You may need to update your training if you work with polyurethane adhesives or sealants that contain more than 0.1% diisocyanates.
As part of the UK REACH Regulations, all professional and industrial users of polyurethane products must undertake safety awareness training by 24 August 2023.
In this article, we will explain who the training is for, what it will cover and how you can access the training free of charge.
Diisocyanates are chemical compounds integral to the production of polyurethane, or PU. They can cause skin sensitisation, respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns.
Polyurethane products include foams, sealants, and adhesives. Many industries use these products, including construction, packaging, automotive, engineering and furniture-making.
Anyone who professionally uses or handles polyurethane adhesives or sealant products with a diisocyanate concentration of 0.1% or more must take the training. The deadline for certification is 24 August 2023.
The easiest way to check whether you need the mandatory training is to read the label of the adhesive or sealant you use. According to UK REACH, as of February 2022, the label should state whether training is necessary to use the product. Older products may not include a training warning but should indicate the level of diisocyanate present. If you need clarification, contact the manufacturer.
There are three levels of training.
There are also industry-specific training courses. In the course matrix, you will find modules for construction, vehicle repair, carpentry, industrial plants and more.
The type and level of training required depends on the types of products used and the application of these products. You can use the Safe Use Diisocyanates Matrix to determine the necessary training.
Training is valid for five years. After this, you will need to take refresher training. Failure to take the training will prohibit future work with polyurethane products.
You can access the training with no fee if you use polyurethane adhesives or sealants.
You can access the training courses at safeusediisocyanates.eu
The Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry (FEICA) represents the European adhesive and sealant industry. It aims to ensure that producers and professional users of diisocyanates are using them safely.
It is working with the European Diisocyanate and Polyol Producers Associations (ISOPA) and the European Aliphatic Isocyanates Producer Association (ALIPA) to provide free comprehensive training through a voucher scheme.
You can use voucher code FEICA_21_G to get the training for free.
The FEICA website has more information about the coupon code. The information pack put together by FEICA will also help you figure out how you and your team should train.
As August 2023 gets closer, ensure you and your team follow UK REACH rules, become more aware of risks, and learn how to handle things safely.
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