GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

              
PREVENTION OF EXPOSURE
By preventing contact and exposure to hazardous materials it is possible to control and minimise the risks to health. This should be done in a structured manner through the use of engineering controls (such as enclosure of the process), ventilation, training, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
              

ENCLOSURE
In an ideal situation all work using hazardous products would be carried out in an enclosed environment with the operator isolated from the chemical. However, practically, this is difficult to achieve, particularly with the materials used in the manufacture of composite components. This being the case more reliance must be placed on ventilation and PPE.

Although certain products particularly curing agents are more hazardous than others, it is recommended that processes be developed to protect personnel against the hazards to health and safety associated with any of the products. Ideally materials should be used in an enclosed system. If this is not achievable, the following recommendations can be helpful in preventing health effects:
            

• Avoid skin and eye contact
• Avoid ingestion
• Avoid breathing dusts, mists or vapours
• Avoid working in dusty environments
• It is possible that resins can penetrate clothing and shoes. If this occurs, do not wear or reuse contaminated articles until they have been completely cleaned
• Ensure that operators maintain high standards of person cleanliness and of their work area. This is a vital requirement.
• Personnel should wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly before eating, smoking, drinking or using toilet facilities
• Train all operators on the risks and hazards of epoxies
• Ensure that only trained operators are allowed access to epoxy work areas and separate these from other work areas to control the potential for exposure
• Prevent smoking, eating or drinking in the epoxy work area
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area
• Ensure that all containers are labelled correctly
• Ensure that correct disposal procedures are followed