How to use epoxy safely? Safe use of epoxy

In recent years, epoxy has really taken over the hobby world, and a lot of cool stuff is being made around homes, garages and sheds. This has led to many new users joining the hobby, and unfortunately, it has led to the emergence of many unscrupulous players. Many epoxy brands and distributors market themselves and their products as both environmentally friendly and harmless, but it is important to know that epoxy is still a chemical that should be treated with great respect and care. Even though it looks great and safe on video, and that it is stable in the hardened state, precautions must be taken when working with it. Videos showing the use of epoxy often neglect important safety considerations that must be taken to be able to work safely with this rewarding hobby. We therefore see a need to emphasize some safety concerns and increase awareness among new users.

Epoxy Basics

Epoxy is a two-component system consisting of an A component, often called a resin or base, and a B component, called a hardener. There is a difference in how the A and B components react and the hazards associated with them. They are liquids, and when mixed together, a chemical reaction starts that causes the liquid components to begin to gel before eventually solidifying and ending up as a hard plastic. This reaction can release vapor or gas from the components. The epoxies sold to private individuals are largely the same ingredients as those used by professionals in the industry, and must therefore be treated accordingly. However, it is completely safe if you follow the instructions presented in the safety data sheet, and most epoxies are completely stable and safe for use in the hardened state.

Beware of misleading marketing

There is no epoxy that is completely harmless, although there are differences, for example in how harmful they are, how much they off-gas and how quickly. They are in practice chemicals that are made for industrial use that have been repackaged for use by private individuals, even if they look more enticing and chewy, this does not necessarily mean that these are less dangerous, so you need to know how to use them safely.

Simple safety tips: Storbua's Epoxy Safety Rules

Below are some simple rules for the safe use of epoxy that will serve you well no matter which product you use, but as mentioned, always check the safety data sheet as there may be additional requirements or recommendations related to the product you are using.

1. Keep in a ventilated room where the air is changed frequently or has an exhaust fan, and where any spills can be controlled and unauthorized persons cannot come into contact with the product or product residues.
2. If the work area is not adequately ventilated, wear a mask with an organic filter to be safe.
3. Protect all parts of the body from contact with resin and hardener (skin, hair, eyes, etc.)
4. After completion work, wash the surfaces that have been touched, including the cured product. Feel free to use acetone or alcohol to remove any uncured epoxy. Wet wipes can also be useful for wiping surfaces.
5. Always wear a mask when sanding and other processing.

If you follow these 5 rules, most of the work is done, and you can use most epoxy systems safely! Happy casting!

Quick guide to safety data sheets

Here we will quickly go through symbols and terminology that will allow you to quickly uncover what is most important according to the safety data sheet for your product. Remember that epoxies consist of A and B components and you must read both data sheets.

Familiarize yourself with which of the hazard warning symbols (hazard pictograms) apply.

Below you will find symbols (pictograms) used in data sheets and what they mean. Look for these in the safety data sheets (usually section 2) for the products you will be using. These quickly show which hazards apply and how you should handle the product. If it is unclear, read the details in the same section.

Recommended personal protective equipment

Protective equipment symbols

The symbols below indicate recommended protective equipment, respectively a mask to protect the respiratory tract, gloves to protect the skin, and goggles to protect the eyes from splashes. Please see further details about this in section 8 of the safety data sheet.

A mask is often recommended where you do not have adequate ventilation or extraction. Check the data sheet for the epoxy you are going to use. If in doubt, it is never a bad idea to wear a mask.

How to read safety data sheets

Data sheets contain a lot of technical information, obviousness and repetition that can make them difficult to navigate without some training or guidance. This makes them difficult to read, but it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the content even if you do not need to study and understand every letter and every number. Therefore, see the tips below on how to quickly get an overview of what the different parts tell us.

The way the information is presented varies somewhat, so you may have to adapt somewhat, but it is usually divided into the following sections, where the highlighted sections are particularly important for you when using the epoxy safely, but also note the other sections as it is your responsibility as the owner and user of the product.

1. Product and supplier information
• Which product does it apply to and who manufactures/supplies it?
2. Hazard information
• Here you will find the most important hazard information that applies to the product, such as whether it is corrosive, irritating, dangerous to aquatic life, and so on.
3. Composition/ingredients
• The various substances that the product consists of and specific technical terms associated with these, including hazard classification.
4. First aid information
• Useful information on how to prepare to handle unwanted situations, such as spills, skin contact, eye contact, etc. Read and understand this, and take necessary precautions to avoid these situations and be ready to take action if they occur.
5. Firefighting measures
• Information about flammability, extinguishing agents and special hazards related to fire.
6. Accidental release measures
• Personal precautions, environmental considerations and cleaning methods
7. Handling and storage
8. Recommended protective equipment and exposure control tips
• Here you will find essential information for safe use of the product.
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information and toxicity
13. Waste information
14. Transport information
15. Regulations (EU legislation, etc.)
16. Other information
• Here you will often find definitions of terms used elsewhere in the document

If you have trouble understanding what applies, please contact us!

Read more here (English)

Please watch these videos about the dangers of not working safely with epoxy, and tips and tricks to avoid the dangers.