Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to reduce employees' exposure to hazards. It can include headgear, eyewear, gloves, footwear, protective clothing, and respiratory equipment. The following resources provide information on regulations and guidance pertaining to PPE and resources for obtaining PPE.
Protective Equipment
Erin Dickison
Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) Resources
- Guidance for Developing a Written Respiratory Protection Program
This guidance document provides regulatory background and a model respiratory program form that addresses the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA’s) Respiratory Protection Program Standard (29 CFR §1910.134) that applies to all respirator use in general industry and construction workplaces. The program provides guidance on appropriate respirators, respirator use, storage, fit and evaluation. (AX-501, 2013) - Guidance for the Selection of Protective Clothing for MDI Users
Describes useful guidance on selecting the appropriate PPE and the performance characteristics of gloves, coveralls, splash suites, and other protective suites commonly used when working with MDI. (AX-178, 2013) | (Spanish) - Guidance for the Selection of Protective Clothing for TDI Users
Describes useful guidance on selecting the appropriate PPE and the performance characteristics of gloves, coveralls, splash suites, and other protective suites commonly used when working with TDI. (AX-179, 2013) | (Spanish) - Guidance for Working with MDI and Polymeric MDI: Things You Should Know
An easy-to-read, brochure which provides information about important health and safety considerations when working with MDI or Polymeric MDI. (AX-205, 2021) - Guidance for Working with TDI: Things You Should Know
An easy-to-read, brochure which provides information about important health and safety considerations when working with TDI. (AX-202, 2021)
Information on Equipment Sources
NIOSH provides useful information about respirators, including a list of manufacturers that produce NIOSH-approved respirators. These manufacturers produce other types of PPE, such as protective clothing and protective gear for the head, eyes, ears, hands, and feet. In addition, they may produce PPE other than respirators, which are not included on the NIOSH list.
The American Chemistry Council and the Diisocyanates Panel do not endorse any specific manufacturers, companies or products. If you have questions about PPE for a specific MDI or TDI application, consult with the supplier or manufacturer of that product.
Federal Regulations
Federal regulations and standards for the protection of workers, including PPE standards, are promulgated by the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
- OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart I)
- OSHA Limits for Air Contaminants (29 CFR Section 1910.1000 Table Z-1)
- OSHA Standards Interpretation and Compliance Letters: Selection of air purifying respirators for gases and vapors with poor warning properties (diisocyanates)
Visit the Isocyanates page on the OSHA website for additional information and resources.