The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced its plans to assess the implementation of risk-management measures for certain restricted chemicals in the workplace, including diisocyanates.
Through ECHA’s next EU-level enforcement project (REF-15), inspectors will check safe use information in safety data sheets and that risk management measures recommended in them are implemented in the workplace. Controls will cover the use of certain restricted hazardous substances for which special conditions apply for their use in the workplace (e.g. diisocyanates).
Scheduled for inspections in 2027 with a final report expected in 2028, the project aims to strengthen collaboration between REACH enforcement authorities and occupational safety and health bodies across the EU. It currently remains unclear what the scope of the inspections would be.
ISOPA fully supports the objective to ensure worker safety. Safety training is considered the most effective and feasible measure to mitigate the risks of working with diisocyanates. In alignment with the REACH restriction on diisocyanates, our industry has taken significant efforts to ensure the availability and dissemination of safety trainings to ensure the responsible use of these substances.
These industry-wide training efforts have been a considerable achievement, reflecting our collective dedication to workplace safety. Over a million workers have already been trained through coordinated industry work, demonstrating a strong commitment to implementing effective risk management practices.
We encourage our members and partner associations to continue their outreach within their respective networks to ensure that safety training is implemented throughout our industry.
For more information, please contact Jelle Verheij, Public Affairs and Communications Officer at ISOPA: jelle.verheij@isopa.org