Triglycidylisocyanurate (TGIC)

TGIC is classified as a hazardous chemical and is commonly used in powder coating activities. It is:

• a skin sensitiser
• toxic by ingestion and inhalation
• genotoxic
• capable of causing serious eye damage.

You should check SDSs and labels to determine if the powder coat colors you are using contains TGIC.

Electrostatic powder coating containing TGIC are applied by electrostatic process.Workers who may come into direct contact with TGIC powder coatings include persons:

• filling hoppers
• manually spraying powder paint, including ‘touch-up’ spraying
• reclaiming powder
• emptying or cleaning industrial vacuum cleaners
• cleaning powder coating booths, filters and other equipment
• cleaning up major spills of powder coating.

Surface preparation chemicals

Hazardous chemicals of surface cleaning or preparation are commonly used in the powder coating industry. Active ingredients include:

• potassium or sodium hydroxide (may cause severe burns)
• hydrofluoric acid or hydrogen difluoride salts (may cause severe burns with toxic systemic effects. Skin contact with concentrate may be fatal. Special first aid requirements apply, e.g. calcium gluconate)
• chromic acid, chromate or dichromate solutions (may cause cancer, burns and skin sensation)
• other acids, for example, sulphuric acid (may cause severe burns).

You should check the label and SDSs of all surface preparation chemicals and implement systems for safe handling, storage, spill cleanup, first aid and worker training. Eye wash and shower facilities and specific first aid items may also be needed.