EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Diisocyanide Training

Are you interested in diisocyanate training?

Are substances and mixtures based on diisocyanate used in your company? If so – do you know that as an industrial or professional user, you are obligated to train your employees in the safe use of diisocyanate before using these substances or mixtures?

Please be informed that as of August 24, 2023, undergoing training before the industrial or professional use of diisocyanates is mandatory!


FAQ

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Check our frequently asked questions – together, we will dispel any doubts!

In accordance with the legal basis provided above, professional or industrial users should complete the training no later than August 24, 2023. 

Diisocyanates are chemical building blocks used in the production of polyurethanes or polyisocyanurate products. They are used in: foams; thermoplastic and elastomeric materials; paints and coatings; adhesives, sealants, and caulks; composite products, such as wooden laminates. 

All diisocyanates are hazardous substances and can cause occupational diseases, such as asthma. For this reason, it is important to be aware of and comply with regulations regarding the safe handling of isocyanates, which is also emphasized in the training conducted by us. 

The REACH regulation outlines three levels of training: general, intermediate, and advanced. For instance, within the general training, the following topics are covered: 

  • Chemistry of diisocyanates 
  • Hazards related to toxicity (considering acute toxicity) 
  • Exposure to diisocyanates 
  • Permissible exposure values in the workplace 
  • Sensitizing mechanisms 
  • Odor as an indicator of danger 
  • Significance of volatility in creating hazards 
  • Viscosity, temperature, and molecular weight of diisocyanates 
  • Personal hygiene 
  • Required personal protective equipment, including practical instructions for their proper use and limitations 
  • Risks of skin contact and respiratory exposure 
  • Risks associated with the application process 
  • Skin and respiratory protection systems 
  • Ventilation 
  • Cleaning, leaks, maintenance 
  • Disposal of empty containers 
  • Protection of bystanders 
  • Identification of critical processing stages 
  • Specific national code systems (as applicable) 
  • Behavioral safety. 

However, the exact training program is determined individually after consultation with the client, depending on the substances and mixtures containing diisocyanates that are used. 

The obligation to train employees arises from REGULATION (EC) No 1907/2006 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC, and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94, as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC, and 2000/21/EC, specifically Annex XVII – Restrictions on the production, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, mixtures, and articles.

According to the annex, diisocyanates, O = C = N- R-N = C = O, where R is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon substituent of undefined length:

They cannot be used as substances in their own right, as ingredients in other substances, or in mixtures for industrial and professional uses after August 24, 2023, unless:

  • The concentration of diisocyanates individually and in combination is less than 0.1% by weight.
  • The employer or self-employed person ensures that industrial or professional users undergo training in the safe use of diisocyanates before using these substances or mixtures.

Agnieszka Kuźmicka – Chief Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, Fire Protection Inspector, Court Expert in the field of Occupational Health and Safety, a specialist listed on the ISOPA trainers’ list. She graduated from the Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology – Chemistry (B.Sc.), Materials Engineering (M.Sc.). In the course of her activities, she provides advice and training in the field of occupational safety. 

The training cost depends on the level (general/intermediate/advanced), the number of participants, and the training format (on-site/online). 

Feel free to contact us for a detailed offer. 

1.

Contact 

The first step is to contact us by phone or email 

2.

Conversation 

The second step is to understand the client’s needs and propose conditions 

3.

Cooperation 

The third step is to establish cooperation and start activities 


REFERENCES 

See what our clients say about us 

High professionalism, the possibility of using services online, and wide availability. I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Agnieszka Kuźmicka. 

Piotr Błaszczyk

Tax Consultant at SWGK 

Agnieszka conducted OHS training for employees of my company. I recommend her as a very good and professional trainer. The whole process went smoothly and in a pleasant atmosphere. 

Marcin Olejnik

CEO at Chatbots 

I recommend 100%! A large dose of valuable knowledge. 10/10! 

Aleksandra Taraszkiewicz

Aleksandra Taraszkiewicz – divorces, family and guardianship matters 

WHO IS THE ISOCYANATE TRAINING INTENDED FOR? 

It is noted that as of August 24, 2023, new obligations regarding the use of diisocyanates have been implemented based on Regulation 2020/1449 issued by the European Commission, amending Annex XVII to the REACH regulation. Anyone who comes into contact with diisocyanates individually or in combination with a concentration of 0.1% or more must undergo training on their safe use. This includes workers who come into contact with, among other things:

  • paint
  • adhesives
  • lacquer
  • insulation
  • construction foams
  • sealants
  • mattresses
  • furniture
  • household appliances
  • components produced for the automotive industry.

Regardless of the employment contract or whether the tasks related to isocyanates are performed by the employer or a self-employed person – everyone is subject to mandatory training.

HOW LONG IS THE CERTIFICATE FOR ISOCYANATE USAGE TRAINING VALID?

The certificate for completing the diisocyanate safety training is valid for 5 years from the date of completion. After this period, participants must undergo training again to obtain another certificate.

WHAT CAN RESULT FROM IMPROPER USE OF ISOCYANATES?

The risk of complications associated with the use of diisocyanates is significant, but it can be significantly reduced by enrolling in professional training in this field. As you already know, diisocyanates are primarily used in the chemical industry and production, where employees have direct contact with them, which can result in various health effects. What are the potential consequences?

  • Skin problems – neglecting the obligation to work with gloves and protective clothing can lead to severe skin irritation, inflammation, itching, and rashes.
  • Respiratory irritation – being exposed to diisocyanate vapors and inhaling them can cause coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, and a runny nose. Therefore, it’s crucial to use protective masks.
  • Allergies – if a person is susceptible to allergies and has sensitive skin, contact with diisocyanates can trigger an allergic reaction, such as asthma.
  • Damage to internal organs – prolonged and frequent exposure to an environment containing diisocyanates can contribute to lung, liver, and kidney damage, posing a risk of more serious health conditions or life-threatening diseases.

Take care of your safety and that of your employees today with professional EHS Consulting services. We offer diisocyanate training and many other occupational safety training sessions to help minimize the risks associated with your company’s specific work environment.

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