Composites Lab Safety

Guidelines to keep you safe while using the lab.

Composites Lab Safety Protocols

Fume Hazards

• Risk Factors: Many resins produce harmful fumes during curing. Mold release substances like PVA and processes like cutting/sanding can release dangerous particulates.

• Safety Measures:

  • Always wear a respirator when working with or near fumes or dust.

  • Ensure the room ventilation is on during any activity that produces fumes or particulates. (Switch above freezer)

  • No one should enter/be in the lab without proper respiratory protection once resin is mixed.

Sharp Objects

• Risk Factors: Sharp tools used to cut materials and thin edges of composites pose injury risks.

• Safety Measures:

  • Practice proper knife safety (cut away from your body, secure material being cut, take your time).

  • Wear appropriate gloves, especially thicker nitrile gloves when handling chopped fiber.

  • Use caution during demolding; sand or remove unwanted sharp edges.

Skin Irritants

• Risk Factors: Resins and small pieces of fibers can irritate or penetrate the skin.

• Safety Measures:

  • Wear proper gloves during every step (longer gloves may be needed).

  • Wear an apron to prevent irritants from contacting clothing.

  • Properly dispose of any leftover fibers or dust.

Eye Protection

• Risk Factors: Demolding, cutting, drilling, or sanding can cause bits of resin or fiber to fly towards eyes.

• Safety Measures:

  • Always wear eye protection.

  • Do not touch your face while working; remove gloves if necessary to do so.

  • Anyone not actively working should stand at a safe distance or wear eye protection as well.

Fire Safety

• Risk Factors: The curing oven, flammable materials, exothermic resin curing and torches present fire hazards.

• Safety Measures:

  • At least one person must be present while the oven is in use.

  • Verify material flammability and practice basic fire safety when using any torch or lighter.

  • Allow excess resin to cure before throwing away

Equipment and Parts Handling

• Risk Factors: Composites are fragile, and parts or tools can be damaged if mishandled.

• Safety Measures:

  • Do not leave parts near the edge of tables or shelves.

  • Store finished parts properly.

  • Keep electronics off the worktable when working with liquids or dust.

  • Respect the tools and PPE in the lab and report any damage to the lab supervisor.

General Lab Rules

• Attendance: All users must attend a safety meeting and officially sign up before using the lab.

• Supervision: A lead must be present whenever the lab is in use.

• Tool and PPE Policy: Do not remove any tools or PPE from the lab.

• Cleanliness: Leave the lab cleaner than you found it.

• Access: Do not share group codes; only leads should open the lock box.