Epoxy

Table of Contents

Instruction

  1. Consultation:
    • Everyone must consult with Fabrication Lab Staff in advance, prior to any use.
    • Faculty instructor, advisor, or principal investigator must acknowledge material risk before use.
  2. Preparation:
    • Read the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Wear the required PPE.
    • Set up in a controlled-access, well-ventilated area identified by Lab Staff.
    • Ensure surface protection and cover surrounding areas.
    • Ensure surfaces to be bonded are clean and dry.
    • Roughen smooth surfaces for better adhesion.
  3. Mixing:
    • Dispense equal parts of resin and hardener onto a clean, disposable surface.
    • Mix thoroughly for the time specified by the manufacturer (usually 1-2 minutes).
  4. Application:
    • Apply the mixed epoxy to one surface.
    • Press the surfaces together firmly.
  5. Bonding
    • Use clamps or weights to hold the pieces in place while the epoxy cures.
  6. Curing:
    • Label the work
    • Allow the epoxy to cure fully, following the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 24 hours).
  7. Finishing:
    • Display a completed “Hazardous Materials Storage Form” at areas where the project will be stored.
    • Clean your tools and work area of your mixture immediately.
    • Dispose of contaminated materials and uncured resin as Hazardous Waste with assistance from Lab Staff.
    • Allow unused mixed resin to harden before disposal as trash.
    • Store unused leftover materials with Lab Staff.

Product List

  • West System Epoxy
  • Loctite Epoxy
  • Gorilla Epoxy

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Eye Protection: Safety Goggles or Face Shield
  • Hand Protection: Nitrile Gloves
  • Body Coverings: Disposable long sleeves, sufficient clothing to provide full coverage of skin on arms.

Engineering Controls

  • Must be used within an area supplied with exhaust ventilation and with proper process controls to limit accidental exposure and spillage onto the surrounding areas
  • Eyewash stations and chemical showers must be available in the vicinity when using this product. The Project Room, L31, has both

Emergency Response

  • Skin Contact: Remove and dispose of contaminated clothing. Wash all affected areas thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
  • Eye Contact: Flush with water in eyewash for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
  • Ingestion: Rinse Mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

  • Store materials in the original container in a dark and cool location. The corrosives cabinet is located within L34 and is accessible with the assistance of Lab Staff.
  • Containers must be securely closed with outer surfaces clean of any uncured substance.

Disposal

  • Make every effort to use all mixed resin (measure, dispense, and mix only the needed volume to avoid generating excess waste).
  • Any uncured mixture should be allowed to fully cure to a solid state before disposing as waste.
  • Dispose of process materials in the same manner.
  • Do not pour uncured substances down the drain or allow them to enter the sewer line, waterway, or watershed.
  • Any uncured liquid waste must be disposed of as a hazardous waste, including contaminated process materials.
  • A labeled, designated waste container and satellite accumulation area must be established, and coordination with an environmental waste company must be made for pick-up.

Other Notes

  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
  • A person with a history of skin sensitization, asthma, or respiratory disease should not use this product.
  • Never use near an open flame or possible ignition source. The decomposition products from burning these materials are extremely toxic and irritating.
  • Always consult the SDS for the manufacturer’s recommendations before use.