One Year On: Mandatory Isocyanate Training for Worker Safety

Today (August 23 2024) marks the one-year anniversary of the regulatory updates that mandated training for workers handling isocyanates and diisocyanates. This significant change in isocyanate training was brought in to enhance workplace safety and protect workers from the harmful effects of these chemicals. One year on, have you taken the required action to stay compliant and keep your workforce safe?

Who Needs Isocyanate Awareness Training?

If your work involves any of the following activities, you may be required to provide isocyanate awareness training to your employees:

• Spraying: This includes activities such as spray painting, foam spraying, and other applications where isocyanates are aerosolised.
• Coating: Applying protective or decorative coatings that contain isocyanates.
• Sealants: Using sealants and adhesives that include isocyanates in their composition.
• Expanding Glues: Working with expanding polyurethane glues and foams.

Why Is This Training Important?

Diisocyanates are classified as potential human carcinogens, and are known to cause a range of health issues, including:

• Occupational Asthma: Exposure to isocyanates is the leading cause of new occupational asthma cases. Training helps workers take preventative measures and recognise early symptoms.
• Lung Problems: Inhalation of isocyanates can cause chronic lung conditions. Training can help mitigate these risks.
• Irritation: Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, leading to discomfort and potential long-term health issues.

Proper training ensures that workers understand the risks and know how to handle these substances safely and reduce their exposure. Training also prepares workers to respond effectively in the case of accidental exposure or spillages. Training is a proactive step that can prevent accidents and incidents, improving your overall safety culture.

A well-trained workforce is more efficient and productive. Workers who understand how to handle isocyanates safely can perform their tasks more confidently and effectively, reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity.

Stay Compliant and Protect Your Workforce

Compliance with these regulations is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your workforce. Delaying compliance can result in business disruption and, more importantly, put your employees at risk.

Isocyanate Awareness Training

Our comprehensive Isocyanate and Diisocyanate Awareness course is designed to help you meet these regulatory requirements. We offer flexible training options that can be delivered on-site or online, tailored to fit your schedule and needs.

This course covers the basics of isocyanates, associated hazards of working with isocyanates, safe handling practices, and can include specific information for your workforce on your own particular work activities. Our instructors bring real-world insights, practical knowledge, and industry experience to the training sessions.

Get in Touch

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ensure your team is trained and compliant with the latest regulations. Contact us today to learn more about our Diisocyanate Awareness course and how we can help you achieve compliance.