MDI Transportation Guidelines - Polyurethanes - American ...

MDI transportation
g u i d e l i n e s
Chapter 11: Unloading Operations for Tank Trucks and Rail Tank Cars
11.1 Criteria for Discharge Facilities
The operation of discharging MDI from any bulk container may present risk of certain physical and health
hazards. Consequently, it is important that discharge facilities be correctly designed and constructed, and
properly used and maintained.
11.2 Design, Location and Checks
Discharging facilities should be designed and located for the handling requirements associated with MDI.
A preventive maintenance program covering all equipment should be developed to ensure proper operation
(See Appendix 3).
11.3 Criteria for Discharge
Off-loading hoses and vapor return hoses should be 2-inch diameter, color-coded red, and stamped “For
Diisocyanate Use Only.” Materials of construction should be suitable for diisocyanates. The hoses should be
clean, dry and capped when not in use. Pressure testing is recommended prior to their first use and at least
quarterly thereafter. Two-inch diameter hoses are the recommended industry standard for unloading MDI and
for vapor exchange.
11.4 Operating Procedures
Written operating procedures should be prepared covering all aspects of the discharge of MDI. In the case of
tank truck unloading, the division of responsibilities between the driver and receiver should be clearly
defined. See Appendix 2 for specific recommendations on the division of responsibilities between the tank
truck driver and the receiver. See Appendix 3 for specific recommendations for unloading from a rail tank car.
Reference 49 CFR § 177.834 for attendance requirements for tank truck unloading and 49 CFR § 174.67 for
rail car unloading.
11.5 Protective Equipment for Operators
All necessary personal protective equipment should be available for discharging operations (See Chapter 6
for further details). Persons must be trained in the correct use of this equipment. Whenever the driver of a
tank truck leaves his vehicle, he should take with him the appropriate personal protective equipment to be
sure of its availability in the event of an emergency.
11.6 Inspection of the Bulk Reception Facilities
The customer is generally responsible for controlling the conditions of receipt. Customers should work with
their suppliers to ensure that good safety standards have been developed for handling and storage. See
Appendix 4 for a checklist of general industry recommendations that provides companies with guidelines for
ensuring the safe handling and storage of MDI.
Copyright 2001, American Plastics Council
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