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Injury Prevention Resources for Construction - Hazardous Materials
Asbestos | Dust | Lead | Paints & Coatings | Silica
The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the construction industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.
Paints and Coatings
Lead-based Paint
Many older homes in Canada are decorated with lead-based paint. Removing or disturbing this paint as part of a renovation project could expose people in the home to serious health risks.
Source: Health Canada
Protecting Workers Exposed to Lead-Based Paint Hazards: A Report to Congress
This report summarizes current information regarding the health effects of occupational lead exposures, high-risk exposure settings, surveillance and intervention capabilities, and methods for control, sampling and analysis of lead exposures. It also provides recommendations for reducing hazardous occupational lead abatement exposures.
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Chemical Reaction (PDF 159 KB) 
"When a 43-year-old, self-employed car painter died en route to hospital, a chemical analysis confirmed the presence of isocyanates in the paint he was using." Article from WorkSafe Magazine November/December 2009.
Source: WorkSafeBC 
Methyl isocyanate
Information for immediately dangerous to life or health concentrations (IDLHs)
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
eLCOSH Paints and Coatings Links
Various resources on paints and coatings.
Source: eLCOSH (Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health)
International Hazard Datasheets on Occupation - Glazier
This datasheet lists, in a standard format, different hazards to which glaziers may be exposed in the course of their normal work. This datasheet is a source of information rather than advice. With the knowledge of what causes injuries and diseases, is easier to design and implement suitable measures towards prevention.
Source: International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS)
Institute Studies
The following published papers are on studies which have been sponsored, in full or in part, by the International Isocyanate Institute, Inc. They are available through normal library services. Please note that items published in conference proceedings are not peer-reviewed.
Source: International Isocyanate Institute, Inc.
SDK Develops Innovative Isocyanate Monomer
Press release. "SDK has developed the world's first process for commercial production of a monomer containing both isocyanate- and acrylic-groups."
Source: Showa Denko K.K.
Methyl isocyanate
Haz-Map site on Methyl isocyanate.
Source: Haz-Map (Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Agents)
Isocyanates
"Isocyanates can cause asthma and other lung problems, even with very low exposure levels. Isocyanates can also irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and skin."
Source: Department of Health Services, Oakland
Spraying of Polyurethane Foam Insulation on Construction Projects
"Polyurethane foam is being used more and more as an insulation material in residential construction. Recent experience indicates that some contractors may not be providing workers who handle it with adequate respiratory protection or training in proper work and hygiene practices."
Source: Yukon Worker's Compensation Health and Safety Board
Welding on Epoxy Coatings Can Cause Irritating Fumes
A Lessons Learned publication. "Lessons Learned Statement: Failure to remove epoxy coatings in hidden areas such as joint seams prior to welding may result in generation of hazardous fumes."
Source: Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office
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