Methacrylate Resin – Why air emissions monitoring?

High Molecular Weight Methacrylate (HMWM) resins are commonly used in many States for sealing cracks or as primers for polyester concrete overlay of concrete bridges. The primary benefit of using these resins and the polyester concrete overlay products is that curing time is typically much less than for traditional bridge repair techniques such as hot mix asphalt.   Traditional methods can require several days or up to a week in some cases to cure properly. Bridges have to be completely closed to traffic during the curing process which can result in major traffic problems. HMWM resin and polyester concrete overlay projects can be completed and ready for traffic within a few hours of application.

In California, the California Department of Transportation requires that the contractors prepare an airborne emissions monitoring plan and perform area air monitoring for projects involving HMWM resin applications when they are conducted within 100 feet of a residence, business, or public space, including sidewalks under a structure. This is required as part of a public safety plan.

Several products on the market have a strong odor when being mixed and applied. It has been reported by field personnel as having a similar odor as nail polish remover. The airborne emissions monitoring plan must be prepared by a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).  To prepare the plan, the CIH must conduct a thorough review of the Material Safety Data Sheets must be done and specific chemicals of concern be targeted for analyses using approved laboratories and analytical methods. It is interesting that some products contain materials that do not currently have OSHA approved analytical methods.

RGA’s in-house expert, Mr. Robert Gils, CIH #1151 has written airborne emissions monitoring plans and worked closely with certified industrial hygiene laboratories to prepare a sampling strategy that target the primary chemicals of concern. RGA has performed field air monitoring for several applications involving HMWM resins.

Harry Lawrence, CPSM,  Dir. Business Development – Emeryville, CA

Tags: (HMWM) resins, air monitoring, air sampling plan, airborne emissions monitoring plans, bridge repair, concrete bridges, High Molecular Weight Methacrylate resins, polyester concrete overlay, public safety plan