On 4 November 2014 ISOPA, the European Diisocyanate and Polyol Producers Association, met with partners from across the Middle-East in Dubai to promote the safe use and handling of diisocyanates across the value chain. This successful workshop is part of the “One Step Ahead” programme, ISOPA’s approach to Product stewardship. . It was a success and received enthusiastic feedback from the participants.
From left to right: Olivier Lemoine (Repsol), Jörg Palmersheim (ISOPA), Jacques Terjan (Vencorex), Els Van Eetvelde (Shell), Mohamud Kasil (Bayer MaterialScience), Alaa Shraim (Dow)
The session was hosted by Jörg Palmersheim, Secretary General of ISOPA, and participants included diisocyanate- and polyol system houses, distributors, machinery suppliers, logistics partners as well as company directors, factory or production line supervisors and managers from across the region. ISOPA provided information and opportunity for useful exchanges to raise awareness on best practices and risk reduction measures for users, particularly in relation to the hazards involved when shipping and handling these chemicals.
With more than 80 participants, the workshop brought together more than twice the number of participants than a similar event in Tanzania: a clear testimony of its growing success since 1999 and its relevance for all stakeholders involved. Its success reflects the dynamism of the Middle-East region, a fast-growing market for the diisocyanates and polyol industry. The interactive workshop provided best practice through informative posters, stickers and materials to ensure the health and safety of all workers handling diisocyanates. “One Step Ahead” is one of the successful ways in which ISOPA is committed to promoting the highest standards of best practices within the industry.