PPE: The Coverall Needed for Safe Composites Manufacturing

The term PPE gained widespread popularity in March 2020 at the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic. In the world of composites manufacturing, PPE, or personal protective equipment, has long been relied upon to protect workers who are part of composites manufacturing processes.

Personal protective equipment includes protective clothing, respirators, face masks, safety glasses, or equipment designed to protect workers from hazards or injury. PPE is a necessary part of composites manufacturing to protect workers from potential hazards when working with materials like reinforcements, resins, catalysts, and other chemicals associated with composites processing.

PPE makes composites manufacturing safer

Composites manufacturing processes that use composite-fiber resin systems are required maintain the safety of the fabricators in the shop. This includes industries such as marine, aerospace, transportation, corrosion and consumer recreation.

One of the most common side effects of coming into contact with resin is skin inflammation known as dermatitis. Respiratory protection is also critical for potential exposure to fiber-reinforced composites. Workers in composites manufacturing commonly rely on various PPE items to protect their skin and other susceptible body parts.

• Gloves that are well-fitted, chemical resistant, and cut resistant
• Protective clothing, such as a Dupont Tyvek® protective wear
• Eye protection, such as safety glasses and goggles
• Respirators with respirator cartridges and respirator filters that are specific to the application

The composites industry is committed to safe working environments

The evolving need for worker protection across various industries will continue to surge and contribute to the projected 7% compound annual growth rate of the PPE sector through 2026¹. The composites industry will continue to rely on PPE to protect its workers as they continue to innovate new products for the markets they serve.

Most recently, a lightweight, durable, and portable booth constructed of fiberglass-reinforced composites is offering an alternative source of protection to PPE while helping to reduce waste from traditional PPE materials like gloves and face masks. The booth features hand ports to allow health-care providers to administer COVID-19 tests to patients while avoiding physician contact and maintaining social distance.

Composites One provides the materials needed to create innovative solutions to navigate the need for PPE during the pandemic and beyond. It is recommended that workers in many industries, including workers in composites manufacturing, should use personal protective equipment to prevent potential exposure to harmful chemicals and antigens. Composites One distributes PPE from trusted suppliers to improve the safety of workers.

Learn how PPE protects workers on the frontlines.

¹ https://www.plasticstoday.com/medical/pandemic-puts-ppe-sector-7-growth-path-through-2026