In the resin flooring industry, the beauty and durability of the final product often steal the limelight. However, underlying this are vital health and safety aspects that demand attention. 

There are chemicals that we handle that are subject to chemical regulations and compliance which itself changes as new products and chemicals come to the market. We are keenly aware of our responsibility when it comes to staying up-to-date and understanding and complying with the chemical regulations, chemical policies, and chemical legislation imposed by regional, national and international regulatory authorities. 

The UN administer the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which is an internationally agreed standard for labelling of hazardous materials at national and global level, facilitating international trade in chemicals. 

Also, until relatively recently, we were also subject to the European Regulations affecting the supply and use of substances known as REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of chemicals. Classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures is known referred to as ‘CLP’. 

Now, chemical compliance in terms of REACH, GHS and CLP REACH, and related legislation, have been replicated in the UK and the key principles of the EU REACH Regulation have been retained in UK REACH. 

At TPS360, we care about our operatives and we do our utmost to ensure safe handling of chemicals. We prioritise safe and proper labelling and effective communication of chemical hazards (ie. dissemination of chemical safety data sheets). The way we manage hazardous substances or those with potential adverse effects involves the implementation of risk assessment strategies, and establishing measures to mitigate their risks. 

Understanding the Importance of Health and Safety Measures

Sometimes you hear people moaning about health and safety measures ‘gone mad’ and how they are restrictive and stifle progress. You will never hear us talking like that though. At TPS360, we have always valued Commitment, Organisation, Reliability and Excellence and it is these same values that dictate the way we treat our staff and customers daily, particularly when it comes to health and safety.

Protecting our workforce is our priority, so placing a high value on health and safety is how we demonstrate dedication to the well-being of our team. At the end of the day, it’s vital to ensure that we are compliant with all existing regulations because upholding health, safety, and environmental standards is a legal and ethical obligation. 

As well as protecting our staff, protecting customers is another priority which helps us to maintain our business reputation. Our clients and partners can trust us because we uphold high safety standards. 

One particular area in which we fully understand the gravity of health and safety concerns is in the usage of diisocyanates. We wanted to shed a bit of light on the importance of health and safety when using diisocyanates in resin flooring. 

About Diisocyanates 

Diisocyanates, despite sounding like an ancient Greek knees up, (if you can pronounce them at all), are organic compounds. They are primarily used in the synthesis of polyurethane due to their highly reactive nature. They appear as colourless to pale-yellow liquids or solids with a strong, pungent odour. 

What are the applications of Diisocyanates? 

Diisocyanates are used for: 

• Coatings and adhesives. They contribute to the production of durable coatings and strong adhesives used in construction and other industrial applications. 

• Binders and sealants. They are employed extensively in construction and manufacturing. 

• Flexible and rigid foams. They are crucial for mattresses, upholstery, insulation, and packaging. 

• Elastomers. They are used for shoe soles, gaskets, and seals. 

The New Diisocyanate Regulation Explained 

There is new regulation surrounding the usage of Diisocyanates and it is enshrined in the REACH Regulation which was officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4th August 2020. It specifically targets the industrial and professional sectors, and emphasises the following: 

Unsafe Handling 

The core of this regulation is to mitigate the risks of unsafe handling of diisocyanates. This ensures a safer environment for workers and prevents possible health hazards associated with these chemicals. 

Accessibility of Adhesives and Sealants 

Despite the restrictions, the regulation ensures that adhesives and sealants remain widely accessible for industrial and professional applications 

The New Regulations Don’t Impacton the DIY Market 

It’s worth noting that this regulation does not affect the DIY market. This distinction is crucial, as it allows consumers to continue their DIY projects without the need to navigate through added regulatory hurdles.

At TPS360, we’ve taken time to understand the nuances of the Diisocyanate regulation, and we are passing it on to allow other businesses in the resin flooring industry to ensure compliance, fostering a safer environment for their workforce while still accessing the necessary materials for their projects. 

Our years in the resin flooring industry have equipped us with extensive knowledge about diisocyanates and their safe use and we don’t just believe in maintaining standards; we aim to set them. Our staff undergo rigorous training programs, ensuring they are fully equipped to handle diisocyanates and other materials safely and efficiently. Our team members hold recognised qualifications, demonstrating our commitment to expertise and safety in the resin flooring industry. By putting safety first and adhering strictly to HSE guidelines, our qualified team ensures our solutions are always up to par, setting industry benchmarks.

What’s more, we always strive to enlighten our clients, helping them make informed decisions about the commercial or industrial resin flooring that they are buying. 

Your resin flooring journey should always be anchored in health and safety. Recognising diisocyanate-associated risks, abiding by regulations, and collaborating with a trusted partner like TPS360 all ensure your business and workforce’s protection. Choose TPS360 for a resin flooring venture where health and safety are paramount. 

Remember, at TPS360, we are not only committed to providing outstanding resin flooring solutions but also to ensuring your safety and the safety of your workforce. Let us guide you through the process, making health and safety a top priority. Contact us today to begin your journey towards a safe and resilient resin flooring solution with TPS360.