REACH: Restrictions on diisocyanates
In August 2020, the new REACH restriction on diisocyanates was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The aim of the restriction is to prevent skin and respiratory sensitisation possibly caused by diisocyanates. Safety training is required for this purpose.
Diisocyanates are a basis for PU-based products, such as floor coatings or PU foams. All substances and mixtures containing > 0.1% diisocyanates fall under the regulation. Products with a lower percentage by weight are excluded.
Due to this innovation in the REACH regulation, some important deadlines for the use of PU products in the commercial and industrial sector will apply from 2022.
Safety training
By 24 August 2023, commercial and industrial users must be trained and certified in the safe handling of products containing diisocyanates. This applies to all commercial and industrial users of products with a total concentration of monomeric diisocyanate of ≥ 0.1%.
Notes on training requirements:
As of 24 February 2022, products with a total concentration of monomeric diisocyanate of ≥ 0.1% must include an indication of the need for safety training on the product label.
Implementation of training courses
FEICA, in coordination with the European Diisocyanate & Polyol Producers Association (ISOPA), the European Aliphatic Isocyanates Producer Association (ALIPA) and several other branches of the polyurethane industry, has launched a comprehensive training programme to ensure the safe use of diisocyanates for manufacturers and professional users throughout Europe.
In this way, FEICA also ensures that all end-users of PU-containing adhesives and sealants across Europe continue to handle diisocyanates safely.
The PU training platform can be accessed via www.safeusediisocyanates.eu and is accessible throughout the EU.
More about the training concept and the online training platform can be found here
Conclusion
The use of products with a total concentration of monomeric diisocyanate of ≥ 0.1% in industrial and professional uses will be reduced to cases where technical and organisational measures are in place and a standardised minimum training has been completed. This must be completed by 24 August 2023 by all commercial and industrial users if products with a total concentration of monomeric diisocyanate of ≥ 0.1% are used. Objective: the safe handling of products containing diisocyanate.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1149 of 3 August 2020 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards diisocyanates
Restriction Diisocyanates under REACH
Here you can download the flyer "Safe future for polyurethane" from FEICA, Deutsche Bauchemie and Industrieverband Klebstoffe (German Adhesives Industry Association)
Flyer german | PDF 0,4 MB
Flyer english | PDF 0,4 MB
Information englisch | PDF 0,7 MB