Both professional manufacturers and amateur handy workers have uses for industrial coatings. Substances like polyurethane help create a strong finish for all kinds of items. From wood furniture to flashy cars, polyurethane forms a protective barrier to defend against damage.
Whether you’re a technician at a manufacturing plant or a home builder, knowing how to handle industrial-grade coatings is essential. These safety tips for working with polyurethane will help you avoid a dangerous situation.
Practice fire safety
Polyurethane and other types of industrial coatings are highly flammable. You need to practice good fire safety habits to avoid causing a spark.
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket readily available. Keep all debris that could catch fire away from your workspace. Of course, absolutely no smoking anywhere near your project.
Use proper ventilation
Working with polyurethane safely means using proper ventilation. Industrial coatings often produce toxic fumes that could put your respiratory healthy at risk.
Never handle polyurethane in a closed-off space. Always ensure you’re working in an open, well-ventilated area with access to fresh air. It’s also a good idea to wear a mask because breathing in fumes can burn your nose and throat.
Wear personal protective gear
It’s always wise to wear personal protective gear when working with industrial-grade products. Working with polyurethane is no exception since it is corrosive to your skin. Some protective clothing you should always wear includes:
- Safety goggles
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Close-toed shoes
- Respirator
Keep the work area clean
Excess clutter makes any workspace more dangerous. This is true whether you’re working in your home studio or a manufacturing facility. Keep your area free of debris to minimize potential hazards.
A clean work area doesn’t just mean staying organized. It also means removing dirt and other particles that could cause problems. For example, sawdust and other microscopic dander are flammable, so stay on top of your daily cleaning routine before bringing out the polyurethane.
Using DLC coating services to finish your projects will give you the results you desire. Knowing proper safety practices will help you create better products in a clean and controlled environment.
