Epoxy Resins & Adhesives COSHH assessment
Epoxy resins and their hardeners are strong skin sensitisers used in adhesives, coatings and resin flooring. Once someone is sensitised, further contact causes dermatitis, so skin protection is essential.
The hazards
- Strong skin sensitisers — cause allergic dermatitis
- Hardeners can be corrosive and irritant
- Some release vapour, especially when warm
- Uncured resin is the most hazardous state
Who is at risk
Exposure routes
- Skin contact
- Eye contact
- Inhalation of vapour or dust when sanding cured resin
Health effects
- Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis
- Skin and eye burns from hardeners
- Respiratory irritation
Control measures (hierarchy of control)
Controls should be applied in order — eliminate or substitute first, then engineering controls, then PPE as the last line.
- Substitute for less hazardous or pre-mixed products where possible
- Avoid skin contact — no-touch techniques, tools not hands
- Ventilate the area; LEV where vapour or dust is produced
- Provide washing facilities and barrier/after-work creams
- Dispose of uncured resin and contaminated waste correctly
PPE & RPE
- Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, check breakthrough)
- Eye protection
- Coveralls
- RPE when sanding cured resin
First aid
- Skin: wash off promptly with soap and water; do not use solvents on skin
- Eyes: irrigate with clean water and seek medical advice
- Get medical advice for any dermatitis
Workplace exposure limit (WEL)
Relevant legislation & guidance
Epoxy Resins & Adhesives COSHH FAQs
Epoxy resins are strong sensitisers. Once someone develops an allergy, even small future contact causes dermatitis, which can end their ability to work with these products — so the assessment centres on preventing skin contact.
No — solvents can carry the resin into the skin and make sensitisation more likely. Wash with soap and water instead, and prevent contact in the first place with gloves and no-touch techniques.
Don't copy a generic template — generate the right one
Complys writes a epoxy resins & adhesives COSHH assessment tailored to how you actually use it, in minutes — COSHH 2002 compliant, editable, with review-date tracking. Your first is free.