Table 15 Case study 1: Process of risk assessment and control Task Route of Controls already in place? Risk Risk to health? Yes/No/Not sure Actions to be taken exposure Mixing Skin No specific controls are Yes SDS states that isocyanate and thinning Gloves and overalls should be used solvent exposure can cause skin worn as stipulated on SDS irritation. The risk of exposure is high because protective clothing is generally not worn. Inhalation No; the area used for this Yes SDS of pre-polymer indicates only 0.4% Air monitoring should be task is not mechanically content of volatile HDI. Given the nature considered to assess levels of ventilated and duration of the task, the risk of solvents used for thinning paints. exposure from inhalation is not Due to low levels of volatile HDI considered significant. in paint, the risk is low, however, There is risk to health from inhalation of it may still be worth considering solvents used for thinning paints. air monitoring for isocyanates too. Ingestion No eating, drinking or No Procedures are followed. N/A smoking permitted in the area Colour Skin No specific controls are Yes The risk of skin exposure is high because Gloves and overalls should be matching used gloves and suitable overalls are not worn worn as per SDS to prevent skin for this task. Isocyanates are skin irritants contact. and sensitisers.
Table 15 Case study 1: Process of risk assessment and control Task Route of exposure Controls already in place? Risk Risk to health? Yes/No/Not sure Actions to be taken Mixing Skin No specific controls are used Yes SDS states that isocyanate and thinning solvent exposure can cause skin irritation. The risk of exposure is high because protective clothing is generally not worn. Gloves and overalls should be worn as stipulated on SDS Inhalation No; the area used for this task is not mechanically ventilated Yes SDS of pre-polymer indicates only 0.4% content of volatile HDI. Given the nature and duration of the task, the risk of exposure from inhalation is not considered significant. There is risk to health from inhalation of solvents used for thinning paints. Air monitoring should be considered to assess levels of solvents used for thinning paints. Due to low levels of volatile HDI in paint, the risk is low, however, it may still be worth considering air monitoring for isocyanates too. Ingestion No eating, drinking or smoking permitted in the area No Procedures are followed. N/A Colour matching Skin No specific controls are used Yes The risk of skin exposure is high because gloves and suitable overalls are not worn for this task. Isocyanates are skin irritants and sensitisers. Gloves and overalls should be worn as per SDS to prevent skin contact.