Do I need protective equipment when working with Epoxy Resin?
The very short answer – Yes!
When working with epoxy resin, it is generally recommended to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure your safety.
SAFETY TIP: ALWAYS make sure you follow the safety instructions for your brand of resin. Every brand will vary.
But it says no VOC’s or smells!
Epoxy resin regardless of brand, still contains chemicals. You can get brands like this HXDZFX Epoxy Resin from Amazon, that contain no VOC’s and are ‘non toxic’. This is a great start but it is still possible to react to resin, even if it is not toxic.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is highly recommended especially if you are working in a space with poor or no ventilation.
What is resin PPE?
Gloves:
Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with the resin. Nitrile gloves are often recommended because they provide good chemical resistance.
If you do get resin on your skin, you can use acetone nail varnish remover and cotton wool to lightly remove it. Make sure you wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well after too.
Safety Tip: If there are any signs of reaction when using resin, ALWYAS seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Eye Protection:
Use safety goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from splashes or accidental contact with epoxy resin. Always take care when pouring and avoid pouring from heights to reduce the possibility of splashing.
Respirator:
Depending on the type of epoxy resin and the ventilation conditions in your workspace, you may need to use a respirator to prevent inhalation of fumes. Some epoxy resins emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful when inhaled. We recommend this respirator that has changeable filters. A simple face covering will not provide the same amount of protection as they are not designed to filter out chemical particles or smells relating to chemical compounds.
Always ensure you work in a well ventilated space.
Protective Clothing:
Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from contact with the resin. Additionally, consider wearing a lab coat or other protective clothing to minimize skin exposure.
It’s a good idea to remove any jewellery and not have expensive belongings near your work area as resin will stick and cure to almost everything.
Ventilation:
Work in a well-ventilated area or work with an open window to reduce the concentration of fumes in the air. Epoxy resin should not be used around children or animals due to the risks. Take regular breaks away from your workspace when working with resin.
Protection for your surfaces:
Don’t forget that epoxy resin will stick to most surfaces! You’ll need to cover all areas that you are using when working with resin and make sure you remove any valuables from the area. We use cling film / saran wrap to cover everything including our scales.
Silicone work mats are also great as they can be washed and reused. Just make sure you use one that is heat resistant especially if you are using a heat torch.
Top Tips
It’s crucial to read and follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations and instructions for the specific epoxy resin you are using. Some resins may have additional safety precautions or specific PPE requirements. Additionally, be aware of any potential allergic reactions or sensitivities you may have to the chemicals in epoxy resin, and take appropriate precautions.
If you experience an allergic reaction or epoxy comes in to contact with your eyes, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Remember that proper handling and disposal of epoxy resin and related materials are essential for both your safety and the protection of the environment.
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