Questions and answers in the adhesives sealants industry.
Question: We often use epoxy putties in our marina to make various repairs, but some of our workers are concerned over potential hazards associated with handling these putties as they knead them together to a uniform color as indicated on the instructions. There is also a concern over the odor some workers have noticed. What can I do to assure I properly protect my employees from any potential hazards associated with such materials? I really don’t want to discontinue their use, as we’ve been really happy with the results.
Answer: These epoxy putties have been on the market for many years. However, you are correct in wanting to protect the health and safety of yourself and your employees. As a first step, you should make sure you have up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on these and any other chemical products you use in your operation. These can be easily obtained directly from the manufacturer or supplier, and can be mailed or faxed directly to you. There is likely a contact on the packaging materials.