Diisocyanate Course – Mandatory EU Training from 2023
A course in diisocyanates is mandatory for anyone working with products containing diisocyanates. From August 2023, the EU REACH regulation requires that anyone handling diisocyanates must have completed documented training. Diisocyanates are found in a wide range of products, including PU foam, spray foam, varnish, adhesives, and hardeners. Without valid certification, it is illegal to use these products.
Komplett HMS offers an online diisocyanate course that can be completed 100% digitally. The course is available in several languages, and you will receive a digital course certificate immediately after passing the knowledge test.
Legal Requirements – EU Regulation and REACH
Several laws and regulations govern training requirements for working with diisocyanates:
- REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Amendment 2020/1149: From August 24, 2023, it is prohibited to use products with diisocyanates in concentrations above 0.1% without completed training.
- Working Environment Act § 4-5: Special requirements for working with chemical substances.
- Regulation on the Performance of Work, Chapter 3: Requirements for training when exposed to chemical substances.
- Internal Control Regulations: Requirements for systematic documentation of training and risk assessments.
The requirement applies to both industry and crafts, and the training must be renewed at least every 5 years. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that all affected employees have valid certification.
Training Levels According to REACH
The REACH regulation defines three training levels based on the degree of exposure:
- General level (Tier 1) – For anyone who may come into contact with diisocyanates, for example, when using joint foam or adhesives
- Intermediate level (Tier 2) – For those who regularly work with diisocyanate-containing products, such as painters, insulators, and carpenters
- Advanced level (Tier 3) – For those performing spray work or other tasks with a high risk of exposure
The course at Komplett HMS covers both general and intermediate levels, which is what most construction workers need.
What Will You Learn in the Course?
- What diisocyanates are and where they are found in common products
- Health hazards: occupational asthma, sensitization, and skin reactions
- EU regulations and REACH requirements in detail
- Safe handling of diisocyanate-containing products
- Correct use of personal protective equipment (gloves, respiratory protection, safety glasses)
- Limit values and exposure measurements
- Emergency procedures for exposure and first aid
- Employer's and employee's duties
Who Needs a Diisocyanate Course?
Anyone working with products containing diisocyanates in concentrations above 0.1 weight percent must take this course. Typical occupational groups:
- Carpenters and joiners (PU foam, joint foam)
- Painters and varnishes (polyurethane-based varnish)
- Plumbers and insulators (spray foam, PUR insulation)
- Car body repairers (painting, filling)
- Industrial workers (adhesives, coatings, molding)
- Floor layers and membrane layers
- Furniture manufacturers and foam manufacturers
For general chemical training, please also see our chemical handling course and our article on working with chemicals.
It is important to be aware that diisocyanates are very widespread in construction. According to industry organizations, thousands of Norwegian workers use diisocyanate-containing products daily without being aware of the health hazards. A diisocyanate course for businesses is therefore an investment in both legal compliance and employee health.
Consequences of Lack of Training
Companies and employees who have not completed mandatory training risk serious consequences:
- Prohibition of use – It is illegal to use diisocyanate-containing products without documented training
- Orders and fees – The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority may impose infringement fees and orders during inspections
- Supplier refusal – Several suppliers now require documentation of completed training when purchasing diisocyanate-containing products
- Health injuries – Occupational asthma caused by diisocyanates is chronic and irreversible. The employer may be held liable for compensation
- Insurance problems – Lack of documentation may affect coverage for occupational diseases
Course Format and Practical Information
The diisocyanate course is fully online and takes approximately 2–4 hours to complete. You can take the course at your own pace on a PC, tablet, or mobile phone. The course covers both the general level and the intermediate level in accordance with the REACH regulation.
After passing the knowledge test, you will immediately receive a digital course certificate documenting that you meet the EU requirements. The course certificate is valid for 5 years and can be stored digitally or printed.
The course is available in several languages, which is especially important for companies with foreign workers in construction.
Order diisocyanate course here »
Also read our in-depth article on safe use of diisocyanates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diisocyanates
Does PU foam contain diisocyanates?
Yes, most PU foams (joint foam, mounting foam) contain diisocyanates in concentrations above 0.1%. This means that anyone who uses PU foam in their work must have completed a diisocyanate course.
How often must the course be renewed?
According to the REACH regulation, training must be renewed at least every 5 years. If there are significant changes in working methods or products, the training should be updated more frequently.
What happens if you don't have the course?
From August 24, 2023, it is illegal to use products with diisocyanates above 0.1% without documented training. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority can issue orders, and suppliers may require documentation when purchasing the products.
Can the course be taken online?
Yes, an online diisocyanate course is fully approved and meets the requirements of the REACH regulation. At Komplett HMS, you complete the course 100% digitally and receive your course certificate on the same day.
Why Choose Komplett HMS for Diisocyanate Courses?
- 100% online – Complete the course whenever and wherever it suits you
- Available in multiple languages – Meet EU requirements for the entire workforce
- Certificate on the same day – Valid documentation immediately after passing the knowledge test
- Meets REACH requirements – Covers both general and intermediate levels
- 5 out of 5 stars on Google – Norway's highest-rated HSE course provider
Do you have questions about diisocyanate courses for your company? Contact us by phone at 466 66 467 or email at kundeservice@kompletthms.no.