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For automotive repair, working with fiberglass requires serious safety precautions to
protect yourself from airborne particles, chemical fumes, and skin irritation. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and a well-ventilated workspace are essential to prevent both short-term discomfort and long-term health risks. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Respirators: A simple paper dust mask is not sufficient for fiberglass dust and hazardous resin fumes. Use a dual-cartridge respirator with filters for both organic vapors and fine particulates (P100 or N95). A full-face respirator offers the best protection, covering your eyes and face as well.
- Eye protection: Wear chemical-resistant goggles that provide a tight seal around your eyes to protect against dust, fibers, and liquid splashes. Side-shield safety glasses are not enough.
- Gloves: Standard latex gloves do not offer adequate protection against harsh resins and solvents. Use heavy-duty, chemical-resistant gloves, such as nitrile, especially when handling epoxy resins.
- Protective clothing: Wear disposable coveralls or loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and pants to prevent fiberglass fibers and resin from irritating your skin. Coveralls with hoods and booties provide maximum protection. After working, remove and wash these clothes separately from other laundry.
Ventilation and workspace safety
- Well-ventilated area: Work in a garage with open doors and windows or use fans to circulate fresh air. The fumes from polyester resins contain flammable and toxic styrene, and even less-fuming epoxy resins require good airflow for safe curing.
- Dust control: Sanding fiberglass releases fine glass fibers and resin dust into the air, which can cause respiratory issues.
- For heavy sanding, use a vacuum attached to your power tools to collect dust at the source.
- Use a wet sanding method for a finer finish and to minimize airborne dust.
- Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum for cleaning up dust, as sweeping can kick up fine particles.
- Fire safety: Many fiberglass components are flammable.
- Work away from sparks and open flames.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and sand nearby.
- Never put out a plastic fire with water.
- Chemical handling: Always read the Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any resins, catalysts, or solvents you are using. This document details the specific hazards, PPE requirements, and first-aid measures.
Good hygiene and waste disposal
- Cleanliness: Keep your workspace clean and tidy. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the work area.
- Personal hygiene: Wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling fiberglass materials. Do not rub irritated skin, as this can embed fibers deeper.
- Waste disposal: Double-bag fiberglass waste in heavy-duty contractor bags to prevent fibers from escaping. Check with your local waste management or hazardous waste disposal facility for proper procedures, as fiberglass is not regular household trash.
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