Synthetic Resin and Plastics
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Manufacture of phenolic, epoxy, polyester, PVC, polyurethane and other resins/plastics.
Principal hazards
- Reactive monomers (vinyl chloride, styrene, acrylonitrile, formaldehyde)
- Isocyanates (PU) and epoxy/amine hardeners (sensitisers)
- Phthalate plasticisers; thermal decomposition fumes; dust
Health effects
Angiosarcoma (vinyl chloride), occupational asthma and dermatitis (isocyanates, epoxies, formaldehyde), narcosis, nasopharyngeal effects (formaldehyde).
Key engineering controls
Closed polymerisation with monomer leak detection (esp. VCM); LEV at compounding, moulding and extrusion; isocyanate and formaldehyde air monitoring; substitution of sensitisers where possible; control of thermal-degradation fumes.
PPE
- Organic-vapour / isocyanate (air-fed) respirators
- Chemical gloves and coveralls
- Goggles
- Skin protection against sensitisers
- Safety footwear
This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.