Essential REACH Training for PU Adhesives

Recently you may have noticed the following statement on some of our product packaging: ‘As of 24 August 2023, adequate training is required before industrial or professional use.’

This announcement comes in the lead-up to new essential REACH training required for all professionals and industrial users of polyurethane products.

To prevent risks, regulations are being made for all PU products that contain more than 0.1% of monomeric Diisocyanates, including PU adhesives, PU sealants and foams. 

As many polyurethane adhesives like Timbond and Tytex are included in this list, Adkwik is responsible for informing you about this upcoming change.

So without further ado, here is all the information you need to prepare for August 24th 2023 and how to access FREE PU training. 

 

Click here to access the PU training platform and input the following code for your free training: FEICA_21_G

 

What are the New REACH Regulations?

As of the 24th of August 2023, training is required for all professional and industrial users of polyurethane products that contain more than 0.1% of monomeric Diisocyanates.

All professionals within the EU and UK who handle these products will need to complete a government training course and receive certification.

 

What is REACH?

REACH stands for the European Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. 

It is a legislative framework that ensures manufacturers and importers take responsibility for safely handling chemical substances, whether as raw materials or in their finished form.

This new responsibility includes gradually phasing out technologies or substances of very high concern (SVHCs), particularly where technically and economically viable alternatives are available.

 

Do REACH regulations Still Apply to the UK?

With the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, you might be wondering where the UK stands regarding REACH regulations. 

EU REACH ceased to have effect in Great Britain on the 1st of January 2021. However, the UK Government has implemented a separate UK REACH scheme which applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

Due to the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, EU REACH continues to apply in Northern Ireland.

Although the two bodies operate independently, most of the key principles from the EU REACH Regulation were retained in UK REACH – including the upcoming regulation of polyurethane products.

You must ensure you comply with both regulations where necessary.

 

Why is REACH Compliance Important?

Compliance is crucial because it ensures that all parties in a supply chain take responsibility for the safety of the substances you use or sell. 

Under the regulations, every participant in the supply chain must communicate information on the safe use of chemicals.

From a business standpoint, REACH compliance is essential for manufacturing, supplying, or importing articles in the UK or EU. 

This requirement applies to companies of all sizes and guarantees the safe usage of chemicals.

 

What Are Diisocyanates?

An organic compound with two isocyanate groups is known as a Diisocyanate.

These Diisocyanates are highly reactive chemicals used with a polyol to form fast-curing polyurethane products such as adhesives, flexible foam and sealants. 

Virtually all Diisocyanates are used during the reaction, leaving no trace in completed or cured materials.

However, during the initial application process, users may be exposed to minimal amounts of unreacted monomeric Diisocyanates, which can lead to adverse health effects.

 

What Are the Health Risks of Diisocyanates?

Worker exposure to Diisocyanates can occur via inhalation, ingestion or skin and eye contact, leading to respiratory sensitisation, allergic reaction and occupational asthma.

 

Will Polyurethane Products Be Prohibited Under New REACH Legislation?

The restriction will not ban the sale or use of PU products. 

Instead, professional and industrial users must receive training and certification to safely handle products with a monomeric Diisocyanate concentration of >0.1%.

 

Which Polyurethane Products Will Be Impacted by the REACH Legislation?

The new legislation requires training for industrial or professional use of PU products with a total monomeric Diisocyanate concentration of more than 0.1%.

Most polyurethane products on the market contain this amount of Diisocyanates, including the following:

• Adhesives
• Sealants
• Flexible foams 

Adkwik’s Timbond and Tytex PU adhesives are on this list, so we stress the necessity of training before handling these products. 

When Does the REACH Training Need to be Completed?

Training for professional or industrial use of PU products must be completed before August 24, 2023. The training remains valid for five years and must be renewed after this period.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that they and their employees are trained. 

Be aware that national inspectors can check the documentation, and it is an offence for a person to fail to comply with, or cause another person to fail to comply with, their duties under REACH. 

 

Where Can Users Access REACH Training?

Training must be given by an expert in occupational safety and health, along with relevant vocational training.

The training can be completed in-person or online via either of the following options:

1. An in-house company trainer or safety expert on Diisocyanates will train employees or customers of the company.
2. An external trainer or safety expert on Diisocyanates will provide training to trainees for a fee. 

The Safe Use and Handling of Diisocyanates provides a vast amount of resources on obtaining the mandatory training, including a List of Certified Safety Experts on Diisocyanates to select from.

 

FREE PU Training Access

Receive free training and certification for the safe handling of Diisocyantes according to the legal training requirements of REACH regulation by using Adkwik’s code.

Click here to access the PU training platform and input the following code for your free training: FEICA_21_G

 

Stay Informed with Adkwik

If you’re looking for top-performing adhesives for your industry, Adkwik is a trustworthy manufacturer. 

Connect with our team by filling out our online contact form or calling us at 01223 412373 to find quality adhesive solutions to meet your needs.

For more expert insights and professional tips, visit the Adkwik blog and remain up-to-date with industry information.