Brussels – With the imminent introduction of the EU Reach regulations on 24 August, Isopa and Alipa, the trade associations for diisocyanate producers in Europe, have partnered with German EHS software company Secova (styled ‘secova’) on training material on the safe use of the chemicals.
The training material on the safe use of diisocyanates developed by Isopa/Alipa is now available on Secova’s EHS software Sam (styled ‘sam’).
When EU Reach (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) regulation comes into force, it will be mandatory for people using or handling diisocyanates to have successfully completed training on the safe handling of the materials. The restriction applies both to industrial and professional users of products containing 0.1% or more diisocyanate.
Diisocyanates are respiratory sensitisers which can trigger an irreversible allergic reaction when inhaled. Consequently workers must have training to understand how to use and handle the substances safely.
Isopa/Alipa have worked together with major downstream associations to create atraining platform to ensure all workers in the European Union receive adequate training before the deadline.
All training modules developed under the leadership of Isopa/Alipa are now also available via Secova’s EHS software solution Sam. The training modules cover the three levels (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced) described in the restriction. The risk of exposures varies depending on the type of work carried out by an employee, necessitating the three levels of training.
Sam is a browser-based or database-based EHS program that allows companies to manage operational and legal obligations. Functional modules within Sam cover areas including incident management, risk assessment, hazardous substance management, occupational safety and more.
The co-operation with Isopa/Alipa will enlarge Sam’s portfolio of users, which means more people can benefit from Sam’s additional features. The partners believe that companies using the program for diisocyanates training will find it advantageous to have a single package managing all EHS training. Employees can conduct their training courses at their workplace, but also online from home.