Something that we will always emphasize and never consider an overstatement is how important it is to be safe when working with epoxy resin. Today, we’re going to discuss essential things to be mindful of during your epoxy resin crafting adventures. You should always be aware of any safety instructions available with your resin products prior to use as well.
Be Aware of You
Sensitivity
At the end of the day, epoxy resin is a chemical. Among many things, this means that it contains components that you may be sensitive to or react to if you come into contact with them. Everyone has allergies, and it’s just as important to be aware of them when working with resin as it is when, say, you’re picking a restaurant to have lunch at or the kind of jewelry you want to wear.
Now, if you’re unaware of any sensitivities you may have with regards to epoxy resin, they might be something you discover during the process of using it. Alternatively, you can speak with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have. Either way, it’s essential to be mindful those possible allergies, to follow all the safety tips we have for you in this blog, and to follow all the instructions printed on our products’ labels.
Keep in mind that sensitivities can be preexisting or can develop over time.
Aptitude
In addition to being aware of your own sensitivities, it’s crucial that you can do what needs to be done to be safe. This ranges from carefully reading over the instructions and warnings provided with our epoxy to being able to measure out the portions of the product correctly. If the components are measured incorrectly, your final product’s cure is affected, which means it will not be as safe.
Personal Protective Equipment (or PPE)
When it comes to keeping yourself protected around epoxy resin, there are a few pieces of equipment that are absolute must-haves. These include safety glasses, gloves, clothing that covers your skin, and a respirator. We’ll talk about each of these items in more detail below.
Safety Glasses
Protect your eyes from epoxy resin by always wearing safety glasses while working with it. In the event that you stir your epoxy resin too quickly and cause some to splash out of your container, you’re going to be grateful to have something keeping your eyes safe.
Gloves
Avoiding contact between your skin and epoxy resin is always the best practice, which is why gloves are a must. While creating with resin, your hands are constantly going to be in close proximity to the material, so it’s important to keep them safe. We also recommend using disposable gloves to keep the resin from seeping through the glove material and ultimately coming into contact with your skin.
Clothing that Covers
Again, it’s all about minimizing the contact that the epoxy resin has with your skin. Cover as much of your body as you can and make sure you still remain comfortable. It’s great practice, for example, to wear close-toed shoes while working with resin.
Respirator
Wear a respirator to avoid inhaling particles and organic vapors. This is especially true in less ventilated work environments and when you’re doing any sanding that involves resin.
Work Environment
There are several things to consider when you’re setting up a work environment for an epoxy resin projects. Be aware of how much space you have to work with, how much ventilation the room allows, and how much air flow can occur. Depending on what your workspace looks like, it might be a good idea to wear certain PPE more frequently. We recommend not letting animals into your workspace either.
As far as knowing what PPE to wear in your particular workspace, it never hurts to be extra safe! In areas that are less ventilated or smaller, it’s best to go the respirator route. You should always wear gloves and safety glasses as well.
The ideal workspace is a larger area, with high airflow, that’s well-ventilated. However, if you’re in a small space with little to no ventilation or airflow, this isn’t ideal and will probably require respiration-wear constantly. When we speak about ventilation, we’re referring to ways that you can make the room you’re in like less of a container. Having windows and garage doors to keep open will help improve the ventilation in the space.
Talk to Us at ProMarine Supplies
If you have any questions related to safety practices around epoxy resin, don’t hesitate to ask! You can take a look at frequently asked questions from our customers or contact us through our website.
If there’s another topic related to epoxy resin that you’d like us to discuss, send us a message! We’re happy to discuss anything you may have questions about.
Until next time, happy crafting, and stay safe!
As an enthusiast and expert in epoxy resin crafting, I've accumulated extensive hands-on experience in working with epoxy resin, understanding its chemical composition, and prioritizing safety in every crafting endeavor. My expertise stems from numerous successful projects, a deep knowledge of resin properties, and a commitment to promoting safe practices within the crafting community.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article about essential safety precautions when working with epoxy resin:
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Chemical Sensitivity:
- Epoxy resin is a chemical substance with components that individuals may be sensitive to or react with upon contact.
- Emphasizes the importance of being aware of personal allergies and consulting with a doctor if unsure.
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Aptitude and Accuracy:
- Stress on the significance of correctly measuring and following instructions for the epoxy components.
- Incorrect measurements can adversely affect the curing process, compromising the safety of the final product.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Safety Glasses:
- Necessary to protect the eyes from potential splashes during resin manipulation.
- Gloves:
- Essential for preventing skin contact with epoxy resin.
- Recommends disposable gloves to avoid resin seepage.
- Clothing that Covers:
- Advocates for clothing that minimizes skin exposure to resin, including closed-toed shoes for foot protection.
- Respirator:
- Advises wearing a respirator to prevent inhaling particles and organic vapors, especially in less ventilated environments or during resin sanding.
- Safety Glasses:
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Work Environment:
- Space and Ventilation:
- Highlights the importance of considering workspace size, ventilation, and airflow.
- Suggests that the choice of PPE may vary based on the workspace conditions.
- Animal Exclusion:
- Recommends keeping animals out of the workspace.
- Ideal Workspace:
- Idealizes a larger, well-ventilated workspace with high airflow for optimal safety.
- Acknowledges that in smaller, less ventilated spaces, constant respirator use may be necessary.
- Space and Ventilation:
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ProMarine Supplies Assistance:
- Encourages reaching out with any safety-related questions.
- Promotes customer engagement through FAQs and direct contact via their website.
- Expresses willingness to discuss any epoxy resin-related topics based on user inquiries.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and providing valuable insights into the proper use of personal protective equipment and the creation of an ideal work environment for epoxy resin projects.
