Abstract
Present and impending EEC and national legislation poses considerable problems for the producers of flexible foams. EUROPUR and B.R.M.A. Working Groups have been defining what information is required by polyurethane foam producers and what practical steps their particular industry can take to meet present and prospective legislation.
To meet new requirements in the protection of the health of employees the B.R.M.A. Working Group, including medical advisers and members of the Government Health Inspectorate, has produced a Code of Practice. This gives detailed advice on the medical selection, screening and supervision of people who may be exposed to di-isocyanates and other chemicals used in polyurethane foam production. In addition, the Code recommends detailed and specific working procedures in flexible foam manufacture to ensure safe working practices. The design, examination and testing of engineering and analytical controls is covered in some detail.
Some of the practical recommendations on subjects such as ventilation equipment, etc., which are covered in detail in the Code of Practice will be discussed in this paper.
Environmental Impact studies aimed at providing specific advice to polyurethane producers on methods of achieving safe operation of the foam production process are in progress and developments will be reported.
A number of EUROPUR members are operating various methods for reducing emissions, including alkali and acid scrubbing, Venturi scrubbing and carbon beds. The present status of these methods will be reviewed-also the results of a preliminary investigation into the possible use of a relatively new abatement method using a combination of ultraviolet light and ozone.
Progress of a further Study Group charged with defining the total Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from a polyurethane foam production will also be reported.
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