6-1. Carbon fibers

Carbon fibers are composed of very thin single filaments, whose diameter is in the range from 5 to 7 μm. The single filaments can be damaged, so that dust and broken filaments can arise during fiber processing. The dust or broken filaments may cause potential hazards, such as;

・    skin irritation and dermatitis
・    perspiratory problems
・    electrical hazards

Recommendations for safe handling are as follows;

・    Rotary bars (pins) and rollers should be used to
　　　guide yarns instead of the stationary eye guides, pins or bars.

・    Local removal of dust or particles at the points where
　　　broken filaments could arise (example beating area of the loom)
　　　 is effective. Cleaning with care is the key to the
　　　　removal of the dust, broken filaments, hairs and fuzz.

・　A check on particle concentrations in the atmosphere is recommended.
　　　Threshold limit value of 10mg/m³ is a guide line standard recommended
　　　from health and safety executive of the U.K.

・　Goggles, face masks, gloves and protective clothing such as overalls are
　　 helpful at the　place where dust generation is severe.

・　For electrical equipments adequate protection is essential, such as
　 　quarantine in the instrument case, insulating paint on contacts,
　　　fresh air purge into the case etc.

・　Personal cleanliness and careful work habits are probably the most
　　　positive preventive actions.

・　Do not incinerate carbon fiber and their products. Waste fibers should
　　　be packaged for burial in landfill authorized for the disposal of special
　　　waste of this nature.

6-2. Resin and Herdeners

 　　　The use of gloves and protective clothes when handling epoxy resin materials is necessary to minimize the skin contact with. Sufficient ventilation is requested to handle resins. Cleanings control is fundamental to avoid the risk to be stained with resins.

  　　The use of solvent for resin removal is not recommended, but should be cleaned with soap and hot water. Resin removing creams which commercially available are useful.