What is the REACH regulation?
The REACH regulation, also known as Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006) is the European Union regulation that establishes procedures to register, evaluate, authorise and restrict chemical substances and mixtures. Its main purpose is to protect health and the environment and promote the competitiveness of the chemical sector within the community framework.
A new regulation on diisocyanates
On August 4, 2020, a new restriction on diisocyanates was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (affecting all products containing more than 0.1% monomeric diisocyanates). This restriction refers to the respiratory and skin sensitisation that diisocyanates can cause and, therefore, requires that personnel be trained before their use.
As of August 24, 2023, all professional and industrial users will be required to complete training before using such products.
The role of diisocyanates in industry
Polyurethane (PU) adhesives and sealants are versatile, innovative and safe products. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including construction, packaging, automotive, furniture, engineering, marine, transportation, and many more. PU products are obtained by the reaction of diisocyanates and polyols.
Like any substance, diisocyanates are safe to use when the chemicals are handled in accordance with appropriate risk management and safety measures. It is also important to note that diisocyanates are practically not found in finished products. Diisocyanates are only used as a result of chemical reagents; they react with the polyol to form the PU product and are consumed during the reaction.
Also, when working with chemicals such as adhesives and sealants, safety precautions are important to protect the health and safety of users.
When applying polyurethane products, users may be exposed to trace amounts of unreacted monomeric diisocyanates that were used in the production of such prepolymers. However, once cured, the final compounds are completely free of these reactive chemicals.
The restriction is intended to prevent unsafe handling of diisocyanates, not to restrict the availability of the products. Due to its unique properties in many applications, PU adhesives and sealants will continue to be widely available.
Our solutions will remain available. Users can continue to use them by taking online training for the product use case and receiving a certificate, which is valid for five years.
The new regulation only applies to professionals and industry. Several years ago a specific restriction for consumer use went into effect.
Receive training and certification for the safe handling of diisocyanates in accordance with the legal training requirements of the REACH regulation.
To participate in the free training program, access the training platform and use the Antala code*: FEICA_21_C10
*The Antala FEICA code does not expire, but is only valid for training on the use of sealants and adhesives. These are formations 048, 049, 050,051, 052, 053 and 054 , which can be found by clicking on the “Adhesives and Sealants” image . These formations cover the applications of almost all Antala products, except spray applications.
Polyurethane adhesives and sealants are versatile, innovative and safe products. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including construction, packaging, automotive, furniture, engineering, marine, transportation, and many more.
PU products are obtained by the reaction of diisocyanates and polyols.
The restriction does not prohibit the sale or use of PU products. Some products from the full Antala range will be subject to this new REACH restriction.
Sensitisation means that after exposure, a person could become allergic to the substance. If a person becomes sensitised, every time he is in contact with the substance again (even at very low concentrations) he could have an intense allergic reaction and manifest respiratory problems.
The new regulation only applies to professionals and industry. Several years ago a specific restriction for consumer use went into effect.
This regulation was adopted on August 4, 2020 and put into force on August 24, 2020, which means that by August 24, 2023 all users of PU products must be trained and certified.
The training is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.
The legal text lists the topics that must be covered and requires that the training conform to the application process. It can be done online or in person. The trainer must have professional training in safety and health at work. Industry associations in the diisocyanate supply chain have developed training material in accordance with these requirements and offer the training online through a public Internet platform. Trainers can also access this training material through the same website.
Antala is helping customers complete the online training by providing a coupon code for free access to the training.
The provider must ensure that users can access training in accordance with the requirements imposed by the restriction. For this purpose, FEICA, together with the industry associations of diisocyanate manufacturers ISOPA and ALIPA, is preparing training material in accordance with legal requirements in all languages of the European Union. The training material will be available through an e-learning platform. The provider is responsible for providing the customer with training information, while the employer is responsible for ensuring that their employees receive such training and that the appropriate supporting documents are available.
