The Safety Series - Personal Protective Equipment

Hi everyone!

I hope you've given some thought to the topics discussed in the previous posts. Today I'm going to discuss the safety equipment you'll need. This is just an overview and is not meant to be a complete account of all the information that is required. You must still do your own research of the subject.

Before you start your journey into the colourful world of resin, you will need:

1. A Respirator

A respirator with organic vapour filters must always be used from the minute you open your bottles to measure the components, up until you're ready to leave the room. A regular cloth mask or even an N95 mask will not filter the toxins out. 

Don't do this.

You can find respirators locally at many hardware stores, or online on stores such as Amazon. They come in different sizes and are available as full face respirators or half face respirators. I personally prefer the 3M brand as it tends to be reliable and replacement filters are fairly easy to find. 

Half face respirators are cheaper and less bulky than full face ones but you'll need to get a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. Non-vented goggles are ideal. If your goggles have vents, you'll have to find a way to seal them so the fumes don't get in. Full face respirators are more expensive but they protect your eyes and the skin around them. If you wear glasses, make sure the respirator can accommodate them.

When you choose the respirator that's right for you, spend some time reading the instructions so you know how to use it correctly. Improperly worn PPE is almost as bad as none at all. 

The type of cartridges you use is important as there are different filters for different purposes. An organic vapour filter is required for using epoxy resin. If you're planning to do any sanding or drilling, you should look into getting particulate filters as well. You do not want to be inhaling resin dust. Note that mica (a commonly used pigment) and many other fine powders should not be inhaled either. 

Filters don't last forever. The instruction leaflet will give you an idea of how long you can use them for before they need to be replaced. You can prolong the useful life of your cartridges by removing them after use and storing them in an airtight bag. Be sure to check the expiry date on the package and get the store to exchange it if it's expired when you buy it. 

2. Gloves

Gloves must always be used when handling resin. You should also wear them when removing your creations from their moulds just in case the resin isn't fully cured yet. Gloves are available at many pharmacies and you may be able to buy them by the box to save money overall. Try your best to find them in your size to avoid messy mistakes. 

Nitrile gloves are safer for this hobby than latex, and are less prone to ripping. Latex should also be avoided if you're making items to be sold as some people are allergic to latex and may be triggered by items that have come into contact with it. 

3. Protective Clothing

You should wear clothes that cover your skin sufficiently when working with resin. The MSDS will tell you what type of material your protective clothing should be made out of. You should set aside your "resin outfit" when you've finished pouring. Wear light clothing under your protective clothing to avoid displaying more than you'd like to. Don't carry your resin clothes into your living area unless they're in a sealed carrier/bag and don't go around doing your daily chores in them. 

What not to do

Ideally you should leave your contaminated clothes in your work room until they can be washed and you should have a shower right after you've finished working. If your hair was uncovered, you should wash it as well.

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We're nearing the end of the safety series. In fact, we have only one more safety post to go before we move on to our next topic. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and sending encouraging messages so far! 

Love and meows,
Alistina Studio <3

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