General Site Prep Guide

Hazardous Waste and Lab Safety

5min

Hazardous Waste

Requirements

Waste generated as a result of working with resins and solvents (gloves, wipes, paper towels, etc.), as well as the resins and solvents themselves, must be treated as hazardous waste.

Item

Requirement

Resin & Solvent Containment

  • Flammable solvent cabinet: Must meet local regulations for the storage of flammable solvents (based on volume).
  • Nitrogen and/or oxygen tanks (If applicable): Must meet local regulations for storage and use of compressed gases.

Resin, Solvent, & Solid Waste Disposal

  • Hazardous waste containers: Purchase for solvent, resins, and solid waste (consult your in-house EH&S Department or a waste disposal company for assistance).
  • You are required to arrange for the disposal of both liquid and solid hazardous waste material. Contact a local hazardous waste management service to make these arrangements.
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Lab Safety

Requirements and Recommendations

Item

Requirement

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is required for each employee/tech who will be working in the printing area. Carbon Resins are classified as irritants and sensitizers (see SDS sheets here). Solvents such as IPAs are classified as flammables and irritants (see SDS sheets here). The minimum required PPE for working with these materials is listed below:

  • Lab coat
  • Nitrile Gloves
  • ANSI compliant Safety Glasses with side shields.
  • Close-toed shoes
  • Long pants

Additionally, it is your responsibility to ensure you are complying with all relevant local health, safety, and environmental regulations. Additional PPE may be required based on the tasks being performed.

Important: Carbon provides customers access to a full course on safety. Click here to learn more.

Recommended Safety Accessories & Equipment

  • Safety shower and eyewash station
  • Hand-washing sink
  • Spill Kit
  • Fire extinguisher

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list of facility safety items. It is your responsibility to ensure you are complying with all relevant local health and safety requirements for facility design related to the use of hazardous materials.

Individual wearing proper PPE
Individual wearing proper PPE


FAQ and Additional Information

What are best practices and safety tips for working with Resin and Solvents?

The following are Carbon recommended best practices and safety tips:

  • Protect your body from any direct contact with uncured resin by wearing 100% nitrile gloves and a lab coat.
  • Always read the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) prior to the use of any Carbon or 3rd Party resin and solvent.
  • Protect resin from sunlight by storing it in a dark cabinet. Storing resin in an area exposed to sunlight will increase product viscosity, which could make the resin unsuitable for printing.
  • One-part resin should be stored in the UV-resistant bottles it came in.
  • Resins are sensitive to temperature and may become unusable if stored outside of their acceptable temperature range. Consult the resin protocol sheets in Carbon Academy for storage guidelines.
  • Solvents are flammable and must be stored according to the guidance in the Safety Data Sheets (SDS).