Thought I would chime in to this topic real quick as some may want to get started pouring/injecting but also want to be safe in their new found hobby! Take it from one who has made some mistakes
, you can pour/inject safely with some common sense and some equipment/tips.
I am sure I won't cover everything so hopefully others will chime in with other added tips and ideas. Here goes...
Work Area: Makes sure you have adequate area to work and that you have a comfortable counter top for your height. Makes sense but I have knocked plenty a mold off towards my foot juggling counter top space!
Equipment: As far as equipment goes, a lot depends on how you melt your plastisol (microwave, hot plate, pot, light bulb set up, etc) but many things are common. You need eye protection for potential splashes. Any safety goggles will do. Be sure to wear goggles over your regular glasses or contacts!!! Goggles have a better coverage area. Always wear long pants and either a long shirt or something to cover your arms. Hot plastic is ROUGH on skin!! Shoes or boots should be closed (no flip flops!!) to protect against a spill or falling object! You may even want to wear a heat resistant apron to further protect your clothing. Heat resistant gloves are also something to have on hand. Whether you are handling a hot injector, hot molds or hot cups of plastic, gloves protect your skin and fingers nicely.
Ventilation and Masks: This is a real important area that some may choose to skip because of cost but will regret in the long run! Asthma induced from plastisol fumes will end your pouring fun in a minute. Your area needs good ventilation! Some use kitchen exhaust hoods, some just pour in the garage with the door open. Regardless of where you are, get the fumes out so they don’t build up in your work area! Some recommend masks to further filter out particles. It is your health, don’t skimp!
Other tips: You will get burned at some point if you pour or inject for enough years. Keep some yellow mustard close by! A quick coating of mustard will reduce the blistering and burning of your skin. Apply very liberally and let remain on skin until mustard is dry. Go to the doctor if your get burned badly or are not sure!
Keep your cups, pots, and other heating/stirring devices clean and DRY!!!! Water and hot plastisol DO NOT MIX! You will get bubbling, spirting, etc if you get water in your plastisol or visa versa. That also goes for water based scents. Add BANG to hot plastisol and you may get more of a BANG than desired!
Get a nice floor mat if you stand a lot. It can easy your pain in your legs, kness etc and is well worht the money!!!
Don’t pour in your kitchen or heat your plastic in your wife’s nice microwave. This is for your own personal safety as you might get knocked out by a frying pan to the head!!!
Kids and pets don't mix with 350 plastic either! Clear your workspace prior to starting any work!
Well…. I think that is it for me. I know other have plenty of good tips as well so I hope more posts appear in this area as safety is really important!
Jim
