REACH Training for PU Products

REACH is the European Chemicals Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals.

The abbreviation ”REACH“ is derived from the English title of the regulation: Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of CHemicals.

When working with chemicals such as coating materials, the precautions given in the safety data sheets are important to protect the health and safety of the users. When using such polyurethane products, users may be exposed to minimal amounts of monomeric diisocyanates used in the manufacture of such polymers. After complete curing, these products are then completely free of such reactive components.

• The European Commission has issued a regulation amending Annex XVII of REACH to restrictproducts containing more than 0.1 % monomeric diisocyanates on the EU market (Regulation (EU) 2020/1149).
• Monomeric diisocyanates are used as raw materials in the manufacture of polyurethane products. Sherwin-Williams uses them to produce some of its corrosion protection coatings, such as Acrolon® 7300.
• Beginning August 24, 2023, all commercial and industrial users must complete training before using such products.
• The protective measures specified in the safety data sheet remain the same as before (e. g. wearing protective gloves during processing). However, the training makes users more aware of their necessity.
• All affected Sherwin-Williams products carry a notice to that effect on the label as well as in the respective safety data sheet section 2 and/or 15.
• It is important to note that cured products no longer contain isocyanates in their finished state and that the restriction does not apply to them. It also does not apply to products with very small residual amounts (< 0.1%) of diisocyanate.

Diisocyanates are mainly used in the manufacture of polyurethane products such as rigid and flexible foams, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. They are present to varying degrees in liquid and paste products, but react completely with ambient moisture and are therefore no longer present in finished, cured polyurethane products.

The Sherwin-Williams products in scope already have the below information on the label and in the Safety Data Sheet section 2 and/or 15:

“As from August 24 2023 adequate training is required before industrial or professional use.”

A web based e-learning module has been developed by the manufacturers of diisocyanates in cooperation with associations of downstream users of such products. The training can be completed as self E-learning at a cost of 5 EUR/ training, to be done individually or together in a group. There is also the possibility for classroom training or virtual/face to face with an external trainer. 

To read more about the training possibilities and register for the training please visit the website: https://www.safeusediisocyanates.eu/

It is the employer or self-employed who is responsible for ensuring that industrial or professional user(s) have successfully completed training on the safe use of diisocyanates. He need to document the successful completion of the training and the training shall be renewed at least every five years.

For further information, please see the regulation: EUR-Lex - 32020R1149 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)

In addition to the mandatory requirement, Sherwin-Williams encourages anyone using a product containing diisocyanates in any concentration to undertake some training.