Germany’s Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) is preparing to submit a risk-based measure under the REACh regulation for the industrial and professional use of diisocyanates.

The proposals expected from mid-2016 call for restricting the sale of the chemicals either on their own or contained in other substances for industrial use – unless the cumulative concentration is less than 0.1% by weight, measurements under realistic conditions show that only an acceptable residual risk is present, the substance or mixture is used as described and intended or the substance or mixture is used in accordance with certain provisions.

Trade associations representing the European polyurethanes industry said they will develop a training and certification scheme defining conditions for the safe handling of the substances based on the existing regulations as well as the longstanding voluntary initiatives of the industry.

The groupings said they are “strongly committed” to the safe use of diisocyanates and safety in the workplace, adding that the industry already has successfully established a number of product stewardship initiatives.

If passed by all regulatory instances, the restrictions could take effect near the end of the decade.