MDI Transportation Guidelines - Polyurethanes - American ...

MDI transportation
g u i d e l i n e s
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Purpose
These Guidelines have been prepared by the Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry (API). They are intended
to summarize both regulatory requirements affecting the transport and distribution of Methylene Diphenyl
Diisocyanate (MDI), and relevant industry safety recommendations.
1.2 Safe Handling Precautions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pure MDI to the extent that a release involves
an amount equal to or exceeding the 5,000-pound reportable quantity (RQ). The U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) regulates the shipment of hazardous substances that are regulated by the EPA. EPA
lists pure MDI as a hazardous substance, and DOT regulates the shipment of pure MDI when contained in
single packages equal to or greater than the RQ of 5,000 pounds. Mixtures of MDI are regulated if the
amount of pure MDI in the mixture equals or exceeds the RQ amount. (Polymeric MDI contains about 50%
MDI; therefore a single package of 10,000 pounds would be subject to DOT regulation.) It is recommended
that all federal, state, and local regulations are reviewed prior to the storage and handling of MDI.
1.3 Transport and Distribution Regulations
Except in packages containing less than 5,000 pounds, the transport of MDI within the United States is
regulated by the DOT. In addition, export shipments may be regulated by various international organizations
that establish specific transport requirements that must be observed by all parties.
1.4 Scope
These Guidelines take into account the transportation of MDI in bulk tank trucks, rail tank cars, intermediate
bulk containers (IBCs), inter-modal portable tanks, and drums. They cover most aspects of transport from
loading to delivery point. Recommendations are denoted by the use of the word “should”; regulatory
requirements are indicated by use of the word “must.”
1.5 Exceptions
These Guidelines do not deal with bulk movement of MDI in ocean chemical tankers or inland waterway barges.
1.6 Use of Guidelines
It is API’s goal to promote the safe transportation and distribution of MDI. API encourages the use of these
Guidelines as a means of facilitating this goal.
Copyright 2001, American Plastics Council
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