Epoxy resins are increasingly in use in industry. They occur sometimes as a direct construction material, frequently for mould making or pouring, or as an adjunct to components. Sometimes it is simply used for repairs. Whatever the manufacturing application, concern over health and safety issues in its use is growing.
Contact dermatitis ranks as the most common occupational skin disease in many countries around the world, accounting for approximately 90-95% of all occupational skin diseases. Epoxy resins are known to be a major cause of occupational skin disease and put the user at a high risk of contact dermatitis. Most allergic contact dermatitis related to Epoxy resin is localized to the hands and forearms. Contaminated hands can also spread the allergen to previously unexposed sites.
In a 2003 study of occupational dermatitis, Epoxy resins were found to be the most important relevant allergen in painter groups, and the second most common relevant allergen in the construction industry. The three most commonly affected occupations were floor finishers, process workers and spray painters. Although the 2003 study focused on the construction industry, it may be inferred that other industrial exposure in manufacturing leaves workers equally prone to contact dermatitis.
The study showed that gloves were used by only 67% of workers handling epoxy resins in many occupations. Furthermore, it was claimed none of the gloves used gave the wearer adequate protection against epoxy resins. A chemical handling protection agency, in conjunction with an independent German laboratory, recently conducted glove permeation tests for protection against epoxy resins. The chemical resistance performance was measured on eight chemical gloves against five commonly used epoxy resins.
The results revealed that the Sol-Vex glove showed no signs of permeation after eight hours contact with the epoxy resin, making it suitable for this application. The disposable alternative, Touch ‘N Tuff did show some permeation after 45 minutes and is therefore recommended for splash protection only with regular changes. Gloves made of neoprene, natural rubber or vinyl were not recommended for protection against epoxies.
Article taken from Australian Manufacturing Technology Magazine – March 2005 issue
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