The processing of epoxy systems can be made safer by following a few simple measures.
1. Cleaning of the tools
2. Waste disposal
3. Accidental release and spills
4. Preventing release to the environment
1. CLEANING OF THE TOOLS
For one´s own safety and for the safety of your colleagues, tools especially their handles, must be cleaned after use. You can clean the tools by scraping off residual material and/or using cleaning detergents recommended by the manufacturer. Please note, that detergents for cleaning the tools must never be used on the skin. If possible use single use tools.
2. WASTE DISPOSAL
- Do not dispose of uncured epoxy resins.
- If it is unavoidable, dispose of it in compliance with your country’s local laws. Please consult your product safety data sheet for more specific disposal information.
- Cured epoxy resins can usually be disposed of as normal building waste but always seek expert advice to ensure compliance with local regulations.
- Single-use containers should be emptied and disposed of properly, bearing in mind that they may still contain residue.
- Used cleaning agents should be disposed in compliance with your country’s local laws. Please consult your product safety data sheet for more specific disposal information.
3. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE AND SPILLS
- The personnel managing the spill should be trained in spill handling and disposal techniques.
- Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment to protect yourself from contact burns and accidental inhalation of vapours. Please refer to the Before Use and PPE sections in the app for more information on suitable protective gear and safety measures.
- Avoid using hazardous solvents such as methylene chloride, acetone, or aromatic solvents to clean up the spill.
- The residue on the floor or the dock should be cleaned with steam or hot soapy water as a last step.
- Epoxy resins should be prevented from entering waterways like sewers, drains, rivers, streams, or lakes. If spilled material accidentally enters a water body, notify local authorities at once.
- Shut off leaks and all potential sources of ignition.
- Avoid epoxy systems penetrating soil
For small spills (less than 20 litres)
In the event of a small spill of liquid epoxy resin or epoxy resin solution, apply an absorbent material or a high surface-area material such as sand to the spill and then shovel the mass into a suitable container.
For large spills (over 200 litres)
- Immediately evacuate and cordon off the spill area.
- Contain the spill with a dike and collect the excess resin in suitable containers for final disposal.
- In case of hot resin spills take extreme care to avoid thermal burns.
4. PREVENTING RELEASE TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Prevent uncontrolled disposal of uncured resins. Liquid epoxy resins and some reactive diluents are not readily biodegradable. Epoxy resins have the potential to bioaccumulate and are moderately toxic to aquatic organisms.
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