Through the Alliance, OSHA and ACC’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI), Diisocyanates (DII) and Aliphatic Diisocyanates (ADI) Panels work together to provide members, workers, occupational physicians, stakeholders, and others within the polyurethanes value chain with information, guidance, and access to training resources to help protect the health and safety of workers handling diisocyanates. In particular, the Alliance focuses on: 1) workplace practices for reducing and preventing exposure to aliphatic and aromatic diisocyanates (MDI, TDI, HDI, HMDI and IPDI); 2) promoting guidance and information that address the health and safety issues affecting workers within the polyurethanes value chain, as well as the broader chemical industry; and 3) understanding the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). The goals the Alliance include:
Raising Awareness: Outreach and Communication
- Share information about OSHA’s national initiatives (Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, Outreach), compliance assistance products, and opportunities to participate in initiatives and the rulemaking process, including those relevant to diisocyanates and the general chemical industry.
- Share information about occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
- Develop and disseminate information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA and/or ACC websites) to employers and workers that promotes the safe use and handling of diisocyanates.
- Educate the broader chemical industry about OSHA’s initiatives, campaigns, and resources that promote a safer working environment.
- Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA, ACC or industry conferences (e.g., CPI annual Technical Conference), local meetings, or other events.
- Encourage CPI, DII, and ADI Panels’ membership and their downstream user networks to build relationships with OSHA’s Regional and Area Offices to address health and safety issues relevant to the polyurethanes value chain.
Training and Education
- Work with applicable safety and health workers from the polyurethanes value chain to develop products, workshops, and other training resources on chemical hazards as well as OSHA standards and regulations.
- Deliver effective training to educate OSHA personnel on safe use and handling of diisocyanates, including an “Introduction to Diisocyanates” webinar that will communicate health and safety guidance information.
Products and Resources
Alliance Program Participant Developed Products
- Personal Protective Equipment: General Recommendations for Automotive Refinishing Coating Applications. (PDF). Through the OSHA Alliance Program, the American Chemistry Council’s Aliphatic Diisocyanates Panel developed an infographic that provides personal protective equipment recommendations for the automotive refinish market.
- Medical Screening and Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Diisocyanates: A Guide for Workers. (PDF) Through the OSHA Alliance Program, the American Chemistry Council’s Aliphatic Diisocyanates Panel developed a guidance document as a resource for workers that specifically addresses potential adverse health effects due to diisocyanates exposure. The document also provides information on the role of medical screening and surveillance in preventing these effects.
- Medical Screening and Surveillance for Workers Potentially Exposed to Diisocyanates: A Guide for the Employer. (PDF) Through the OSHA Alliance Program, the American Chemistry Council’s Aliphatic Diisocyanates Panel developed a guidance document as a resource for workers that specifically addresses potential adverse health effects due to diisocyanates exposure. The document also provides information on the role of medical screening and surveillance in preventing these effects.