Motorsport Composite Fundamentals: Eye Protection

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Eye Protection

05.20

00:00	Like many other automotive fabrication projects, the construction of composite parts presents some nasty risks.
00:06	So, before we get stuck into the practical skills, we need to discuss these risks and how we can limit them.
00:13	I know this isn't the most exciting topic in the world of motorsport and you might be tempted to skip this section and jump straight into your first job, but please don't.
00:22	I can't stress enough how important the correct safety equipment is and the consequences can be life altering when working with the reinforcements, the resins and the final parts.
00:33	For example, some resin systems produce toxic fumes before curing and also after curing when cut.
00:39	Fine dust particles from cutting composite parts are also extremely irritating to the eyes, skin and lungs, while sharp edges of the cut parts can be extremely abrasive and commonly cause splinters.
00:51	This discussion also extends to the dangers of using certain tools during the construction and also modification of the parts.
00:58	Clearly a paintbrush isn't very dangerous, but a cut off wheel on a grinder is a different story.
01:04	This set of modules will help you understand what you should be wearing for personal protection, what options are available and how to choose the option that's best for you and the job you're completing.
01:14	The first way of avoiding an accident is a thorough understanding of the equipment you'll be using and the processes involved and the rest of the course covers this in detail.
01:23	However, regardless of how careful you are, accidents can happen and that's where PPE comes in as our last line of defence.
01:31	Personal protective equipment or PPE as it's more commonly known, plays an extremely important role in keeping us safe in the workshop.
01:39	During any composites project you'll quickly notice how much time is spent going back and forth between different tools and processes.
01:47	Having the correct PPE easily accessible for each process is an effective way to cut down on the time it takes to get these jobs done and also decrease the urge to take a shortcut and perform the job without wearing the right safety equipment.
02:00	The PPE that we probably need most on a day to day basis is eye protection.
02:05	It goes without saying that our eyes are extremely important to us so protecting them should always be our first priority.
02:12	This is necessary for various processes from lamination to cutting modifications on cured parts.
02:17	Specifically when working with liquid resins, there's a risk of the resin splashing in our eyes and during material removal via grinding, drilling and cutting processes, the airborne dust or debris will almost certainly reach our eyes.
02:31	Either way, these will be painful and lead to serious irritation at the least, but can cause permanent damage and worst case, the loss of sight.
02:40	On the note of working with chemicals, and this extends to the following modules, if we're ever unsure about what approaches we should be taking to PPE and safety, or simply unfamiliar with a new chemical we might be working with, then we should start by reviewing the SDS or safety data sheet for that product.
02:58	The supplier should be able to provide this for you if you can't find it online.
03:02	The SDS provides a huge amount of important information from the details of the product and its composition as well as details on how to handle and store it.
03:11	Most specifically for our conversations is the hazards that the product presents, how to avoid them with PPE and safety measures, and what to do should anything go wrong.
03:21	It should go without saying that this is better understood beforehand rather than after.
03:26	Back on topic, there are a number of ways in which we can protect our eyes.
03:30	The most basic is safety glasses, which come in many different styles, and the selection is entirely up to our personal preference.
03:38	What's important is that they fit well and protect the eyes.
03:41	In particular, we want a pair that provides a close fit around our cheeks to minimize the chance of material entering between our face and the glasses.
03:50	We'll use these glasses during lamination and while cutting our composites to protect ourselves in the event that something were to be deflected into our eyes.
03:58	The other option and one that eliminates any chance of material entering the eyes is full coverage goggles that offer a tight fitment around our face.
04:06	These offer the eye complete protection from resin, dust and other airborne particles.
04:12	However, they can be less comfortable over longer periods of use and restrict our peripheral vision.
04:18	An alternative option is a full face shield.
04:21	This is particularly handy when cutting or grinding where we might end up with debris hitting our face.
04:26	These should be paired with some safety glasses or goggles though as it's still very possible for dust to reach the eyes through the sides of the shield.
04:34	To summarize the key points from this module, the construction and modification of composites present some serious health risks.
04:42	Eye protection is critical to avoid irritation from resin, dust or other flying debris or particles from hitting our eyes.
04:49	At a minimum we should be using safety glasses that wrap around the sides of our face and prevent material entering through the sides.
04:56	Goggles are another step up in protection, completely sealing off our eyes.
05:01	Pairing either of these with a face shield is a common step for more aggressive and high speed cutting processes.
05:07	It's normal to have multiple types of eye protection stored in various locations inside the workshop to help minimize the time spent looking for these and reduce the urge to go without.