Follow Us on LinkedIn Follow Us on YouTube

Health & Safety

Materials used in industry, which can cause allergic reactions, itching, a rash or other forms of dermatitis in those who work with them.

Health & Safety

Physiological reactions

There are many materials used in industry, which can cause allergic reactions... itching, a rash or other forms of dermatitis in those who work with them. These reactions are similar to those displayed by many people after contact with poison ivy, certain foods, or pharmaceutical compounds. Typical sensitizing materials encountered in industry are: solvents, cleaners, chemicals, plastics, foods, coolants, metals, animals, dust, fumes, inks, dyes, and soaps with a high alkaline or harsh mineral abrasive content. Experience has shown that the best way to prevent industrial dermatitis reaction is to establish and enforce good housekeeping practices.

The workers themselves must understand the reason for these practices and cooperate in them fully for no supervisor can control all of the actions of each employee. Patch testing to see if the individual is sensitive to the compound or to any of its components has proven unsatisfactory since repeated exposure is usually required in order for the individual to develop sensitivity.

  

From field reports, only a small percent of the individuals who handle formulated epoxy compounds develop sensitivity to them.

 

Precautions

Working with Epoxy and Urethane components

See more

 

Safety Considerations

Using Urethane products

See more

 

Epoxy Resin Systems

Safe Handling Guide

See more

 

Epoxy Systems

Spray Lay-up Operations

See more

 

 

Physiological classification

Material Skin irritating effect Sensitizing effect Recommended protection
Formulated epoxy liquids Mild to moderate Mild to moderate A, B, C
Formulated epoxy solids Non-irritating Non-sensitizing E
Fully cured compounds Non-irritating Non-sensitizing E
Curing agent or hardeners Mild to strong Mild to strong A, B, C, E
Solvents De-fatting Non-sensitizing A, B, C, E

 A. Skin protection. B. Goggles or face shield. C. Exhaust ventilation. D. Fire precautions. E. Avoid inhalation of dust or vapour.