Mandatory training for working with Filoform PU resins

Safety is #1 at Filoform and the CRH group.

Why is the training mandatory?

In Europe, there are many industries that work with diisocyanates where exposure to free isocyanate is sometimes too high. If not handled properly, diisocyanates can lead to irreversible hypersensitivity. When using Filoform products, the risk of exposure is extremely low, but this does not negate the fact that there is a risk of exposure in the event of careless use. Workplace behavior is key to the safe use of diisocyanates.

To address the potential risk, the EU REACH regulation introduces mandatory training to provide employees with insight into the risks and how they can minimize exposure to isocyanates.

REACH is a European Union regulation adopted to better protect human health and the environment against risks from chemical substances, while simultaneously strengthening the competitive position of the European chemical industry. On August 4, 2020, a restriction regarding diisocyanates was added, published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The restriction focuses on sensitization of the respiratory tract and skin, potentially caused by diisocyanates. Training is mandatory before working with these substances.

Who is responsible for training employees who work with diisocyanates?

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that his employees are properly trained. He must be able to demonstrate, at the request of a competent authority, that his staff is qualified. Untrained employees may no longer use these products as of August 24, 2023.

Which training must be taken?

The European Diisocyante & Polyol Producers Association (ISOPA) and the European Aliphatic Isocyanates Producer Association (ALIPA), together with industry partners, have developed a training program to train users of diisocyanate in accordance with EU guidelines. As of July 2022, they have launched an online training platform. To take the training courses, please visit the website here.

The new REACH restriction requires employees handling diisocyanates to undergo training, depending on the use. The legislation defines three training levels: basic training (Level I), continuing training (Level II), and advanced training (Level III). Basic training (Level 1) is required for the processing of Filoform products. This basic training can be taken as an online course.

For whom and for which Filoform products does this apply?

The mandatory training applies to professional users (the training is not mandatory for consumer use) of Filoform polyurethane resins. To inform users about the mandatory training, the sentence below has been added to the safety phrases on Filoform product packaging.

EU restriction: As of August 24, 2023, appropriate training must be completed for industrial or professional use.

De training is verplicht voor de onderstaande producten:

• FiloFill P2654 (Giethars + Gietmoffen)
• FiloFill P2600 (Pers-wikkelmof)
• FiloSlim P2662 (FiloSlim-wikkelmof)
• PUR hars 2234, 2235, 2236, 2566 (Doorvoerdichtingen type MD1, MD2, MD3, MD4, MD5)

Information regarding mandatory training:

On the website safeusediisocyanates.eu, you will find all information (in English) regarding the mandatory training.

You can find the training courses on the website here.

To process Filoform PU resins, the following training must be completed:

048 Application of polyurethane products in the construction sector – Polyurethane adhesives, sealants and foams, applied directly from small containers at ambient temperature (with the exception of spray application*)

*Spray application: This refers to applications where polyurethane is sprayed under pressure, creating a mist.

Training program – duration approx. 30 minutes

In this training (self-study program), the following topics are covered:

• Introduction
• What are diisocyanates
• How hypersensitivity can develop
• Personal health
• Emergency measures
• Behavioral protection
• National codes

This program concludes with a quiz. After you have fully reviewed all modules and passed the quiz, you will receive a certificate that you can download as a PDF and print.

Below is an overview of the most important information.

• Available online (Web-based).
• The Dutch training courses are available as of June 2022.
• Training duration approx. 30 minutes (Presentation approx. 20 minutes / Test approx. 10 minutes).
• Test with 10 multiple-choice questions.
• At least 8 out of 10 questions must be correct to pass.
• If the test is not passed, it can be retaken.
• Upon completion, you will receive a certificate.