Safe use of adhesives and sealants in industrial manufacturing
David Tobler – SIKA
In industrial manufacturing, the staff is exposed to risks like electrical hazards, repetitive motion injuries, falling and moving objects, hazardous materials, etc. The law requires employers to comply with occupational safety standards to prevent injuries. When working with adhesives and sealants, which are a composition of various chemicals, protection measures focus on avoiding effects like skin irritation, dermatitis, or sensitization. Especially chemicals with low molecular weight are volatile, skin permeable, and thus a focus of regulators and area of concern. Such chemicals are present in all adhesive chemistries like polyurethanes, MMAs, Silane Modified Polymers (SMP), epoxies, or silicones. Appropriate personal protection is essential to prevent inhalation and absorption through the skin. Users can find details about PPE on the safety datasheets of each product. Employers are obliged to provide the necessary PPE and require employees to protect themselves.