Potential Hazards and Easy Precautions!

Given that some of our products can be pretty dangerous to use, we figured it was worth writing a post to help you understand the most safe way to work.

Don't misunderstand us: most fibreglass materials are perfectly safe to use - providing the potential hazards are recognised and reasonable precautions are adopted! Normally, you will have no problems if you follow these three basic rules:

1. DO NOT let any materials come into contact with the skin, eyes or mouth.
2. DO NOT inhale mists or vapours - always work in a well ventilated area.
3. DO NOT smoke or use naked flames in the working area.

Why? Well, have a read through the following explanations and see why you really want to follow the rules!

Skin and Eye Contact:

Many materials used in fibreglass work are corrosive, or have some undesirable affect on the skin. The best solution is to simply prevent any materials from coming into contact with the skin in any way. 

The good news is that it's an easy remedy: protective overalls or aprons, plastic gloves and barrier creams should be worn at all times. Catalyst (hardener) used for polyester resins is an organic peroxide (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide to be exact), and is particularly dangerous. Use the correct dispenser for measuring, and be especially careful when handling this substance. Take great care not to get it in the eyes or mouth. If catalyst is splashed in the eye, irrigate under running water for at least 15 minutes, whilst summoning medical aid.

Acetone and brush cleaner are powerful de-greasing solvents. If these come into contact with the skin, they can destroy the natural oils and may lead to a most unpleasant form of dermatitis. For this reason, brush cleaner should not be used for removing resin from the skin. Resin should be removed with an industrial resin hand cleaner such as Kleen-All paste, then thoroughly washed with soapy water. 

If polyurethane foam mix gets on the skin, it must be washed off IMMEDIATELY. Once hardened, PU foam is difficult to remove. The re-meltable, flexible moulding compounds also need particular care in handling. Their melting point is very high and, should the molten material come into contact with the skin, you could be severely burnt. 

None of these materials should ever be swallowed, nor should they be stored in lemonade bottles or other drinking containers.


Ventilation:

Many fibreglass products give off toxic fumes which can be harmful if inhaled in sufficiently large quantities. In normal DIY use, reasonable ventilation of the work area should be adequate. However, a dust mask or respirator should always be worn. Particular care should be taken when using polyurethane foam mixes. These produce iso-cyanate fumes during the initial reaction. If they are overcome by these fumes, the user should be removed to hospital. With most materials, an over-exposure to fumes will, in the first instance, result in nasal irritation and watering eyes, eventually followed by drowsiness and possible unconsciousness. The simplest remedy (and the one which should be used at the first sign of a reaction), is to remove the patient to fresh air. If they do not revive at once, summon medical aid. When machining finished items in cast resin or laminated fibreglass, the tiny particles of fibreglass or resin can be dangerous to the eyes and lungs. When filing, sawing or drilling - anything that creates a dust or other loose fibres - always wear goggles and a respirator/face mask.


Fire:

Many resins and associated products are either inflammable, or contain inflammable additives. 

Styrene (used as a thinner in resins), catalyst and acetone (brush cleaner) are particularly dangerous. 

Do not smoke or use naked lights, oil burners or similar heating devices in the working area. If a fire does start, there should be no attempt to put it out with water. Dry powder extinguishers can be used on accelerator, polyurethane foam, mould cleaner, acetone, resins and release agents. The only exception is catalyst, this MUST be extinguished with water. 

Fires can start if catalysed, uncured, resins are thrown away. The wasted resin will continue to cure and the heat generated by the curing process can ignite other waste materials. Leave unwanted resin in a safe place until it has cured. It can then be discarded without risk.

Spillages:

Generally speaking, small spillages of resins, etc. can be absorbed in sand or earth and thrown in the dustbin. Catalyst is an exception, this should not be mopped up, but instead diluted with large quantities of water. By far the safest procedure to is to take every possible precaution against any spillages happening in the first place.

So there you have it! Our general tips for staying safe and getting the most out of our products with no ill effects. We stock all the protective equipment you need, follow the links to order!