Proper safety clothing should be used/worn when working with fiberglass and resin. This is because fiberglass and resin can be hazardous. It is important that you be careful and protect yourself from inhaling the fumes and getting hazardous material on your skin. It is also imperative to work in a well ventilated area.

The styrene found in polyester and vinyl ester resins will evaporate into the air during lay-up. The styrene is what causes the strong fumes plus it is highly flammable.  That is why it is extremely important to work in a well ventilated area. The same rules apply when working with epoxy.  While the fumes are not be as strong, it is still hazardous to work with.

A good respirator mask can be worn to protect you from the fumes during the laminating process. Wear a respirator mask when cutting fiberglass, spraying gel coat or resin, working with solvents or sanding the finished laminate.

Gloves are also important when working with fiberglass and resin. Regular thin latex gloves are not always the best choice especially when working with epoxy resin. Nitrile gloves work better with epoxies.

Eye protection is an absolute must.  Getting resin or catalyst in your eyes could cause permanent damage. Just the fumes alone could irritate your eyes making it them very uncomfortable. Shatter proof protective eye wear is the best option.

Micromax coveralls protect your body and clothes. Some coveralls have hoods to protect your head and hair. There is also what is called a spray sock.  It is knitted protection that goes over your head to protect your hair, ears and shirt collars from over spray, dust etc. Booties protect your shoes from getting ruined.  It is easy to drip resin onto them.

Make sure to read carefully the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for resin, MEKP and any other hazardous material. You can find the MSDS by clicking on the link under each hazardous product on our website. It contains the known health and safety hazards, first aid measures, handling and storage instructions etc. If for some reason you cannot find the MSDS you need, email us and we will send you one.

Final tip: Keep a fire extinguisher and some sand in the shop.  There is always a chance of fire.  Plastic fires cannot be put out easily with water.