Mandatory training required for workers handling diisocyanates as transition period ends

On 24 August 2023, the transition period for the amendment of Annex XVII REACH regarding restriction of diisocyanates ends. The amendment, Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1149, came into force on 23 August 2020 and included a transition period of 3 years to allow the concerned workforce to undergo the required training.

After the end of the transition period the Restriction establishes requirements for the use and placing on the market of diisocyanates as substances on their own, as a constituent in other substances, or in mixtures for industrial and professional use(s) in concentrations above 0,1% by weight unless the user has successfully completed a training on the safe use of the substance. The training must include instructions for the control of dermal and inhalation exposure to diisocyanates at the workplace and must be conducted by an expert on occupational safety and health. The training must be renewed at least every 5 years. Details of the required training can be found in Regulation 2020/1149 here.

Placing on the market of diisocyanates has already been restricted since 24 February 2022. The requirements are that diisocyanates cannot be placed on the market as substances on their own, as a constituent in other substances or in mixtures for industrial and professional use(s) unless the concentration of diisocyanates individually and in combination is less than 0.1 % by weight and labelled with the information ‘As from 24 August 2023 adequate training is required before industrial or professional use’.

Diisocyanates are classified as respiratory sensitiser category 1 and skin sensitisers category 1. They are mainly used to make polyurethane products, such as foams, sealants, coatings and in the automotive industry.

Restricting the use of diisocyanates is estimated to prevent over 3 000 new cases of occupational asthma a year in the EU.