PU training for professional and industrial users
What is this PU training?
The training focuses on working safely with polyurethane products containing ≥0.1% of free diisocyanates. The training is mandatory for all professional and industrial users who are exposed to diisocyanates during work. The training should make users aware of the health risks of diisocyanates and the appropriate handling of them. The training must be completed by 23 August 2023. After successful completion of the test at the end of the training course, the participant receives a certificate (serving as proof of participation) which is valid for 5 years.
Why does Europe and UK impose training?
Since diisocyanate monomers can cause allergic skin and respiratory reactions (sensitization), there is a need to raise awareness about the safe use of these products to reduce the number of new occupational allergy and asthma cases in the EU and UK. Therefore, a new restriction has been added to the REACH Regulation on diisocyanates by the European authorities (publication August 4, 2020). The restriction means that training must be followed before working with these substances.
Which DL Chemicals products are in the scope of the REACH restriction?
- PU foam - Parafoam (with the execption on Parafoam Low MDI and Parafoam MDI-free)
- PU mastics - Detaflex 1500, Detaflex 4000
- PU Primers - Hybrid & PU Primer , Primer PU Turbo
- PU adhesives - Paracol PU D4 Normal / PU D4 Rapid / PU D4 Construct / PU Alu Construct, Paracol PU D4 Liquid, Paracol 2C PU Construct, Paracol Parquet 2C PU
Who bears which responsibility?
The professional or industrial users
Employers/self-employed persons must ensure that their employees, i.e. users and their supervisor(s) have successfully completed the training and obtained the personal certificate before August 24, 2023. The employer/self-employed person must register and keep track of which training his employees have followed. At the request of the competent authorities, the employer must be able to demonstrate that his/her personnel are qualified.
The suppliers
Suppliers must inform the users about the mandatory training on the basis of a statement on the product packaging, clearly distinguished from the other text on the label: “Adequate training must be completed by 24 August 2023 for industrial or professional use”. At the latest on 24 February 2022, all packaging placed on the market must bear the statement.
The resellers (shops, wholesalers, distribution chains…)
Resellers are recommended to pass the information on to their customers.
How can the web-based training be followed?
The web-based training is delivered through the European Diisocyanate and Polyol Producers Association (ISOPA-ALIPA) and is accessible on desktop, tablet and mobile devices via the following e-learning platform.
- The training is available in English, Español, Français, Deutsch, Italiano, Nederlands. The other EU languages will follow during the course of 2022.
- An employer or self-employed person who wants to register and monitor several employees can create an administrative account.
- After successfully completing the test at the end of the training, the participant will receive a certificate (counts as proof of participation). This certificate is valid for 5 years.
- The cost is €5 per participant, but with vouchercode FEICA_21_G , the training can be followed for free.
- DL Chemicals cannot offer classroom training.
How to choose the right training ?
On the training selection page the appropriate sector and training can be chosen. For DL Chemicals' products this is the "Adhesives and Sealants" sector. Every employer or self-employed person must decide what training is appropriate for their employees.
There are 2 training modules that apply to DL Chemicals' products in standard packaging:
After registration you will receive an email with the link to the module you registered for.
Attend classroom training?
In addition to online training, there is also the option of taking part in classroom training. These classroom training courses can be provided either by external experts or by your own internal staff.
If you choose to attend classroom training (online or physical), you can choose from a list of accredited external experts. These experts can be found on the 'Safe use of Diisocyanates' website and can be contacted directly for further information.
In addition, you can also choose to have the training provided by an internal employee from your own organisation, such as a prevention advisor, who must register for it. For these training courses, you can purchase training materials for EUR 500 and participant certificates for EUR 15 per certificate. More info here.
FAQ
What are diisocyanates?
Diisocyanates are reactive chemicals that react with polyols to form the product polyurethane (PU). Together with polyols, they therefore form the building blocks of PU.
Are diisocyanates safe?
Repeated exposure to free diisocyanate monomers may cause respiratory and skin sensitization. As with any chemical product, the use of diisocyanates is safe when handled according to appropriate risk management and safety precautions. It is important to emphasize that there are virtually no diisocyanates in finished articles because they react away during the reaction.
What is respiratory sensitization?
Sensitization means that a person may become allergic to a substance after exposure. In the case of sensitization, the person may have a strong allergic reaction after any new contact with the substance (even at low concentrations), with effects on breathing (eg asthma).
What about PU products for consumer use?
The new regulation only applies to professional users and industry. A separate restriction came into effect for consumer use a few years ago.
Will PU adhesives and sealants or mastics remain on the market?
The restriction is aimed at avoiding the unsafe use of diisocyanates, not at limiting the availability of products. Due to the unique properties in many applications, PU adhesives, sealants or mastics will continue to be available.
How long does the e-learning training take?
This is approximately 30 min for 1 module.