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HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
USING URETHANE PRODUCTS.
Polyurethane compounds are safe to use provided that all the manufacturer's
recommendations are observed. The following safety
recommendations are aimed at manufacturing operations utilizing urethane resins
and hardeners (curatives).
The
most important safety precaution is to become thoroughly familiar with the
urethane being used by reading the Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that
was supplied with the products.
The
following is a check list of important safety items that should be reviewed when
using these compounds:
-
Read the MSDS for the
resin and curative (hardener)
This document contains
the safety precautions that are specific to the formulation of each component.
-
Storage
Generally speaking
Polyurethanes are moisture sensitive. Most formulators manufacture both resins
and hardeners under vacuum and purge each container with Nitrogen before
shipping the products. The Nitrogen blanket, being heavier than air, remains on
top of the liquid in the container and provides a moisture barrier.
Containers should be stored with closed lids and part containers should be
purged with Nitrogen before being committed to storage.
More importantly closed
containers will prevent fumes dispersing in the air.
-
Handling
Polyurethane products,
like any other chemicals, must be treated with caution and using common sense at
all times. This includes the following:
-
Wear gloves to avoid
skin contact
Certain types of
urethanes will actually stain the skin if contact occurs. Being moisture
sensitive, these products will react with the moisture in the skin and the stain
will be hard to remove.
-
Do not breathe
vapours
Urethanes are moisture
sensitive. They will react with moisture in the lungs. Provide adequate
ventilation in the work area, especially if any of the components being used
require heating.
-
Skin contact
If skin contact occurs,
follow the recommendations on the MSDS since, depending on the formulation, the
recommended cleaning procedures may be different. If the recommended cleaning
procedure is not readily available and an accidental exposure occurs,
do not use solvents, use a waterless hand cleaner cream first and was
thoroughly with soap and water after.
-
Ventilation
Do not use any
chemicals, including polyurethanes in enclosed areas without ventilation.
The ventilation should be such that the fumes are drawn away from the operator.
Air should not be drawn across the face of the operator but rather away from the
face to eliminate breathing any fumes that may be present. This is very
important when using products that are heated for processing. Make certain that
the ventilation system provides positive air flow.
Although it is not a
frequent occurrence, some products require "personal breathing apparatus" to
be worn during use. Check with the supplier for specific recommendations.
-
Use a mask
A good organic or fresh
air mask is suitable but, since there are a variety of products on the market,
it is best to check with a safety supply house for a recommendation.
-
Protective clothing
Do not wear clothing
that stains easily. Remove any stained clothing to eliminate continued
skin contact. Wear gloves and aprons made from non-porous, synthetic, chemical
resistant materials.
-
Work area
Keep the work area clean
and uncluttered. This will prevent accidental spills. Keep tools clean.
It is best to clean tools shortly after use, before the residual material has a chance
to react with the moisture in the air.
-
Tools
It is best to use
stainless steel tools and containers if possible. Wooden stir sticks contain
moisture that can react with the urethane as well as soaking up the material
increasing the chance for skin contact.
Wooden stir sticks are
suitable if first sealed with an epoxy.
-
Machining the cured
product
Although solidified
(cured) epoxy and urethane products are inert and relatively harmless, traces of
residual components may be left on the surface. The finished parts may have to
be machined to remove flash or to trim the component to the proper size.
Machining or sanding finished parts will inevitably generate dust that
should not be inhaled. Provide ventilation, wear a suitable mask, gloves and
cover exposed skin to prevent contact with the dust.
-
Safety supplies
There are a large number
of safety supply businesses in Canada and the USA. It is best to make inquiries
to find the best products to use based on the urethane under consideration.
The above
are common sense precautions that should be followed not just with Urethane
compounds but with all chemical products. The focus should be to prevent any
chemical from entering the body either through inhalation or through the skin.
Remember
that "any chemical that is considered safe today may be declared dangerous
tomorrow".
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Disclaimer: The above information is general in nature and is based solely on experiences by Crosslink Technology Inc. The recommendations provided herein may not be applicable in all situations. They are provided to the recipient as part of our customer service and the user must determine the relevance of the information to his/her application, considering any limitations that may be applicable thereto. Crosslink
Technology Inc. does not accept any liability for direct or consequential damages resulting from the
implementations of these recommendations or the use of this information.
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