Safety & legislation for industrial coatings

Chemical legislation on industrial coatings is constantly tightening. This means that new obligatory regulations are required for suppliers and workers – reporting and training. The study of the environmental impact of paint products is still voluntary, but makes the company’s business more sustainable. Sirutiina Hakulinen, Nor-Maali’s Product Safety Engineer, takes a look at two current topics: the future diisocyanate training requirement and EPD (Environmental Product Declaration).

A topic that has recently raised questions within the industry is the future training requirements for workers handling diisocyanates and mixtures containing diisocyanates. “The future training requirement originates from the diisocyanate-REACH regulation published in August 2020,” says Hakulinen. “This regulation specifies the requirements for manufacturers, e.g. labelling as well as training requirements for industrial and professional workers handling diisocyanates with a concentration greater than 0.1% by weight.”

She warns about the health effects of diisocyanates: Diisocyanates are classified as respiratory and skin sensitisers. Studies show that respiratory sensitisation to diisocyanates through both the skin and the respiratory system causes workers to have occupational asthma, which is considered to be a significant occupational health problem. The risk to health from sensitisation is unacceptable.

“Training for industrial and professional workers, confirmed at EU level, must be completed by 23 August 2023,”says Hakulinen. “Future training will provide guidelines on how to prevent exposure to diisocyanates through the skin or respiratory system at work. In other words, how products containing diisocyanate can be used safely.”

Read more in the latest issue of PCE-International