Safety guidelines

[James Tainton]

Here is something that I got in the mail from the Union on some of the materials I have to work with on the job. You might want to take a look, some of it may pertain to our modelling stuffs.
A pdf version can be down loaded hereCLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOAD (https://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/bad/2substitutionforcommon.pdf)
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[Panzergrenadier]

Very informative, everyone should take time to read it through.

[Mark S. Pryor]

James,

Thanks for the post. It never ceases to amaze me as to how much hazerdous material surrounds us every day! :eek:

However, as a beekeeker i noticed beeswax on the list. I take it is a commercialy remanufactured, enhansed .....stuff. :rolleyes:

Pure beeswax, as from a beekeeper is hamrless. And is uesd in many bueaty products. Just defending pure beeswax here; and wanted you to get the
buzz on this info (OK bad pun).

Thanks, Mark

[james84]

Thanks, James. Very useful. I was speaking about the toxicity of modelling materials with my mother, and she had the idea to buy a good mask. I think I'll do that as soon as I have time.

[Jimbo]

James, thank you SO much for posting this information. This is no joke folks, some of the materials we use are very harmful.

I bear witness firsthand to the effects of dusts and chemicals; I've been a professional model maker for almost 25 years, the first ten of which I never wore a chemical respirator or dust mask while I worked; didn't care if the spray booth wasn't venting properly or there was adequate dust collection.

Today I suffer from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), asthma, acute sinusitis (which has gotten better after surgery), allergies and a host of other problems. I'm fine, but it slows me down sometimes. All I can say is I was younger and foolish and never gave it a moments thought (and I started my career in California, where environmental laws are even more stringent!).

Granted, that was production work with many different and toxic materials that most of you don't use, at least regularly. But it goes without saying, to me, use protective gear. Please heed warning labels. Be careful around machinery and always be aware of moving parts. I hate to be a stick in the mud, but we want to be around modeling for a long time!

Regards;

Jimbo

PS Mark, they may be referring to pattern making wax (as in "lost-wax castings"). The pattern wax I've used I'd wager had some extra ingredients to harden it, etc. Perhaps that's why it appears.

JH

[James Tainton]

PS Mark, they may be referring to pattern making wax (as in "lost-wax castings"). The pattern wax I've used I'd wager had some extra ingredients to harden it, etc. Perhaps that's why it appears.

JH

Actually we use it here in the movies to add an aged look to sets and props. It is a soft wax known as Claphams (http://claphams.com/news_us_r_globe.html)made here in B.C. We add different things usually PCT's (Professional colour tints) to it and rub it on things to take the curse off. I believe they use some kind of petroleum based solvent as my nose plugs up after using it for awhile, (I too have a toxic intolerance do to macho bravado while using things such as lacquer thinner without protection in the printmaking lab back in the day. Now I have to wear protective things when around the stuff)

[greybeard]

The world is a toxic place, particularly the modelling world!

Two or three substances come to mind immediately — most of the solvents and adhesives I routinely use are based on "aromatic hydrocarbons": xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, and others. these are readily absorbed into the blood and can cause long-term damage to the brain. (Remember the horror stories about "sniffing glue"? They're true. A trip through any psych ward will prove it.)

Another substance that we take for granted, and that many of us work with as a matter of course, is polyurethane resin. In it's raw state, this comes in two parts, the resin itself and a catalyst. The active ingredient in the reaction that cures the resin is based on isocyanates, as in cyanide. Direct exposure to the raw resin, be it skin contact or just inhaling vapours, will quickly result in a very profound allergic reaction that can save your life. Working with the cured product is also hazardous. The isocyanates are chemically bound to the plastic, but they are still there. Drilling, milling, sanding, etc. release fine particles into the air, and these can readily be inhaled. Apart from the hazard of silicosis from prolonged exposure, these particles are still toxic if they stay in your lungs.

Some basic "safe practices":
Wear a particle mask when shaping resin parts.
Wear safety goggles whenever using machinery to drill or shape plastic or metal (especially if using a cutting or grinding wheel).
Paint in a well-ventilated room, preferably with an exhaust fan.
Don't leave your glue open on the bench, and don't work under your nose.

Common sense is so common it's not often appreciated.

Cheers
Scott Fraser