Diisocyanates – Level 2 Training
Safe Handling of Chemicals Based on Diisocyanates According to the Restriction Under REACH
Are you a commercial or industrial user of diisocyanates? Have you already fulfilled your training obligation in this regard? Diisocyanates are chemical compounds that are mainly produced during the production of polyurethanes. They are used for numerous industrial and commercial applications (rigid and flexible foams, insulation, construction foams, adhesives, varnishes and paints, etc.). Contact with diisocyanates can lead to serious damage to health. For this reason, training is required by law for the commercial or industrial use of diisocyanates. According to the REACH Regulation, every user must have completed training on the safe use of diisocyanates by August 24, 2023. The training must be repeated every 5 years. Depending on your exposure potential, you will need a different level for this training: Level 2 is for the following uses:
- Handling of open mixtures at room temperature (including in foam tunnels);
- Spraying in a ventilated spray booth;
- Applying with a roller;
- Apply with a brush;
- Application by dipping and pouring;
- Mechanical post-treatment (e.g. cutting) of cooled products that have not been completely dried;
- Cleaning and waste disposal;
- Any other use in which there is similar exposure through skin contact and/or inhalation.
This course is intended for employees, technicians, operators, supervisors, and other personnel involved in the commercial or industrial use of products containing diisocyanates where medium exposure potential exists.
Typical applications include:
- Handling open mixtures at room temperature
- Spray applications in ventilated spray booths
- Brush and roller application
- Dipping and pouring processes
- Mechanical post-processing of partially cured products
- Cleaning and waste management activities involving diisocyanates
- Maintenance tasks with moderate exposure risk
Module 1: Regulatory Background and Introduction
- REACH Regulation and Diisocyanate Restriction
- Training requirements and user obligations
- Training levels and exposure categories
Module 2: Fundamentals of Diisocyanates
- Chemical and physical properties
- Common applications and products
- Product labels and Safety Data Sheets
Module 3: Health Hazards and Exposure
- Exposure routes
- Occupational exposure limits
- Symptoms and health effects
- Sensitization and allergic reactions
Module 4: Safe Handling and Processing
- Risk assessment
- Exposure control measures
- Workplace ventilation
- Hygiene requirements
- Safe operating practices
Module 5: Personal Protective Equipment
- Eye protection
- Protective gloves
- Protective clothing
- Respiratory protection considerations
Module 6: Emergency Response
- Spill response procedures
- First aid measures
- Incident response
Module 7: Cleaning and Disposal
- Cleaning contaminated equipment
- Waste disposal practices
- Neutralization and decontamination procedures
Module 8: Maintenance and Change Management
- Maintenance-related risks
- Operating instructions
- Managing process changes safely
Diisocyanates are essential building blocks in the production of polyurethane materials used throughout manufacturing, construction, automotive, furniture, coatings, and adhesives industries. While these substances provide significant performance benefits, improper handling can expose workers to serious health risks, including respiratory sensitization, allergic reactions, asthma, skin irritation, and long-term occupational illnesses. To address these risks, the European Union established mandatory training requirements under the REACH restriction on diisocyanates.
This TÜV SÜD Level 2 training course has been specifically developed for personnel performing activities associated with medium exposure potential. The course provides detailed guidance on the safe handling, processing, storage, cleaning, and disposal of products containing diisocyanates. Participants gain an understanding of the chemical and physical properties of diisocyanates, typical exposure scenarios, occupational exposure limits, and the health hazards associated with these substances.
The training also focuses on practical workplace controls that help minimize exposure. Participants learn how to apply the hierarchy of risk controls, including substitution, engineering controls, organizational measures, and personal protective equipment. Special attention is given to ventilation requirements, hygiene practices, spill management, first aid procedures, maintenance activities, and the selection and proper use of PPE such as gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing.
In addition to regulatory compliance, the course promotes a proactive safety culture by helping participants recognize hazardous situations before incidents occur. Through instructor-led discussions, practical examples, case studies, and real-world scenarios, learners develop the confidence to work safely with diisocyanate-containing products while protecting themselves, their colleagues, and the environment.
Upon completion, participants will have fulfilled the REACH training requirement applicable to Level 2 exposure scenarios and will be better equipped to support safe and compliant operations involving diisocyanates in their workplace.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and requirements of the REACH restriction on diisocyanates.
- Understand the chemical and physical properties of diisocyanates.
- Identify common industrial and commercial applications of diisocyanates.
- Recognize the health hazards associated with skin contact and inhalation exposure.
- Interpret information on product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Understand occupational exposure limits and their significance.
- Assess workplace exposure risks and exposure routes.
- Apply the STOP principle (Substitution, Technical, Organizational, and Personal Protective Measures).
- Implement effective engineering and administrative controls.
- Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Follow safe work practices during handling, processing, maintenance, and cleaning activities.
- Respond appropriately to spills, leaks, and emergency situations.
- Apply first aid measures following exposure to diisocyanates.
- Understand requirements for waste handling, neutralization, and disposal.
- Support compliance with REACH requirements and internal safety procedures.
Why This Training Matters
Diisocyanates are widely used in the manufacture of polyurethanes found in foams, adhesives, coatings, sealants, insulation materials, paints, and construction products. Exposure through inhalation or skin contact can result in respiratory irritation, skin sensitization, occupational asthma, and other serious health effects. As a result, the European Union introduced mandatory training requirements under REACH Regulation (EU) 2020/1149 for professional users of diisocyanates.
This training provides participants with the knowledge and practical understanding required to safely handle, process, and dispose of products containing diisocyanates in industrial and commercial environments. Participants will learn how to identify exposure risks, implement effective control measures, use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly, and respond appropriately to incidents involving diisocyanates. Upon successful completion, learners will meet the REACH training requirement for activities involving medium exposure potential to diisocyanates.
Key Topics Covered
- REACH compliance requirements
- Health effects of diisocyanates
- Occupational exposure limits
- Exposure risk assessment
- Safety Data Sheet interpretation
- Ventilation and engineering controls
- Personal protective equipment
- Spill response and emergency procedures
- First aid measures
- Waste handling and disposal
- Maintenance and change management
Key Benefits
- Supports REACH compliance
- Reduces workplace exposure risks
- Improves worker safety awareness
- Provides practical, immediately applicable guidance
- Delivered by TÜV SÜD subject matter experts
This course is delivered as live online instructor-led training in a virtual classroom environment. Participants engage in:
- Expert-led presentations
- Interactive discussions
- Case studies
- Practical examples
- Knowledge checks and quizzes
- Question-and-answer sessions
Learners benefit from direct interaction with TÜV SÜD experts and peers while applying theory to real-world workplace scenarios. Webcam and microphone participation is required.
Participants who attend at least 90% of the total training duration will receive a Certificate of Attendance from TÜV SÜD Academy.
This course is intended for personnel whose activities involve medium exposure potential to diisocyanates.
Participants should have:
- Responsibilities involving diisocyanate-containing products
- A computer with webcam and microphone
- A stable internet connection
- A valid individual email address for registration
Depending on workplace exposure levels, participants may instead require Level 1 or Level 3 training.
1. What are diisocyanates?
Diisocyanates are chemical compounds used to manufacture polyurethane products such as foams, adhesives, coatings, sealants, insulation materials, and paints.
2. Is this training mandatory?
Yes. Under the REACH restriction on diisocyanates, professional users handling products containing more than 0.1% monomeric diisocyanates must complete appropriate training before use.
3. Who needs Level 2 training?
Level 2 is intended for users performing activities with medium exposure potential, such as brush application, roller application, dipping, pouring, spray booth operations, and certain maintenance or cleaning activities.
4. How often must the training be renewed?
The training must be repeated every five years.
5. What health risks are associated with diisocyanates?
Exposure can cause respiratory irritation, skin irritation, allergic skin reactions, asthma, respiratory sensitization, and long-term occupational health effects.
6. Does this course include practical safety guidance?
Yes. The course covers workplace controls, ventilation, hygiene practices, PPE selection, spill response, and first aid measures.
7. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who meet the attendance requirement receive a Certificate of Attendance from TÜV SÜD Academy.
8. Is the training delivered online?
Yes. The course is delivered live in a virtual classroom with an instructor.
9. What equipment do I need?
A computer or internet-enabled device with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection.
10. Does this training replace company-specific safety instruction?
No. Employer-specific safety instructions and legal obligations remain applicable.
11. What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3?
The levels are determined by exposure potential:
- Level 1: Low exposure
- Level 2: Medium exposure
- Level 3: High exposure
12. Can this training help support REACH compliance?
Yes. Successful completion helps satisfy the training obligations established under the REACH restriction for applicable Level 2 use cases.
Note: This training does not exempt participants from the obligation to provide instruction and training in accordance with Section 14 of the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV)
Specialist lecturers from the TÜV SÜD Academy