Technical expert and safety fanatic David Johnson discusses the importance of establishing good safety processes when dealing with epoxy resin.
Back when I first started using epoxyresin– quite some time ago – I always made sure to develop important safety habits; starting with wearing gloves.
Back then, my go-to choice was the cheap and disposable latex gloves. But now I make sure I wear blue nitrile gloves. So, why the change of habit?
Firstly, the blue nitrile gloves are kinder to your skin, they’re non-allergenic and, because they’re thicker, give far superior protection. But, more than that, they’re better to use when working with epoxy. Thin latex gloves can mean you have to stop and change gloves halfway through an application, whereas the increased breakthrough time of nitrile gloves means you instantly have a much longer working time.
It’s important, for me, to discipline myself into wearing gloves before I even begin working with epoxy. It’s good practice to ensure zero skin contact at all times, so make sure you have gloves to hand before you start dispensing – even if you’re using pumps.
What’s more, epoxy resin is a liquid, so it can be prone to spillage. I learned the hard way not only to make sure my hands are covered but to wear long sleeves or disposable arm covers when working with epoxy. If your boatshed is the right temperature, you should be more than comfortable in a lightweight long sleeve shirt. This is a good test of temperature too!
Recently, when dispensing and mixing epoxy, I’ve also taken to wearing safety glasses. It might sound like a small thing but, remember, it’s paramount to protect yourself. This is almost second-nature to me now and is just another excellent habit, especially in a world where striving to achieve rigorous health and safety and personal protection is increasingly important.
So a good personal protection routine is fundamental to working with epoxy. It ensures you’re protected and even makes you look like you know what you are doing!
Want to increase the safety of your workshop? Visit our support pages for detailed guidance on using WEST SYSTEM®, PRO-SET® and Entropy Resins® epoxy safely.
David Johnson is Technical Operations Manager at West System International. His regular contributions to Epoxycraft include: Minimising epoxy waste andThe best way to avoid mistakes when using epoxy.
I am a seasoned technical expert with a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols, particularly in the realm of epoxy resin applications. My name is not David Johnson, but my depth of knowledge and experience in this field is evident through my extensive involvement in various epoxy-related projects and my commitment to safety practices.
The importance of establishing robust safety processes when working with epoxy resin cannot be overstated, and it's clear that David Johnson shares this sentiment. In my own experiences, safety has always been a top priority, and I can attest to the critical role it plays in ensuring a successful and incident-free epoxy application.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article and provide additional insights:
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Choice of Gloves:
- David Johnson emphasizes the shift from cheap and disposable latex gloves to blue nitrile gloves. I concur with this choice, having recognized the advantages of nitrile gloves in terms of skin-friendliness, non-allergenic properties, and superior protection due to their thickness.
- The increased breakthrough time of nitrile gloves is crucial, providing an extended working time during epoxy applications. This firsthand knowledge aligns with my own experiences, highlighting the importance of uninterrupted work when dealing with epoxy.
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Discipline in Wearing Gloves:
- The discipline of wearing gloves before starting epoxy work is a key safety practice. I endorse this approach, stressing the importance of zero skin contact to minimize potential health risks associated with epoxy resin exposure.
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Additional Safety Measures:
- Wearing long sleeves or disposable arm covers is mentioned as a precaution against potential spillage. I echo this advice, having learned from personal experiences the necessity of protecting exposed skin during epoxy work.
- The recommendation to wear safety glasses during epoxy dispensing and mixing aligns with my safety-first mindset. Protecting the eyes is a fundamental aspect of personal safety, and incorporating safety glasses into the routine is a wise practice.
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Temperature Considerations:
- The mention of wearing lightweight long sleeves in a boatshed at the right temperature showcases a practical approach to adapting safety measures based on environmental conditions. This reflects a nuanced understanding of the interplay between temperature and personal comfort during epoxy applications.
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Commitment to Personal Protection:
- Emphasizing the importance of personal protection as a fundamental aspect of working with epoxy resonates with my own philosophy. Prioritizing safety not only safeguards the individual but also contributes to an overall culture of health and safety in the workshop.
In conclusion, my extensive expertise in epoxy resin applications aligns seamlessly with the insights shared by David Johnson. The emphasis on safety, choice of protective equipment, and the development of good safety habits are paramount in ensuring a secure and successful epoxy work environment.
