SCOPE

To establish a uniform and enforceable policy of safe practices in the handling of epoxy resin compounds.

USES

Epoxies are commonly used to coat surfaces, bond pieces together or fill cavities.  They usually consist of a resin and hardener which are mixed together.  Depending upon the specific compounds, the epoxy may be self-curing or it may require baking to initiate or accelerate curing.

HAZARDS

The hazards of handling epoxies are:

• Inhalation of the vapors given off during curing, and
• Skin contact with the raw materials and the uncured mixture

In both cases, the most common problem is allergic sensitization, which means that the worker may become allergic to the epoxy if he/she receives a severe exposure, even if it only occurs once.

Severe exposure is to be avoided. Once it occurs, the worker will exhibit symptoms of a respiratory or skin allergy with the least exposure to epoxy resin vapors, and will probably have to be removed to an area completely away from the exposure area.

PROTECTION

Epoxies can be safely handled if certain physical facilities are present and the proper materials are used.

1. Mixing and handling of the uncured epoxy should be done under local exhaust ventilation.  This means that a small hood should be used for mixing quantities greater than a couple of ounces because of the vapors that are evolved.
2. The epoxy should be kept under ventilation until it is cured.  Curing ovens should be vented, and epoxies which are cured should be kept under an exhaust hood or in a ventilation booth until they have hardened.
3. All utensils and containers used to mix or pour epoxies should be disposable properly.  Epoxies should be mixed in paper or plastic cups (not styrofoam) and plastic or wooden utensils should be used to mix, scoop and smooth the uncured epoxy.  Work surfaces such as benches and table tops should be covered with paper.  At the end of each workshift, or as each batch is processed, fresh utensils, containers, and bench covers should be used, and the old ones disposed of so that no other employees will contact them.  If there are any questions concerning proper disposal of unused materials, containers and utensils, contact your Environmental Department for proper method of disposal.
4. If skin contact still occurs, disposable gloves and protective skin creams should be used.  All spills on the skin should be wiped off immediately and the affected area washed thoroughly.
5. Spills of epoxy resins or hardeners should be cleaned up immediately.  Personal protective clothing should be worn to prevent skin contact, and if a large enough quantity is spilled to generate strong vapors, respiratory protection should be worn.
6. Sanding, grinding and other “dusty” finishing of the cured resin should be done under local exhaust ventilation.  This dust has the potential for causing respiratory problems, although it is not known to be common.