There are many formulations and varieties of epoxy appropriate for a wide range of purposes; almost all are strongly adhesive, electrically insulating, and heat resistant. When working with an industrial epoxy of any kind, you will need to take precautions. This presentation addresses some of the hazards and safety precautions of working with industrial epoxy resins. For more information on working with industrial epoxy, visit: http://www.csscorp.net

1. Epoxy Safety 101
www.CSSCorp.net
Properly Storing and Mixing
Industrial Epoxy Resins

2. There are many formulations and varieties of epoxy
appropriate for a wide range of purposes; almost all are
strongly adhesive, electrically insulating, and heat resistant.
When working with an industrial epoxy of any kind, you will
need to take precautions.
For additional information on industrial epoxies, visit:
http://www.csscorp.net/resources/epoxy-coatings-industrial/

3. Presentation Agenda
• Avoiding Epoxy Allergy
• Material Safety Data Sheets
• Epoxy Dust Exposure
• Safely Storing Epoxy
• No VOC Epoxies
• Definitions
• Resources
• About CSS

4. Avoiding Epoxy Allergy
Never let epoxy resin or
hardening agents touch your skin
or eyes, and avoid inhaling or
swallowing them at all cost.
While epoxy resin can be toxic, it
is the hardening agent that
typically poses the greatest
health risks.

5. Avoiding Epoxy Allergy
Epoxy allergy develops over
time, and your susceptibility
depends on a number of factors
including general health, length
of time exposed, and working
environment.
This dermatitis on the eyelids - a typical site for
dermatitis from airborne substances - was
caused by the vapor of an amine hardener used
in curing epoxy resins. ~ CDC.gov
Photo Credit: Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/occderm-slides/ocderm9.html

6. Avoiding Epoxy Allergy
• Keep a clean work-space with a
separate area for storing and working
with dangerous materials.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles and a
respirator mask when working with
industrial epoxy.
• Make sure your clothes cover your
arms and legs.
• Most important, wear VINYL (not latex)
gloves and tuck them into your shirt
sleeves.
• This outfit may be uncomfortable, but
it is the only way to work safely with
epoxy for years without developing an
allergy.

7. Avoiding Epoxy Allergy
Signs that you have become
“sensitized” to epoxy include:
o Respiratory Problems
o Rash
o Itching
Failing to take the proper
precautions when working with
epoxy can result in serious health
risks, including asthma.

8. Material Safety Data Sheets
There are many varieties of industrial
epoxy, and some are more toxic than
others, so be sure to read the Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and any
warning labels that came with your
product.
Most industrial epoxies actually consist of
an epoxy resin and a hardening agent. The
two components must be mixed
according to a set ratio (for example, two
parts epoxy resin to one part hardener)
before the product is used.
Follow instructions for the ratio carefully
and NEVER just “eyeball” it.

9. Material Safety Data Sheets
Once the hardener and epoxy
resin are mixed, the epoxy
begins to “cure.”
o Using extra hardener does NOT
cause the epoxy to “cure”
faster.
o Only mix the amount of epoxy
you need right then; epoxy
becomes unusable long before
it has completely cured.
o Industrial epoxies may become
very HOT while curing.

10. Epoxy Dust Exposure
One danger some people are not
aware of is epoxy dust, which is
produced by sanding a surface
coated with uncured (“green”)
epoxy.
Try to put off sanding until the
industrial epoxy has completely
cured, which can take as long as
a week.

11. Epoxy Dust Exposure
If waiting is impossible, wear
your respirator while sanding
and make sure you have
adequate ventilation.
Epoxy dust is one of the most
common and serious causes of
epoxy sensitivity.

12. Safely Storing Epoxy
Store unmixed epoxy resin in
tightly sealed containers in a dry
place that won't be exposed to
freezing temperatures.
Keep unused epoxy resin away
from children and pets and
consult your local laws before
disposing of empty containers.

13. Safely Storing Epoxy
Thoroughly clean all tools and all
exposed surfaces BEFORE
removing your protective gear.
• Scrub gloves well,
• Launder all the clothes you've
worn before wearing them
again, and
• Take a shower as soon as
possible.

14. No VOC Epoxies
When possible, opt to work with no
VOC, or solvent-free, polymer
coatings as an economical
alternative to coal-tar epoxies.
Hybrid no VOC epoxies are more
environmentally friendly and do
not require hazmat gear to apply.
For more information on no VOC
epoxies, visit:
www.csscorp.net/resources/everyones-guide-to-epoxy

15. Definitions
• Epoxy Resin: a thermosetting, synthetic
resin used chiefly in industrial coatings
and adhesives, such as epoxy floor
coatings and concrete repair products.
• Hardening Agent: an amine or amide
added to an epoxy resin to create a
chemical reaction known as curing.
• Curing: the resulting exothermic
reaction when a resin begins to harden
after being mixed with a hardening
agent.

16. Resources
• Construction Systems Supply “Learning Center for
Industrial Epoxy Coatings and Concrete Repair”
(2013)
• California Department of Public Health “Epoxy Resin
Systems” (1989)
• Mayo Clinic “Occupational asthma: Risk factors”
(2009)
• CSS Corp “Concrete Repair, Coal-Tar Epoxies, Epoxy
Floor Coatings” (2013)
• American Industrial Hygiene Association, "EPA Seeks
Comments on BPA Testing" (2011)
• Manufacturer Material Safety Data Sheets for specific
epoxies in use.

17. Construction Systems Supply was founded by owner Ron Riva over 30
years ago, based on this strong belief: Commercial and industrial
facilities can’t afford service interruptions – there needs to be a simple
way to protect equipment and minimize down time.
Ron Riva incorporated CSS in 1979 after a 20-year career in the
construction industry where he worked as a carpenter, superintendent,
technical sales representative, and onsite service rep for national and
international product lines in construction and engineering industries.
With this hands-on mechanical background, Ron understands technical
components and the relentless wear and tear that industrial equipment
endures.
For more information, visit: www.csscorp.net/about
About: CSS, Corp.