Adhesive manufacturers combat training requirements

In response to new European Union (EU) restrictions, Intertronics, a producer of adhesives, coatings, sealants, and equipment, has launched a new solution that doesn’t require EU-approved training.

From August 24^th, 2023, the European Parliament’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) restrictions will mean industrial and professional users of certain diisocyanate products must be trained and certified to handle them.

In response to this, Intertronics has released Point-One, Structural Polyurethane Adhesives which are based on micro-emission technology.

Intertronics supplies adhesives, coatings, sealants, and equipment to customers working with lighting/LED, display, electronic, plastic bonding, and medical applications.

The new REACH restrictions will mean products with a total monomeric diisocyanate concentration of >0.1% must be trained and certified in handling diisocyanates.

The change has been made in order to minimise the adverse health effects induced by exposure to diisocyanates in the workplace which can cause respiratory sensitisation, skin irritation, and occupational asthma.

Employers will be required to provide adequate training for all employees that come into contact with a substance containing diisocyanates with a total monomeric diisocyanate concentration of >0.1% and must collect evidence of the successful completion of the programmes.

Point-One has been launched with additional health and safety benefits as well as having very low emissions and few warning icons on its labels.

The products are fast-curing two-part adhesives that form strong, durable bonds in just ten minutes, which are extremely resistant to moisture and other chemicals. With a concentration of below 0.1% in regard to monomeric diisocyanates, REACH training is not required.

Ben Swanson, chief commercial officer at Intertronics, comments: “Polyurethane adhesives are made by reacting diisocyanates and polyols. While the diisocyanate is used up during the reaction, and virtually no diisocyanates are found in completed or cured materials, in liquid form they do present health and safety risks.

“Our new Point-One adhesives present a much lower risk to operators and are low enough to not require the new mandated training. However, we still advocate the relevant risk management and health and safety measures, of course.”

Swanson adds: “The cost, administrative, and time burden manufacturers face as a result of the new requirement for mandated REACH training could be significant. Specifying Point-One removes the need for training and certification.”

The new range of products claims to work excellently with plastics, metals, GRP, ceramics, SMC, wood, plasterboard, concrete, rock, and marble.

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