What is REACH – New restriction on diisocyanates
REACH, standing for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, is a European regulation aiming to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment against the harmful effects of chemical substances.
On 4 August 2020, the European Union published the REACH restriction on diisocyanates (Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1149) due to the occupational sensitization health effect they could pose to workers after a certain level of exposure. Diisocyanates are largely present in polyurethane products (e.g. coatings, sealants, adhesives, etc.) in the application phase and are no longer found after curing. This is why these products are safe for human health after hardening but dangerous for the ones working with them. Although they can be handled safely following the proposed protective measures included in Safety Data Sheets, minimizing any risk and ensuring workers’ safety, the new REACH Restriction introduced mandatory training requirements for industrial and professional users of products with a total concentration of monomer diisocyanates greater than 0.1 % by weight, applying from 24 August 2023. Since 24 February 2022, labels and safety data sheets of ISOMAT products subject to this restriction clearly state that “As of 24 August 2023 adequate training is required before industrial or professional use.”
Τhe Commission Regulation regarding diisocyanates is available in various EU languages.
Get trained now!
From 24 August 2023 the employer or the self-employed must document the successful completion of the training according to REACH requirements. By following the link below, you can find which training applies to you, undertake a comprehensive training package online and get the required certification for free. As soon as you reach the safety training platform, use the following code: FEICA_21_G
❗ Note that training is valid for a period of 5 years, after which renewal is required.
* The FEICA code does not expire and is valid for the trainings on the safe use of sealants and adhesives.