Explore our frequently asked questions on recent requirements for training for handling PU foam.
Like any substance, diisocyanates are safe to use when the chemicals are handled in accordance with relevant risk management and safety precautions.
It is important to emphasis that in fact no diisocyanates are found in final products. Diisocyanates are only used as reactive chemicals, meaning they react with the polyol to form the PU product and are used up in this process.
Hypersensitivity means that a person can show an allergic reaction to the substance after exposure. If the person is hypersensitive, he or she may have a strong allergic reaction with respiratory consequences (e.g. asthma) whenever he or she comes into contact with it (even at very low concentrations). In most people with diisocyanate-associated asthma, improvement or complete recovery occurs after cessation of exposure.
Share the information you receive from your product supplier with your customers.
The new regulation only applies to traders and industry. A separate restriction for consumer/DIY use already came into effect several years ago.
The new regulation was adopted on August 4, 2020, and entered into force on August 24, 2020. By August 24, 2023, all users of PU products must be trained and certified.
The legal requirements must be stated on the packaging of relevant products placed on the market after 24 February 2022 as substances on their own, as components of other substances, or in mixtures for industrial and professional use. In other words, products manufactured on or after February 24, 2022, must include this labeling. This can be read in point 2 of the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2020/1149 on diisocyanates, which includes Annex XVII of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals ( REACH) is being amended.
The restriction is intended to prevent unsafe handling of diisocyanates and not to limit the availability of products. Due to their unique properties in many applications, PU products will continue to be widely available.
CPG UK can help you with all product-specific questions. Please contact your local area sales manager or technical support on 01942 251 400.
