Hygiene Practices

A routine of washing must be established, before eating, drinking or smoking, before using the toilet, and after finishing work. The danger is that if good hygiene is not practiced then it is possible to inhale or ingest small amounts of chemical with a possible risk of cumulative effects.

Food and Drink must not be consumed in the work area. Smoking while working should not be permitted for several reasons including the transfer of contaminants from hand to mouth, and the effect of drawing gases and vapours through the burning tobacco which may increase the level of hazard, with the subsequent impairment of the lungs’ ability to deal with small particle contamination.

In warm work situations perspiration can be a problem. When the skin perspires the pores open and the moisture present on the skin surface can make the skin more sensitive. This is a potential problem particularly during sanding operations. Until a resin system is fully cured it retains most of the hazardous properties of the pre-mixed products.

Dusts that are produced should be controlled, possibly by extraction, and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, overalls, respiratory and eye protection should be worn. Wherever practical, wet sanding is preferable. If the sanding dust settles on the skin, or becomes trapped between the skin and PPE then irritation can occur.

Jewellery and watches should be removed before work commences, and frequent washing and showering is advisable.

It should be realised that if the temperature of the resin system is raised to reduce viscosity or shorten gel times then more volatiles and fumes may be released into the workplace than would be seen at normal temperatures.