On 3rd August 2020, the European Union announced that all industrial and professional users of diisocyanates must receive diisocyanates training by 24th August 2023. This requirement was later retained in British law under GB Retained: Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The Compliance People Consultant Katie Pritchard looks at this important change.
What are diisocyanates?
Diisocyanates are commonly used in coatings, adhesives, foams and sealants and are restricted under Annex XVII (‘the Restriction list’) of REACH.

Diisocyanates are considered harmful to human health and are classed as respiratory and skin sensitisers and potential human carcinogens. Exposure can also cause occupational asthma and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin.
Training requirements
From 24th August 2023, all industrial and professional users of diisocyanates must receive general training on the safe use of diisocyanates.

This training must be repeated every 5 years and training records must be retained.

General training must cover:

Additional training
Certain users of diisocyanates must also receive intermediate and advanced training.

Intermediate training is required for users who:

Advanced training is required for users who:

In summary
All industrial and professional users of diisocyanates must receive general training on the safe use of diisocyanates by 24th August 2023. This training must be repeated every 5 years and training records must be retained.

Certain users of diisocyanates may also be required to receive intermediate or advanced training.

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