suites, and other protective suites commonly used when working with TDI. (AX-179, 2013)

• TDI Transportation Guidelines
  TDI Transportation Guidelines: This 54-page technical guideline provides a summary of regulatory requirements affecting the transport and distribution of TDI, and relevant industry safety guidelines. (AX-188, 2002) | (Spanish)

• MDI Transportation Guidelines
  MDI Transportation Guidelines: This 54-page technical guideline provides a summary of regulatory requirements affecting the transport and distribution of MDI, and relevant industry safety guidelines. (AX-198, 2002) | (Spanish)

• Polyol Resin Blends Safety and Handling Guidelines
  These guidelines provide important health and safety considerations associated with working with polyol resin blends. Polyurethane foams are often made using “systems,” sometimes called “A-side” and “B-side,” or “iso side” and “resin side.” The hazards of the polyol resin are different from those of the diisocyanates, and different precautions should be taken when handling the individual components. This guide gives a brief summary of hazards that may be associated with the “resin side” of systems and addresses important issues to consider in the safe handling of these chemicals. (AX-228, 2013) | (Spanish)

• Commentary on the Toxicity Classification of PMDI in the International Fire Code
  This paper asserts that PMDI should be reclassified from the "highly toxic" to "toxic" hazard chemical category based on its property, fire behavior and inhalation toxicity. (AX-255, 2002)

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Spray Truck Bed Liner

• Isocyanate-based Spray-on Linings: Worker Protection
  The purpose of this document is to keep owners, operators and workers in the spray-on linings industry informed about important worker safety and health information associated with isocyanates based spray-on lining products. (AX-362, 2013) | (Spanish)

• Guidance Document on Spray-on Polyurethane/Polyurea-Based Lining Applications Containing Isocyanates
  This guidance document provides information to professionals concerning important health and safety aspects when working with isocyanates during spray-on lining applications. Topics covered in this document include, but are not limited to: recognizing potential health hazards, wearing respiratory protection and personal protective equipment, containing overspray and responding to emergencies. (AX-405, 2013)

• Exposure Control Guidelines in the Truck Bed Liner (TBL) Industry for High Pressure System Applications
  These Guidelines have been prepared to provide general information and to explain the precautions and practices associated with the safe handling of MDI in the truck bed lining (TBL) industry during high pressure system applications. (AX-417, 2007) | (Spanish)

• Exposure Control Guidelines in the Truck Bed Liner (TBL) Industry for Low Pressure System Applications
  These Guidelines have been prepared to provide general information and to explain the precautions and practices associated with the safe handling of MDI in the truck bed lining (TBL) industry during low pressure system applications. (AX-416, AX-416S) | (Spanish)

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Combustibility and Fire Safety

• Polyurethane Products: Overview of U.S. Model Building Code Fire Performance Requirements
  This document provides general information for persons interested in building codes and fire performance requirements for polyurethane insulation. Information on tests to measure the fire performance is also included. (AX-265, 2012)

• Guidance on Flammability Code Requirements for Polyurethane Foam Used as Interior Finish or Trim
  This guidance document addresses model building code requirements for flexible and rigid polyurethane foam used as an interior finish or as trim. (AX-431, 2012)

• Fire Safety Guidance: Working with Polyurethane Foam Products During New Construction, Retrofit and Repair
  A bulletin advising construction trades of precautions for performing "hot work" around polyurethane and polyisocyanurate insulations. (AX-426, 2011) | (Korean) | (Thai) | (Simplified Chinese) | (Traditional Chinese)

• Polyurethane Products in Fires: Acute Toxicity of Smoke and Fire Gases
  Evaluation for combustion product toxicity: potency of materials and acute toxic hazard of fire siutations. (2002)

• Critique of “ISO TS 13571 - Life Threatening Components of Fire - Guidelines for the Estimation of Time Available for Escape Using Fire Data
  Addresses the following issue: how to assess the time available for escape from a fire and how to compare it with the time required for escape. (2005) | (Abstract)

• Fire Safety Guidelines for Use of Rigid Polyurethane and Polyisocyanurate Foam Insulation in Building Construction
  Document providing fire safety guidelines for polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam insulation, as well as information about the storage and disposal of the materials. (AX-230, 2003)

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Rigid Foam

• Polyurethane and Polyisocyanurate Foams: Insulation That Works
  Description of the energy efficiency benefits of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam insulation materials in building and construction. Reviews the features and performance of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate insulations. (AX-106, 2011)

• Know the Code: Using Spray Foam Insulation in Attics and Crawl Spaces
  This Guidance Document provides general information on the use of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation in residential attics and crawl spaces. The SPF industry worked with code bodies to assure that testing protocols for spray foam insulation installed in attics and crawl spaces meet the intent of the code. The ICC-ES unanimous approval of the SPFA test protocol allows the industry, code officials, home builders and home owners to be confident that a well thought out, thorough and robust test will be used to qualify SPF products for use in attics and crawl spaces. (2009)

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Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers

• Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Bridge The Gap Between Rubber and Plastics
  A 4-page brochure explaining the physical properties and end use applications of various grades of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). Includes a list of TPU suppliers. (AX-235, 2003)

• The Use of Polyurethanes in Medical Device Applications
  Answers common questions about medical applications of TPUs and provides sources of additional information. (AX-146, 2001)

• The Use of Polyurethanes in Food Contact Applications
  Answers common questions about U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation of TPUs in food contact applications and provides sources of additional information. (AX-147, 2001)

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Flexible Foam and Furnishings

• Flexible Polyurethane Foams (FPFs) Used in Upholstered Furniture and Bedding
  Technical bulletin that describes FPFs and its combustion characteristics, standards and regulations, and safety. (AX-239, 2008)

• The Impact of Bonded Polyurethane Cushion on Appearance Retention and Durability of Commercial Cushion
  This is a technical report on a study of appearance retention and longevity using Hexapod Drum and Phillips Chair tests. Using guidelines endorsed by the Carpet & Rug Institute, the study found that the appearance retention of commercial carpet with cushion was improved by 17 to 50 percent compared to the same carpets installed without cushion. With the lowest grade of carpet tested, the carpet over cushion retained better appearance even with 1.5 times more traffic than the non-cushioned carpet. (AX-411, 2004)

• Installation Guidelines for Commercial Carpet and Commercial Bonded Polyurethane Carpet Cushion
  An 8-page, step-by-step, photo-illustrated resource for floor covering professionals that focuses on double-glue, the preferred installation method for carpet and cushion in commercial applications. (AX-281, 2003)

• Why Polyurethane Carpet Cushion?
  A one-page summary of the benefits of polyurethane carpet cushion in commercial installations. Included: the case for cushion versus direct glue and a chart that features results of the Hexapod Carpet Wear Test showing improved appearance retention of carpet installed with polyurethane cushion compared to no cushion. (AX-280)

• Maintenance Breakthrough: Polyurethane Cushion Improves Vaccumability of Commercial Carpet
  A report on a recent study of soil removal comparing commercial carpet with commercial polyurethane carpet cushion to carpet installed without cushion. (AX-266, 2003)

• Sound Absorption in the Workplace
  A technical bulletin on acoustic benefits of polyurethane carpet cushion in commercial installations. (AX-260, 2002)

• Carpet Cushion for the Workplace
  A facility manager's report on carpet cushion for the workplace. This educational report brings facility managers up to date on the latest technologies in commercial carpet cushion. (AX-231, 2000)

• The Furniture Industry's Guide to Today's Flexible Foam 
  A valuable reference tool for furniture designers, manufacturers, specifiers, fabricators, and others in the upholstered furniture industry. The guide includes practical tips on selecting the right flexible polyurethane foam (FPF), working with suppliers, and judging quality, as well as technical information on how FPF works. (AX-224)

• Millennium Report on Engineered Comfort
  An easy-to-read primer on engineered comfort that defines the properties of furniture components and explains how each component impacts the comfort of an upholstered piece. The report also links the science of construction with the aesthetics of design. (AX-223)

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Videos for Working with MDI and TDI

• MDI Video - Introduction - Safe Handling of Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate | (Spanish) | (French)
• MDI Video - Part One - Hazard Communications | (Spanish) | (French)
• MDI Video - Part Two - Drum and Intermediate Bulk Container Handling | (Spanish) | (French)
• MDI Video - Part Three - Tank Container Transfers | (Spanish) | (French)
• MDI Video - Part Four - Cargo Tank Trailer Transfers | (Spanish) | (French)
• MDI Video - Part Five - Rail Tank Car Transfers | (Spanish) | (French)
• MDI Video - Part Six - Emergency Response | (Spanish) | (French)
• Leader’s Guide Safe Handling of Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate | (Spanish) | (French)
• TDI Video - Introduction - Safe Handling of Toluene Diisocyanate | (Spanish) | (French)
• TDI Video - Part One - Hazard Communications | (Spanish) | (French)
• TDI Video - Part Two - Drum and Intermediate Bulk Container Handling | (Spanish) | (French)
• TDI Video - Part Three - Tank Container Transfers | (Spanish) | (French)
• TDI Video - Part Four - Cargo Tank Trailer Transfers | (Spanish) | (French)
• TDI Video - Part Five - Rail Tank Car Transfers | (Spanish) | (French)
• TDI Video - Part Six - Emergency Response | (Spanish) | (French)
• Leader’s Guide Safe Handling of Toluene Diisocyanate | (Spanish) | (French)

Safe Handling of Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI) and Safe Handling of Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) Videos
The MDI and TDI videos are made available by International Isocyanates Institute in good faith, are believed to be accurate and reliable, but may well be incomplete and/or not applicable to all conditions or situations that may be encountered.  No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the contents or that the application or use of any of the information and recommendations herein will avoid, reduce or ameliorate hazards, accidents, losses, damages or injury of any kind to persons or property. Viewers are therefore cautioned to satisfy themselves as to the applicability and suitability of said information and recommendations for the purposes intended prior to use.

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Spray Foam Health and Safety

• Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Health and Safety Website 
  This website provides homeowners, professional contractors, weatherization contractors and do-it-yourselfers with facts about SPF and important safety guidelines that should be followed during application. The website also contains an additional Resource Library including posters, presentations and videos about spray polyurethane foam. Listed below are a few samples of the many useful resources found on the Website.

• Guidance for Selecting a Contractor for the Installation of SPF in School Buildings
  This guidance is intended to provide useful information to school administrators, design planners, facilities managers and others about how to select and work with professional spray foam contractors to help achieve a successful SPF installation. This document provides tips and guidance to help everyone involved in the process and to inform decision makers about the benefits, potential hazards, and ways to achieve a successful SPF installation. This information may also be helpful for design professionals and energy service companies involved in roofing system or insulation selection for school building projects. (AX-432, 2012)

• CPI Statement on the Safe Use of Two-Component Low-Pressure Spray Polyurethane Foam

• Working Safely with Low-Pressure SPF Insulation
  This video provides general guidance for professionals on how to apply low-pressure spray polyurethane foam. It is intended as a supplement to other job safety information already available such as specialized training, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), product label information and other materials.

• Personal Protective Equipment Sheet
  This chart shows appropriate PPE for high-pressure and low-pressure applications.

• Disposal of Used SPF Drums
  This article describes procedures for disposing of empty drums at the end of a spray foam job.

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