SAFE USE OF DIISOCYANATES

In 2020, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2020/1149, which prescribes new restrictions for mixtures containing more than 0.1% of monomeric diisocyanates.

This Regulation enters into force on 24 August 2023 and requires all professional and industrial users to have certified training in the use of these mixtures.

The Regulation mainly aims to ensure protection and safety of workers when they come into contact with diisocyanates in their work, in order to prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions on the skin and/or the respiratory system which may be caused by handling or improper use of products containing diisocyanates.

WHAT ARE DIISOCYANATES?

Diisocyanates are chemical compounds found in certain coatings, paints, adhesives, sealants, and foams.

Diisocyanates react with hydroxyl groups and form very strong compounds, speed up the drying process, and ensure chemical resistance. However, it is important to note that diisocyanates can cause health problems if inhaled or come into contact with the skin, so proper precautions should be followed when handling mixtures containing them.

WHICH OF OUR PRODUCTS CONTAIN DIISOCYANATES?

When it comes to the range of CHROMOS SVJETLOST products, this Regulation only affects products with a diisocyanate monomer concentration of ≥0.1%, i.e. MAESTRO PU PRIMER and MAESTRO 2C PU PARQUET ADHESIVE.

HOW CAN WE KNOW IF THE PRODUCT CONTAINS DIISOCYANATES?

To determine whether a product contains diisocyanates and their percentage, it is important to review the following:

1. Mixture packaging that must contain the statement “From 24 August 2023, appropriate training is required before industrial or professional use”.

2. Safety and technical data sheet, a document that provides complete information on the hazards and chemical composition of a product (section 3).

WHO IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND TRAINING?

All professional users who handle open containers and/or apply mixtures containing ≥0.1% of diisocyanate monomers must undergo training.

The Regulation states that employers are required to provide training to their employees to ensure their safety and protection in the workplace.

DOES THE TRAINING HAVE AN EXPIRY DATE?

The certificate of safe use of diisocyanates must be renewed every 5 years.

WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TRAINING?

The main objective of the training is to ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with diisocyanates and know how to protect themselves properly.

This includes learning about the hazardous properties of diisocyanates, hazard identification, prevention and control measures, proper use of personal protective equipment, proper storage, safe handling, and emergency procedures. This knowledge is necessary to avoid accidents and damage to health.

WHO PROVIDES THE TRAINING?

Currently, this training is offered by the European associations of diisocyanate producers ISOPA and ALIPA.

STEPS FOR ACCESSING THE TRAINING

The course in Croatian is available online, on the ISOPA website.

Follow these steps:

  1. Access the online platform: https://isopa-aisbl.idloom.events/index/safe-use-of-diisocyanates-training-selection-en-hr

  2. Out of the offered application sectors, choose and check Adhesives and Sealants.

  3. Various training options are presented according to the operation type and sector. You choose the one that suits your needs, i.e. 049 Professional application / Applications for floors and waterproofing, because it is applicable for your business activity and the use of diisocyanates in adhesives and primers.

  4. Access the details of the course, which describe all aspects that will be covered, and click on “Register”.

  5. Fill in the registration fields on the interface 1. MY INFORMATION in the sections “Contact information”, “Company information”, (“Invoice information” – leave empty).

  6. Check the boxes “I accept the Terms and Conditions” and “I accept the privacy policy hereunder”. Finally, click on the “NEXT” button located in the lower right corner of the screen.

  7. A new interface opens – 2. TICKETS, where you need to fill in the COUPON box with the voucher code found at   https://www.feica.eu/PUinfo and confirm the CODE with the ENTER key. Click on the “NEXT” button located in the lower right corner of the screen. By entering the CODE, the training is free for your business activity.

  8. The interface 3. PAYMENT AND CHECKOUT opens, containing the REGISTRATION SUMMARY with your information and a total price of EUR 0.00. Complete the Registration by clicking on the “CONFIRM AND LOG OUT” field.

  9. After the registration is complete, you will receive an e-mail confirming the course subscription, containing the  link for creating a password on the course management website. Be patient because it takes up to 30 minutes to create a password.

  10. When you are on the idloom passport website, you must set a password (minimum 8 characters, of which at least 1 uppercase letter, 1 lowercase letter, 1 number, and 1 special character), confirm with the Confirm button and access your account (Sign in) using the registered e-mail and password you created previously. Now you can start the training, which consists of module 1 and the final quiz.

  11. After you have reviewed all the modules and passed the quiz, you will receive a certificate which you can download in PDF format, print, and submit to your employer as proof that you have successfully completed the training on the safe use of diisocyanates.