Hello Alfie

First of all I think I would revisit why, if your operative was wearing all the correct PPE to prevent an allergic reaction, that he has now had one.  Surely he should not be able to come into contact with the product by the time he has his gloves, overalls, masks, goggles, etc in place.

I would then consider if there may be another reason for this skin complaint which may not be related to the epoxy resins?  Has the chemical composition of another product he is using, without the same level of protection, changed?  Has his wife changed their washing powder? Is he suddenly eating different foods, developed a mild nut allergy, got hives, strawberry rash, etc.  There are so many spontaneous skin reactions he could have that to assume it is the one product that is totally protected against may be a fallacy.

Initially I would send him to occupational health and see if they have a skin test for an allergic reaction to this product just to ascertain that it is this that is causing the issue.

Edited by user 23 November 2016 11:08:58(UTC)  | Reason: incorrect wording

Where is the operatives skin affected - all over or localised ?

Is this a new employee or have they recently changed duties ?

Are you sanding / abrading the product once cured ?

I sympathise. This is a difficult material to work with and I worry a lot about the risk of epoxy sensitisation (as well as burns from the hardeners which are often corrosive).  Just using the right PPE really isn't enough - you also have to use it in the right way (practising the right method of taking gloves off so as not to spread contamination), and look after your skin (for which wearing gloves for extended periods isn't great either).  Occ health support is a must.

Are you aware of the trade association for composites? https://compositesuk.co.uk

Dear Hilary, Peter, chris42, pl53, Kate and RayRapp,

Thanks a lot for your comments and good advice.

I fully agree with Hilary about the possibility of non-work related issues being contributing factors to the development of such an allergy. The operative has already been sent to an occupational professional and been tested for sensitivity to our products and his allergy has been confirmed.

Responding to Chris42´s queries, the operative has been with us for quite a few years with similar duties throughout his employment. The skin rash started to be apparent in different parts of the body (or at least when we were first told about it) and its severity gradually increased.

 Pl53, we use organic anhydrides and isocyanate hardeners (MDI) and are aware of their “nasty nature” and also take care of their respiratory sensitizer nature.

 Thanks Kate for the advice on the right use of PPE, we have started campaigns to refresh people on the right way to use/discard the PPE. Thanks for sharing the composites website.

 RayRapp, sorry to hear about you being sensitive to these substances and their associated compounds. I know there are more resin based products that we are aware of that we use in our daily lives and that you only realise about their true nature once you are exposed to them.

 As previously said, thanks a lot for looking into this post and for responding with such an interesting feedback.

 Alfie