PDF - Step by step guide to accessing free training.
A NEW REGULATION FOR DIISOCYANATES
On August 4th, 2020, a new restriction on diisocyanates was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (2020/1149). The aim of this new EU Regulation is to enhance the protection of workers and to ensure the application of best practices across the EU in terms of health and safety. It targets respiratory and dermal sensitisation that can potentially (in case of improper use) be caused by diisocyanates and requires new minimum training prior to the use of diisocyanates and mixtures containing diisocyanates. Polyurethane (PU) products are based on diisocyanates chemistry therefore this Restriction is especially relevant for industrial and professional users of those products. The restriction provides a transition period of three years from its entry into force for compliance with the requirements. The Glue People welcomes this important and positive step to enhance and harmonize the level of protection given to workers handling diisocyanates across Europe.
CONSEQUENCES FOR INDUSTRIAL & PROFESSIONAL USERS OF POLYURETHANES (PU)
Mandatory training for operators By August 24th 2023, there will be a legal requirement for professional and industrial users to be trained and certified in how to handle products containing diisocyanates safely. This will apply to the use of Polyurethanes with a total monomeric diisocyanate concentration above 0.1% by weight. The type of training will depend on the risk level of the application. Three risk levels (general, intermediate and advanced) have been defined, mainly based on toxicity hazards of products supplied and risk of exposure during use. Training must be renewed at least every five years.
Training material provided by the FEICA
Our EU association, FEICA, in coordination with ISOPA and ALIPA, the diisocyanate manufacturers’ industry associations, has prepared a comprehensive package of training materials for use by its members and by adhesive or sealant end users. PU Training Platform (e-learning) can be accessed via www.safeusediisocyanates.eu and is accessible across the EU. At first, the training modules were available in English, followed by German. All training material will also be made available in every EU languages progressively. FEICA has developed some specific modules dedicated to the applications of the customers of FEICA members. These modules should be available soon. FEICA has also prepared a specific webpage www.feica.eu/PUinfo or https://www.feica.eu/our-priorities/safe-use-diisocyanates that will finally guide visitors to the PU Training Platform. The FEICA European Executive Board has decided to support financially the training of professional and industrial users of polyurethane (PU) adhesives and sealants, resorting under the new REACH regulation on the safe use of diisocyanates. With the FEICA voucher code FEICA_21_G, the training is free of charge for end-users. If you are a worker applying adhesives and sealants as part of your job then this voucher is for you (The voucher code is only valid for the designated training material related to PU adhesives and sealant applications). End users can access this free of charge web based training by visiting https://isopa-aisbl.idloom.events/?lang=en. Select one of the relevant training modules and then register an account with idloom on the same page (Registration is required for each user that requires training in order to provide certification valid for 5 years that training has been completed). On the checkout page enter the voucher code FEICA_21_G to access the training modules with no cost.
List of the training modules available on the PU platform for workers applying PU adhesives or sealants: Construction
A guide to help our customers access this training platform can be viewed here.
