Step 4 of 5•7 minutes read
Onboard Safety Measures
A safety meeting with the heads of departments
Before any work with epoxy components, local handling and safety instructions based on risk assessment must be issued, as well as communicated to those who will carry out the work. The instructions shall be adapted to the actual handling operations at the workplace. If necessary the instructions shall be in writing and available at the workplace.
Example of Subjects Covered in Local Instructions
Basic Information
What work are the instructions referring to, who has issued them and the date of the warrant? Work preparations can be:
- Deciding on where the work is to be done (e.g. respect to risk of inhalation or other hazards or dangers).
- Issuing warning signs and cordons.
- Control of equipment and apparatus.
- The stationing of safety equipment and spillage decontamination agents.
Step-by-Step Job Description
- The quantities of different chemicals to be added, the order in which they are to be added and the dosage equipment to be used.
- Measures to be taken to reduce risks occurring (e.g. the use of extraction devices and fume cupboards).
- Personal equipment to be used at the different stages.
At the End of the Work
- How to dispose of waste.
- Decontamination and cleaning.
- Whether or how to clean skin or the personal protective equipment (PPE) used.
In the Event of an Accident or Incident (e.g. A Violent Reaction, Fire, Spillage or Gas Escape)
- Measures which should be taken by the employees.
- How to send for help.
- First aid may be needed.
- Which persons to inform of the occurrence?
Routines and Responsibilities
Safe handling requires work not only to have been properly planned and arranged but also to be conducted in accordance with the instructions given. The Work Environment Act makes it the employee's duty to comply with provisions issued and use the protective devices and observe such caution in other respects as is needed for the prevention of ill health and accidents.
Emergency Routines
Routines shall be in place to protect workers in the event of accidents, incidents or emergencies related to the occurrence of hazardous chemical substances. Safety drills shall be performed in order for the routines to be complied with if an accident, incident or emergency occurs. In the event of a person being injured or otherwise affected, suitable contingency arrangements and routines for first-aid should be at hand and be well rehearsed.
Routines for Chemical Control
Where hazardous chemical substances are handled or formed, routines shall exist whereby:
- Suitable working methods are used.
- Equipment is maintained.
- The premises are cleaned.
- Good order is maintained.
These routines are in addition to keeping an inventory and keep
proper MSDS documents and documentation of risk assessments.
By using suitable protection wear many accidents due to chemicals could be avoided.
Mixing of Two Part Epoxy Paint
Mixing shall be done in a well-ventilated mixing space. The mixing space and equipment shall be easy to clean. It is recommended to protect the floor, workbench or other areas where mixing takes place with a stout preservative coating. Such coating can easily be replaced in the event of spillage or contamination. The preservative layer may need to be replaced at least once every day. It is important to take corresponding precautions if work is mobile and a permanent mixing position cannot be used.
Routes of Exposure and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
The result of your risk assessment will tell you when and what PPE to wear when handling epoxy paints. Exposure can take place through:
- Skin contact.
- Eye contact.
- Inhalation – into the mouth, nose, throat and lungs.
- Ingestion – swallowing chemicals.
When handling thermosetting plastic components it is appropriate to wear protective clothing, including overalls, aprons, gloves, sleeve guards, shoe covers and protective headgear. Protective clothing should be either disposable or easy to clean. Pockets on protective clothing is not recommended. When work is over and the protective clothing has been removed, it should be put into a bag for hazardous waste or immediately cleaned. In MSDS documentation you should be able to find what type of protective equipment, including gloves, to use. Thin disposable gloves can be worn over the stouter gloves, as an extra safeguard against contamination.
Manual spraying and other operations can compose a risk of exposing skin and eyes to hazardous substances. These are situations where special whole-body safety clothing and protective goggles, or a visor, are needed. It is vital for persons wearing contact lenses to use protective goggles or a visor, this since certain contact lenses can be damaged or distorted by spray mist or spatter, from both thermosetting plastic components and organic solvents. Inhalation, or other exposure to mouth, nose, throat and lungs should be avoided by use of proper PPE. If using or handling a thermosetting plastic such as epoxy paint in a confined space, an air fed mask shall be used. Such masks are sometimes referred to as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or breathing apparatus (BA), but air supply be provided by hose or otherwise. When handling and using i.e. epoxy paint in a well-ventilated area, a filter mask may be sufficient. Note that a filter mask is dependent on use of correct filter, contact your supplier or refer to documentation.
Inhalation, or other exposure to mouth, nose, throat and lungs should be avoided by use of proper PPE. If using or handling epoxy paint in a confined space, an air fed mask shall be used. Such masks are sometimes referred to as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or breathing apparatus (BA).
