Overview Safe Handling of UVEB Curable Materials

1
Overview - Safe Handling of UV/EB Curable
Materials

• Maureen Waite
• Cytec Industries Inc.
• RadTech UV/EB Conference 2008

2
UV/EB Curable Materials

• UV/EB curable materials are easy to handle and
  can be safely used in the workplace!
• UV/EB materials are environmentally friendly
• Not solvent based
• Has negligible VOCs
• Not EPA hazardous wastes
• Not DOT hazardous materials

3
UV/EB Curable Materials

• Major components of UV/EB curable systems
• Acrylic monomers, oligomers and polymers
• Minor components
• Photoinitiators
• Amine synergists
• Others
• Pigments or colorants
• Slip agents

4
Health Effects

• Acrylic monomers, oligomers and polymers
• Not expected to present an inhalation hazard at
  room temperature
• Low volatility (low vapor pressures)
• May be irritating if inhaled via spraying or
  misting applications, or from vapors generated at
  elevated temperatures
• Prevent exposures with appropriate general and
  local exhaust ventilation

5
Health Effects

• Acrylic monomers
• May cause eye irritation/skin irritation (contact
  dermatitis) if improperly handled
• Potential for skin sensitization (allergic
  reaction)
• Acrylic oligomers and polymers are minimally
  irritating or non-irritating
• May contain diluting monomers

6
Health Effects

• Acrylic monomers, oligomers and polymers
• Not regulated as carcinogens by OSHA, IARC or NTP

7
Health Hazard Comparison between UV/EB and
Solvents
8
Physical and Environmental Hazard Comparison
between UV/EB and Solvents
9
Safe Handling Practices

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Wear gloves and safety glasses
• Personal hygiene
• Wash up!
• Knowledge of UV materials
• Thoroughly read and understand the MSDS before
  using any chemical

10
Safe Handling Practices

• Housekeeping
• Good housekeeping is important
• Acrylic monomers, oligomers and polymers do not
  dry over time/will remain on surfaces
• Keep surfaces and work areas clean
• Clean surfaces, equipment, PPE, handrails, and
  other common items/areas that may be contaminated

11
UV Process Equipment

• Design of UV equipment ensures user protection
• UV light source is properly shielded
• Users must follow manufacturer instructions/guidel
  ines
• Preventative maintenance program
• Standard safety programs
• Proper ventilation of UV lamps
• Wear UV protective eye wear

12
EB Process Equipment

• Design of EB equipment ensures user protection
• Safety interlocking system
• Users must follow manufacturer instructions/guidel
  ines
• Preventative maintenance program
• Standard safety programs
• Conduct personal and equipment monitoring as per
  manufacturer and regulatory requirements

13
UV/EB Curable Materials

• UV/EB technology in use for over 30 years
• Today, UV/EB curable materials are used by 2
  million people at over a half million
  workstations around the world

14
UV/EB Curable Materials

• UV/EB curable materials are safe, environmentally
  friendly and easy to handle
• Read MSDSs
• Review safety information
• View RadTech safety video (free from RadTech)
• Follow manufacturer instructions
• Contact RadTech (www.radtech.org) and product
  manufacturers for additional safety and other
  information