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> I'm just getting started on a S&G, and I have this safety question:
> Does one's workshop need to be well-ventilated when working with epoxy?
> Does epoxy emit significant vapor, and does the vapor represent a safety
> concern? And if so, for what period of time? hours? days? weeks?
> I have scanned through the Sys3 manual a couple of times and only found
> one statement (which I don't have in front of me at this second),
> something about how its high vapor pressure keeps it from being a problem.
> Building in the basement instead of the (detached, unheated) garage would
> be a heck of a lot easier... :)
If you look on pages 45 & 48 of the Epoxy Book published by System III (the Material Safety Data Sheets) you will see a statement that normally no respiratory protection is needed when working with their standard resin or hardeners. I seem to remember they were more cautious when sanding, particularly green resin.
On a more cautious note, I was at the Glue Products store in West Palm Beach today ( ~5,000 SF of nothing but resin, glass, and tools). Talking with the sales staff they strongly recommended a respirator when working with any expoxy formulation, both when applying the product and when sanding. I was told that exposure is cumulative, and may not show up for years. These folks typically work with the boatbuilding trades, and are used to people laying up large hulls. There recommendations may be overkill for a hobbiest such as myself, but I left with a two cartridge respirator & the inclination to use it.
If you look in the historical posts section of this board you will see a 'for sale' advertisement from a Vt. woman who became epoxy sensitized and could not complete her boat. Work clean, work careful, and protect your lungs and eyes.
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Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
