Working with diisocyanates

This basic course is available in Polish and English language. Everyone who uses diisocyanates or solutions containing it must undergo training, and such training must be documented. Used in insulation, as adhesives and as surface treatment, among others.

English language
Polish language
Extended training available
Time: 1 hour
Format: E-learning
Course certificate: Yes
Language: English or Polish

This course is available in both Polish and English language. All exposed persons, as well as their managers, must complete the basic training. In addition to this basic training, extended training at levels 2 and 3 is required for those with risk conditions that indicate that it is necessary.

Extended training

By law, if the work with diisocyanates entails a moderate or greatly increased risk, the basic course must be supplemented with additional training.

Every company handling chemicals must have a substance index with information about all substances stored and used in the company. In the individual safety data sheets, you can find if diisocyanates are part of any of these products. For companies in need of extended training, Avonova offers company internal webinars that build on the basic course.

Such extended training takes about 60-90 minutes.

About the course

Introduction

Every year, around 5,000 workers in Europe fall ill from occupational respiratory diseases, including asthma, after being exposed to a type of chemical called diisocyanates or to products containing them.

From 24 August 2023, anyone who uses diisocyanates and diisocyanate-containing solutions must undergo documented training.

One requirement for the training is that participants are allowed to ask questions directly to a specialist, and a live webinar is therefore a mandatory part of our training. All of our specialists are occupational hygienists with knowledge of chemicals and health hazards.

The training must be repeated every 5 years.

Who needs the basic course?

Typically, employees who handle diisocyanates only in closed systems, or who use only small amounts in well-ventilated areas and very briefly. These employees have a low risk of inhaling diisocyanates at harmful concentration levels. The use of one-component construction foam falls into this category. The same applies to the transportation of such substances in closed containers.

These employees mainly need to know the properties of the substances, good protective principles, how to protect their skin, good occupational hygiene, etc.

Who needs extended training to manage moderate risk conditions?

Typically, anyone using large amounts of diisocyanates, either in open systems using machinery or when manually applying substances, need extended training. Roller and brush application falls under this category. The same applies to the application of adhesive on larger surfaces using polyurethane-based adhesive or frequent application of such adhesives. Handling of open mixtures at room temperature is also covered by this level of training.

As a rule of thumb, this training must be completed if it cannot be reasonably established that the inhalation of hazardous concentrations cannot occur. The training must also be completed if significant skin contact will occur, even if the limit values are not exceeded.

Who needs extended training to manage high risk conditions?

Typically, this level of training is necessary for anyone working in production at casting shops, anyone working with open mixtures that maintain temperatures higher than 45 degrees celsius, andanyone working with spray application of mixtures containing diisocyanates.

Course content

Module 1 – Introduction

Module 2 – What are diisocyanates?

Module 3 – Diisocyanates and health risks

Module 4 – Exposure and occupational hygiene

Module 5 – Safety-promoting behaviour

Module 6 – Accidents, first aid and sickness follow-up

Module 7 - Course test

Module 8 – Summary and conclusion

Module 9 – Webinar with extra information + Q&A

Our competent instructors

Our course instructors have a high level of competence and good communication skills. They give you the tools you need to create safe and healthy working environments.