COS/Specific Substances/TBT-COS-003

Epoxy Resin and Adhesives

COSHH & Hazardous Substances › Specific Substances › Epoxy Resin and Adhesives

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Epoxy resins are two-part chemical systems widely used in construction for bonding, coating, grouting, and repairs.
Epoxy hardeners contain amines that cause severe allergic dermatitis and occupational asthma with repeated exposure.
Once sensitised to epoxies, a worker reacts to even tiny exposures for life — this often ends a construction career.
The COSHH Regulations 2002 require a specific assessment for every epoxy product used on the construction site.
Nitrile gloves must be worn when handling epoxies — latex and vinyl gloves do not provide adequate chemical resistance.
Skin contact is the primary exposure route — epoxy components penetrate skin rapidly and cause sensitisation over time.
Epoxy fumes in poorly ventilated areas cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory sensitisation with repeated inhalation.
Mixing epoxy components generates heat through an exothermic reaction — large quantities can overheat and produce toxic fumes.
Cleanup of uncured epoxy requires specific solvents — water alone does not remove it from skin or tools effectively.
Structural adhesives, floor coatings, crack injection resins, and carbon fibre wrapping systems all commonly use epoxy.

Permanent sensitisation	Epoxy allergy develops gradually — once sensitised, even trace contact triggers severe reactions for the rest of your life.
Career-ending	A worker sensitised to epoxies cannot work with them again — this excludes you from many construction activities permanently.
Skin is the main route	Epoxy penetrates skin rapidly without you feeling it — by the time you notice, the exposure has already occurred.

Don't

Read the COSHH assessment and safety data sheet before using any epoxy product.
Wear nitrile gloves — not latex or vinyl — when handling epoxy components.
Protect all exposed skin with long sleeves, barrier cream, and additional PPE as required.
Work in well-ventilated areas or use extraction when applying epoxies in enclosed spaces.
Mix only the quantity needed and follow the manufacturer's mixing ratios precisely.
Clean uncured epoxy from skin immediately using the recommended cleaner, not solvents.
Dispose of mixed epoxy waste, contaminated PPE, and wipes as hazardous waste.
Report any skin irritation, rash, or breathing difficulty to your supervisor immediately.
Attend health surveillance if you work with epoxies regularly on the project.
Store epoxy components in their original containers in a cool, ventilated area.

DON'T use any epoxy product without reading the COSHH assessment and data sheet first.
DON'T handle epoxy without nitrile gloves — latex and vinyl offer no protection.
DON'T allow epoxy to contact bare skin on arms, hands, or face.
DON'T mix or apply epoxies in poorly ventilated or enclosed spaces without extraction.
DON'T mix excessive quantities — the exothermic reaction can overheat and release toxic fumes.
DON'T use thinners or solvents to remove epoxy from your skin — use approved cleaners.
DON'T put epoxy-contaminated waste in general site skips — it is hazardous waste.
DON'T ignore skin reactions — early symptoms of sensitisation must be reported immediately.
DON'T skip health surveillance — it detects sensitisation before it becomes irreversible.
DON'T reuse contaminated gloves — dispose of them after each epoxy handling session.

See also: COSHH Awareness | Skin Protection & Dermatitis

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