EU introduces mandatory diisocyanates training
The EU has introduced a mandatory training for people working with diisocyanates from 24 August 2023 in new REACH Restriction.
The recently published restriction on diisocyanates under the EU REACH regulation in the EU Official Journal introduces new minimum training requirements for personnel working with diisocyanates and mixtures containing diisocyanates.
“Successfully completed training”
According to the Annex, paragraph 1, diisocyanates “shall not be used as substances on their own, as a constituent in other substances or in mixtures for industrial and professional use(s) after 24 August 2023, unless:
- (a) the concentration of diisocyanates individually and in combination is less than 0,1 % by weight, or
- (b) the employer or self-employed ensures that industrial or professional user(s) have successfully completed training on the safe use of diisocyanates prior to the use of the substance(s) or mixture(s).”
Together with polyols, diisocyanates are the essential building blocks of polyurethanes, a plastic that is the basis for a wide range of end-use applications. These include coatings and adhesives. However, there has been an increase in occupational diseases among people working with diisocyanates. The substance irritates the skin and the respiratory tract when inhaled.
