WASHINGTON, DC – The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Chemistry
Council (ACC) established a two-year alliance
today to raise awareness of how workers are exposed to diisocyantes, and promote
safe practices for their use in the polyurethane industry.
Isocyanates are raw
materials used to make polyurethane products, such as insulation, car seats,
foam mattresses, shoes, and adhesives. Exposure to isocyanates can cause irritation
of the skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
More serious health effects include asthma and other lung problems.
The alliance calls for the creation of a web-based training
program on the safe use of chemicals and the potential routes of exposure to
users. It will also develop guidance on medical surveillance and clinical
evaluation techniques for employers and workers using the chemicals. The
agreement also calls for best practices seminars on health and safety procedures
for OSHA, On-Site Consultation, and State Plan staff.
“OSHA’s new alliance
with ACC will help ensure that employers and employees who work with the identified
chemicals better understand the health hazards associated with these
potentially hazardous chemicals, and the methods to control employee exposures,”
said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health
Loren Sweatt.
The ACC comprises
the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI), and the Diisocyanates and
Aliphatic Diisocyanates panels. Members of these groups include manufacturers
and distributors of chemicals and equipment used to make polyurethane. CPI
serves as the voice of the polyurethanes industry, covering more than 220,000
workers nationwide.
Through its Alliance Program,
OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations,
faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational
institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. The
purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and
resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and
responsibilities.
Under the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for
providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role
is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by
setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and
assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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