MRAP/MaxxPro work and the dangers of CARC coating

canonninja

Member
Aug 27, 2013
141
Houston, Tx
Ive seen an increasing number of install projects online on MRAPs and MaxxPro vehicles, so I wanted to put a comprehensive post together for installers. This is a cautionary post for anyone working on these vehicles, and to share with anyone who plans to repaint these.

 

 

First, the topcoat on the exterior and interior of these vehicles is Sherwin-Williams CARC, and may vary depending on what BAE or Oshkosh used that day.  Most common components of the coating will be:

 

Methyl n-Propyl Ketone

Methyl n-Amyl Ketone

Titanium Dioxide

Methyl Isoamyl Ketone

n-Butyl Acetate

Isophorone Dilisocyanate

Hexamethylene Dilisocyanate Polymer

Chromium Oxide

Napthalene

Xylene

Toluene

Ethylbenzene

Cobalt Chromite 

 

 

Basically, for anyone who's ever taken a HAZMAT/HAZWOPPER class, all that methyl-ethyl-bad shit we were taught to fear. Now, most of this the biggest danger is dealing with these coatings while in wet form during application. However, extreme caution is needed when drilling or sanding down for any work or equipment installation. 

 

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE

INHALATION of vapor or spray mist.

EYE or SKIN contact with the product, vapor or spray mist.

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE

EYES: Irritation.

SKIN: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause irritation.

INHALATION: Irritation of the upper respiratory system.

May cause nervous system depression. Extreme overexposure may result in unconsciousness and possibly death.

Prolonged overexposure to hazardous ingredients in Section 2 may cause adverse chronic effects to the following organs or systems:

the liver

the urinary system

the hematopoietic (blood-forming) system

the cardiovascular system

the reproductive system

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE

Headache, dizziness, nausea, and loss of coordination are indications of excessive exposure to vapors or spray mists.

Redness and itching or burning sensation may indicate eye or excessive skin exposure.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE

May cause allergic respiratory and/or skin reaction in susceptible persons or sensitization. This effect may be delayed several hours after 

exposure.

Persons sensitive to isocyanates will experience increased allergic reaction on repeated exposure.

CANCER INFORMATION

For complete discussion of toxicology data refer to Section 11.

SECTION 4 — FIRST AID MEASURES

EYES: Flush eyes with large amounts of water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention.

SKIN: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

If irritation persists or occurs later, get medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothing and launder before re-use.

INHALATION: If any breathing problems occur during use, LEAVE THE AREA and get fresh air. If problems remain or occur later, 

IMMEDIATELY get medical attention.

INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.

 

 

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN USE

Use only with adequate ventilation.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid breathing vapor and spray mist.

Wash hands after using.

This coating may contain materials classified as nuisance particulates (listed "as Dust" in Section 2) which may be present at hazardous 

levels only during sanding or abrading of the dried film. If no specific dusts are listed in Section 2, the applicable limits for nuisance dusts 

are ACGIH TLV 10 mg/m3 (total dust), 3 mg/m3 (respirable fraction), OSHA PEL 15 mg/m3 (total dust), 5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction).

VENTILATION

Local exhaust preferable. General exhaust acceptable if the exposure to materials in Section 2 is maintained below applicable exposure 

limits. Refer to OSHA Standards 1910.94, 1910.107, 1910.108.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

If personal exposure cannot be controlled below applicable limits by ventilation, wear a properly fitted organic vapor/particulate respirator 

approved by NIOSH/MSHA for protection against materials in Section 2.

When sanding or abrading the dried film, wear a dust/mist respirator approved by NIOSH/MSHA for dust which may be generated from this 

product, underlying paint, or the abrasive.

PROTECTIVE GLOVES

Wear gloves which are recommended by glove supplier for protection against materials in Section 2.

EYE PROTECTION

Wear safety spectacles with unperforated sideshields.

OTHER PRECAUTIONS

Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal.

 

 

CHRONIC HEALTH HAZARDS

Reports have associated repeated and prolonged overexposure to solvents with permanent brain and nervous system damage.

Crystalline Silica (Quartz, Cristobalite) is listed by IARC and NTP. Long term exposure to high levels of silica dust, which can occur only when 

sanding or abrading the dry film, may cause lung damage (silicosis) and possibly cancer.

IARC's Monograph No. 93 reports there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental rats exposed to titanium dioxide but 

inadequate evidence for carcinogenicity in humans and has assigned a Group 2B rating. In addition, the IARC summary concludes, "No 

significant exposure to titanium dioxide is thought to occur during the use of products in which titanium is bound to other materials, such 

as paint."

Reports have associated repeated and prolonged overexposure to solvents with permanent brain and nervous system damage.

Naphthalene is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (2B) based on inadequate evidence in humans and sufficient evidence 

in laboratory animals.

Ethylbenzene is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (2B) based on inadequate evidence in humans and sufficient 

evidence in laboratory animals. Lifetime inhalation exposure of rats and mice to high ethylbenzene concentrations resulted in increases in 

certain types of cancer, including kidney tumors in rats and lung and liver tumors in mice. These effects were not observed in animals 

exposed to lower concentrations. There is no evidence that ethylbenzene causes cancer in humans.

Cobalt and cobalt compounds are classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B) based on experimental animal data, 

however, there is inadequate evidence in humans for its carcinogenicity.

Crystalline Silica (Quartz, Cristobalite) is listed by IARC and NTP. Long term exposure to high levels of silica dust, which can occur only when 

sanding or abrading the dry film, may cause lung damage (silicosis) and possibly cancer.

 

 

 

 

 

Lot of MSDS info here, but wanted to put it all in one post for those who work on these trucks. These are fun to work on, but make sure appropriate measures are taken when dealing with this stuff.

Instead of sanding down these trucks, use a paint stripper and scrapper to remove large areas of paint. One of the coolest things too about CARC paint is that its already a damn good primer/base coat. Just paint over the stuff unless a gloss finish is desired, then use your head while prepping. 

 
 
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WS224

Member
Nov 28, 2010
1,049
West Tennessee
Isn't that kinda the same anytime you are drilling or sanding any painted surface?
 

canonninja

Member
Aug 27, 2013
141
Houston, Tx
Isn't that kinda the same anytime you are drilling or sanding any painted surface?

This is step up in the PPE and awareness required when dealing with this stuff. The military essentially hands out weekly disability checks to people that deal with this stuff to absolve them from further liability down the road. 
 

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