Rank: Super forum user 
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I am looking for guidlines for safely working with fibreglass and resins. The types of materials used in boat building primarily.
Some advice would be good if anyone has something?
I know it will fall under the COSHH regs but anything else?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Without more information it is difficult to be precise, but working with glass fibre and resins raises a number of issues. (I have just spent the day in a factory where this is going on!)
The resin will certainly contain skin sensitisers, although these may not be shown on the label or safety data sheet (as was the case today). It may also contain styrene, for which the only glove providing long term protection is one from Viton (at around £70 per pair!). You will also need to consider airborne exposure, both for inhalation and skin.
Almost certainly there will be acetone, for which the only glove is from butyl rubber - probably not what is suggested on the safety data sheet.
I am assuming that the work will be carried out within a building, so extraction systems will be needed. If the GRP moulding is to be worked on afterwards, e.g. cut, drilled, etc., keep in mind that any sensitisers can remain active for quite some time after the moulding has set hard.
If these are large, heavy mouldings, consider also the manual handling aspects.
Hope this is of some help to get you started.
Chris
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Rank: Forum user
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Would second everything Chris has said and would also add you may want to think about fire hazards as the solvents will likely be extremely flammable (acetone flashpoint is ~-20 deg C). So you will need to consider DSEAR/ATEX. Also spearation of oxidising agents in storage and waste.
When handling edges can be sharp and cut through gloves.
From experience there may be a 'desire' to heat up consituent parts of epoxy resins (if you use these) to help them flow better/faster - not a good idea as elements of the materials flash off and can cuase issues.
Face fit testing will be required if you need to use respirators.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Noise may well be a problem in post-moulding shaping and finishing. So too may be the dust/debris generated by these processes (inhalation, impact with eyes etc, fire). Hand tool vibration may ned to be considered.
My experience of this type of operation is that sometimes big things are produced in small workshops leading to congestion and trailing hoses/cables.
Big boats will need a lifting and transportation plan to get them from the workshop on to the water.
Apologies if this is already apparent to you.
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