General Informations
Working with UV-hardenable Products
UV-hardenable products (e.g. UV varnishes, UV adhesives, UV printing inks) are generally made from highly volatile polymerising materials such as acrylates, methylacrylates, sterols or epoxies. As a consequence of their high reactivity these products can in many cases cause irritation to the sky the eyes and the internal organs.
Therefore when working with such formulations, the following protective measures are absolutely essential:
- When working with UV-hardenable products, clean and tidy conditions must always be maintained in the workshop. In dirty and untidy conditions, the remains of bonding agents or monomers can get directly onto the skin or the mucous membranes and cause irritation.
- For this reason it is also essential to wear gloves and protective clothing (overalls) when working with UV-hardenable products, or especially when cleaning the machines or containers.
- When working with UV-hardenable products, protective glasses must be worn.
- Avoid eating and drinking when working with UV-hardenable products.
- Many monomers vaporise easily and have a strong odour. Therefore it is important to ensure good ventilation in your working area.
- Reactive products should only be stored in designated rooms at a temperature between 10o and 25o C.
- Containers of UV-hardenable products should not be subjected to excessive heat and opened containers should be protected from sunlight.
- Fully hardened materials can be disposed of with the normal waste. Materials which have not been fully hardened are classified as special waste, such as reactive chemicals, and must be disposed of in accordance with the relevant regulations.
