Training requirement for users of diisocyanates

From 24 August 2023, training is required for the use of di-isocyanates. Employers must ensure that all professional and industrial users of di-isocyanates have completed training on safe use. The chemical supplier must ensure that the recipient receives information about the training requirement and that it is marked on the packaging.

DIISOCYANATES

Diisocyanates have a harmonised classification as a respiratory sensitizer category 1 and as a skin sensitizer category 1 according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The Annex XV dossier indicated that respiratory sensitisation, due to both dermal and inhalation exposure to diisocyanates, leads to occupational asthma in workers, which has been identified as a significant occupational health problem in the Union. The annual number of new occupational diseases caused by diisocyanates is considered unacceptably high. Action on a Union-wide basis is necessary.

REACH REGULATION ON DIISOCYANATES

European Parliament and Council published the REACH regulation on diisocyanates in August 2020. The regulation specifies the need for training and labeling requirements for industrial and professional users of diisocyanates with a concentration of diisocyanates individually or in combination greater than 0.1% by weight.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Diisocyanates shall not be used for industrial and professional use after 24 August 2023, unless the employer or self-employed ensure that industrial or professional user (employee) have successfully completed training on the safe use of diisocyanates prior to the use of the substance or mixture. The training shall include the instructions for the control of dermal and inhalation exposure to diisocyanates at the workplace. The company may not use diisocyanates from August 24, 2023, if the user has not completed an approved training.

MARKING REQUIREMENT

The supplier has to ensure from 24 February 2022 that the recipient of the substance(s) or mixture(s) is provided with information on the training requirements on the safe use of diisocyanates and the following statement is placed on the packaging, in a manner that is visibly distinct from the rest of the label information: “As from 24 August 2023 adequate training is required before industrial or professional use”.

The requirements of the restriction do not apply to chemicals with the concentration of diisocyanates individually and in combination is less than 0,1 % by weight.

DIISOCYANATE TRAINING

How does training take place?

  • The training takes place on the Safe Use and Handling of Diisocyanates website: https://www.safeusediisocyanates.eu/
  • Training material and courses are available in the official language(s) of the Member State where the substance(s) or mixture(s) are supplied.
  • The training costs five (5) euros per person.

What does the training include?

  • The trainings are divided into three different levels according to the risk of exposure.
  • The minimum requirement is a general training (level 1), in addition to which, if necessary, an intermediate level training (level 2) and an advanced training (level 3) must be completed.
  • The content of the training is selected according to the risk of exposure. For example, in spraying outside a spraying booth, an advanced training (level 3) is mandatory.
  • The study package on the website consists of modules. For sprayers and paint handlers (dealers) , we recommend module 034 (Coatings => 034 Professional painting – Spraying outside Application), which covers the advanced training level.
  • Passing the quiz entitles you to a certificate of successfully completed training.
  • The employer or self-employed shall document the successful completion of the training.
  • The training shall be renewed at least every five years.

WHICH NOR-MAALI´S PRODUCTS CONTAIN DIISOCYANATES?

Jotun products:

 

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