|
ISOPA: TDI can be handled safely |
11/23/2012 |
ISOPA´s guidelines and training programs ensure maximum protection of health and safety. A recent incident at a foam production plant in Oestrich, Germany on 13 August 2012 has tested ISOPA’s guidelines and protocol for incident management. The procedures have operated smoothly. The incident involved the chemical toluene diisocyanate inadvertently making contact with water, how this occurred is still unknown. Through the thermal energy generated by the reaction, the content of the tank heated up, and the pressure inside increased mainly because the reaction of toluene diisocyanate with water formed carbon dioxide gas. Immediately all necessary emergency procedures and safety measures were implemented on site, and the local fire service incident command team requested support from TUIS (transport accident information and assistance system launched by the chemical industry. TUIS offers support for public fire services and the police all over the Federal Republic of Germany in the event of incidents involving chemicals.) For safety reasons the tank was depressurized through its safety system and was stabilized afterwards. During the whole operation after the incident ISOPA was on hand with help and advice to support the operations management, and will encourage and support the relevant parties in drawing conclusions from the event. The industrial chemical toluene diisocyanate has been in use for several decades. Based on these years of experience it has been proven without doubt that it can be safely handled and processed. It is well‐researched and is also documented in REACH. |
|