HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

LABORATORY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

PROCESS: Use of epoxy glues for bonding.

HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS/CLASS OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS:

Some decompostion components liberated during a fire may be considered particularly hazardous, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrides of nitrogen.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

Wear protective gloves and splash protection for the eyes. Wear a lab coat.

ENGINEERING/VENTILATION CONTROLS:

Use only in well ventilated area.

SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid breathing vapors. Keep container closed when not in use. Remove all contaminated clothing immediately and wash. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Solvents should not be used to clean skin because of increased penetration potential - protective skin oils can be dissolved by solvents.

SPILL AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES:

Eliminate ignition sources. Use eye and skin protection. Place leaking containers in well ventilated area. Absorb spillage with inert material and dispose.

In case of eye contact, flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately.

In case of skin contact, clean with soap and water. do not use solvents. Remove contaminated clothing.

In case of ingestion get medical attention immediately.

WASTE DISPOSAL:

Use proper hazardous waste disposal methods (call EH&S for assistance)

FOR PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES:

The epoxy glues we use are not particularly hazardous unless they decompose in a fire. In case of a fire leave the area and call 911. Post all doors leading to the area to prevent re-entry. Read the individual Material Safety Data Sheets for the products before using.

All epoxy glues are severe eye irritants.

Epoxy hardeners are generally more hazardous than the resins. Particular care should be taken in handling hardeners to avoid eye and skin contact.

Mixing and application procedures:

1.Prior to beginning the operation, read the Material Safety Data Sheet for the product and become familiar with the hazards of the material.

2.Whenever containers from which curing agents will be dispensed have a capacity greater than 1000 milliliters, employees shall not work alone and shall ensure that there are other employees in the vicinity of the operation who could help in the event of an emergency.

3.Ensure that there are adequate paper towels or other absorbant materials nearby in the event that uncured resins or curing agents are spilled.

4.Ensure that an eyewash is located nearby to flush the eyes in the event of eye contact. If there is not an eyewash nearby, another employee who can escort the affected employee to an eyewash shall remain in the vicinity of the epoxy operation.

5.Place a protective sheet of paper on the table, counter, or cart where the resin is to be mixed.

6.Wear glasses or protective goggles.

7.Wear protective gloves.

8.Assemble any mixing devices or other equipment prior to mixing the epoxy.

9.Weigh out the correct amount of resin and curing agent into a disposable container(s) according to the manufacturer's directions and immediately replace the caps on the containers.

10.Do not leave tools, stirrers, spatulas, etc., which have been contaminated with uncured epoxies and curing agents, in areas where other people may pick them up or otherwise come into contact with them.

11.Container and supplies contaminated with uncured epoxies and curing agents should be separated from other work areas. A sign indicating an epoxy work area should be displayed.

12.Store excess material in a laboratory fume hood or at a designated location within an adequately ventilated area and allow to harden. Uncured epoxy materials should be stored in a designated location, or a sign indicating the presence of uncured epoxies should be displayed. When the material is completely cured, it may be placed in the trash for disposal.

13.Cleaning of tools using small amounts of solvents such as acetone, dispensed from a 500 ml squeeze bottle, may be required. Any tools or brushes which must be cleaned by soaking or which would require dispensing of solvents from any containers other than a 500 ml squeeze bottle must be performed inside a laboratory fume hood.