Diisocyanates: What They Are and How to Identify

Diisocyanates are essential in everyday work operations across offshore and onshore industries, but they demand strict safety and compliance control. With tighter regulations such as REACH, knowing where these chemicals are used and by whom is crucial. Chemical management systems give supervisors the oversight needed for safer, compliant operations. 

What Are Diisocyanates? 

Isocyanates is a collective term for a group of chemical substances used as components in polyurethane products. Diisocyanates are a specific type of isocyanate that contain two reactive isocyanate groups. 

In both offshore and onshore environments, a variety of products contain diisocyanates, many of which are used daily. 

Examples of products containing diisocyanates: 

• Adhesives 
• Elastomeric materials 
• Flooring and surface coatings 
• Insulation foams 
• Protective coatings and paints 
• Sealants 

Why Diisocyanates Require Careful Handling 

Diisocyanates are highly reactive substances that can pose significant health risks, even at low concentration, if not handled properly.  

Short-term (acute) exposure may cause: 

• Irritation of the eyes, nose throat and skin 
• Coughing, wheezing, or tightness in the chest 
• Headache, nausea, and general discomfort after inhalation of vapours or aerosols 

Long-term (chronic) exposure may cause: 

• Respiratory sensitisation 
• Skin sensitisation 
• Chronic respiratory issues 
• Permanent asthma 

Handling products containing diisocyanates therefore requires strict control measures. Work should always take place in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust ventilation. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn whenever there is a risk of contact or inhalation. To reduce risk further, workers should receive instruction in safe work practices and emergency procedures, and all chemical containers should be clearly labelled with hazard information.

Examples of exposure scenarios: 

• Spray application of polyurethane coatings, paints or foams 
• Mixing or transferring polyurethane components during maintenance or repair work 
• Cutting, sanding, or grinding cured polyurethane materials 
• Welding, hot cutting, or heating surfaces coated with polyurethane, where residual isocyanates may be released 
• Cleaning of application equipment or containers contaminated with uncured materials 

A thorough risk assessment should identify all potential exposures and define suitable preventative measures before starting any work activity.

Regulatory Compliance 

The use of diisocyanates is strictly regulated due to their potential health risks. Several international frameworks set requirements for safe handling, labelling, and worker protection. 

REACH (EU) 

Under the EU REACH Regulation, restrictions on diisocyanates entered into force in August 2023. Anyone handling products containing more than 0.1% diisocyanates must complete specific training in safe use. Employers are responsible for documenting compliance, ensuring proper labelling, and maintaining access to up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS). 

Other Global Standards 

Similar principles apply under other regulations worldwide, including: 

• GHS (Globally Harmonised System): Defines hazard classification and labelling standards 
• CLP Regulation (EU/EEA): Aligns classification, labelling, and packaging requirements with GHS principles 
• OSHA Standards (USA): Require exposure control, ventilation, PPE, and worker training 

Digital Tools for Chemical Management 

To determine whether a product contains diisocyanates, always refer to the product’s SDS in the company’s chemical inventory. The SDS provides detailed information about the product’s composition, hazards, and the measures required for safe handling.

Many companies now use digital tools to maintain oversight and control of their chemical activities. This can provide several key benefits: 

• Real-time inventory tracking: Know exactly which chemicals are in use, where they are stored, and in what quantities across multiple sites
• Automated SDS management: Ensure safety data sheets are always updated and accessible to all personnel, both online and offline 
• Compatibility checks: Identify and prevent unsafe storage combinations before incidents occur 
• Multilingual labelling and documentation: Improve clarity and compliance, especially in international operations 
• Simplified reporting and audits: Generate accurate compliance reports quickly for internal reviews or regulatory inspections 
• Enhanced visibility between offshore and onshore operations: Share live data across locations 
• Reduced administrative workload: Minimise manual updates and paperwork, allowing staff to focus on critical safety and operational tasks 

Diisocyanates are vital to many offshore and onshore operations, but their safe use depends on strict control, clear documentation, and regulatory compliance. As requirements under REACH and other global frameworks tighten, digital chemical management systems provide an efficient way to maintain oversight, reduce risk, and simplify compliance.