Resin Floor Application

Resin flooring systems include epoxy, polyurethane, and MMA-based products applied as liquid coatings or screeds.
These products contain chemical hardeners, solvents, and sensitisers that require COSHH assessment and controls.
Epoxy resin components cause allergic contact dermatitis that becomes permanent after sensitisation occurs.
Solvent-based and MMA resin systems produce flammable vapours requiring DSEAR assessment and ventilation.
Strong odours from resin flooring can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation in poorly ventilated areas.
Mixing two-component systems generates an exothermic reaction; incorrect ratios cause product failure and increased fume.
Floor preparation using grinding, shot blasting, or acid etching generates dust and chemical exposure risks.
COSHH 2002, DSEAR 2002, and the PPE at Work Regulations 2022 all apply to resin flooring operations.
Adequate ventilation must be maintained during application and until the resin has fully cured.
Adjacent trades must be excluded from the area during application due to fume and contamination risks.

Sensitisation	Epoxy hardeners cause permanent allergic dermatitis. Once sensitised, even trace contact triggers severe skin reactions for life.
Fire and explosion	Solvent and MMA resin vapours are highly flammable. Ignition sources in poorly ventilated areas cause flash fires.
Fume exposure	Inhaling resin fumes without adequate ventilation causes respiratory irritation, headaches, and long-term lung damage.

Do

Don't

Read the safety data sheet for every resin component before mixing or applying.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and eye protection during all application.
Provide forced ventilation during application and maintain it until the resin cures.
Mix two-component systems at the exact ratio specified by the manufacturer.
Eliminate all ignition sources from the work area during solvent-based application.
Exclude other trades from the resin application area until curing is complete.
Use dust extraction during floor preparation by grinding or shot blasting.
Attend health surveillance for dermatitis if you regularly work with resin products.
Store resin components in designated chemical storage away from heat sources.
Dispose of mixing containers and waste resin through approved waste procedures.

DON'T handle epoxy resin hardeners without chemical-resistant gloves at all times.
DON'T apply solvent-based or MMA resins without forced ventilation running.
DON'T use ignition sources including grinders and heaters in the application area.
DON'T deviate from the manufacturer mixing ratio for two-component systems.
DON'T allow other trades into the area until the resin has fully cured.
DON'T ignore skin redness, itching, or rash after handling resin products.
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in areas where resin products are being used.
DON'T pour waste resin or solvents down drains or into general waste skips.
DON'T apply resin to damp or contaminated substrates; it causes product failure.
DON'T rely on general ventilation alone; forced mechanical extraction is required.

See also: Epoxy Resin and Adhesives | Skin Protection and Dermatitis

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