Isocyanates – Australia
The following information is from the Safe Work Australia reference document “Guide to handling isocyanates (July 2020)”. The “Use of personal protective equipment” section on page 10 says:
Full-face respirators should be used rather than half-face respirators as this minimises the area for potential skin and eye contact. If air-line respirators are used, positive pressure is required. Air quality should be checked regularly in accordance with AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment (AS/NZS 1715).
There are some operations where minimising exposure to isocyanates by enclosure and ventilation is not reasonably practicable, for example during on-site mixing of paints, spray painting, foaming and maintenance of machine and ventilation systems. In these situations, air-line respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus complying with AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices should be used and maintained according to AS/NZS 1715.
Organic vapour respirators with particulate pre-filters and powered air-purifying respirators are not suitable when spraying isocyanates, as they do not provide adequate protection.
