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Module 2: Chemical Safety & PPE Protocols

Duration: 3 hours | Microcredential: MCCPDL-U02M2-v1.0

Module Overview

This critical safety module covers hazard identification, personal protective equipment selection, chemical handling procedures, ventilation requirements, and waste disposal protocols. Students learn to interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS), identify hazards in photopolymer resins and isopropanol (IPA), select appropriate PPE, and manage chemical inventory safely. The module emphasizes that SLA printing requires more rigorous chemical safety protocols than FDM.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify primary hazards in photopolymer resins (skin sensitization, eye damage, respiratory irritation)
  2. Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) sections: Hazards, PPE, first aid, disposal
  3. Select and use appropriate PPE (nitrile gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection)
  4. Understand isopropanol (IPA) hazards and safe handling procedures
  5. Assess ventilation requirements and operate exhaust systems correctly
  6. Manage chemical waste safely and comply with disposal regulations
  7. Respond to chemical exposures (skin contact, eye exposure, inhalation)

Key Concepts

  • Photopolymer Hazards: Skin sensitization (allergic reactions), eye irritation, respiratory irritation from fumes
  • IPA Hazards: Flammable, skin irritant, CNS depressant, environmental contaminant
  • SDS Sections: Identification, Hazards, First Aid, PPE, Storage, Disposal, Environmental data
  • Ventilation: Local exhaust ventilation (fume extractor) at point of use; adequate air exchange rate
  • Waste Management: Uncured resin = hazardous waste; spent IPA must be collected and disposed per EPA
  • Exposure Control Hierarchy: Elimination β†’ Substitution β†’ Engineering Controls β†’ Administrative β†’ PPE

Time Allocation

Segment Duration Activity
Safety Introduction & Liability 15 min Importance of chemical safety; consequences of non-compliance
Slide 1: Photopolymer Resin Hazards 20 min Presentation: sensitization, irritation, fume inhalation
Slide 2: Interpreting Safety Data Sheets 20 min Presentation: SDS sections, hazard symbols, PPE requirements
Activity 1: SDS Analysis & Hazard ID 25 min Students review SDS for 2-3 products, identify hazards, recommend PPE
Break 10 min β€”
Slide 3: PPE Selection & Use 20 min Presentation: glove types, eye protection, respiratory, removing contamination
Activity 2: PPE Donning/Doffing Demonstration 20 min Supervised: students properly don and doff PPE
Slide 4: Ventilation & Air Quality 15 min Presentation: fume extractor operation, air flow monitoring
Slide 5: Waste Management & Disposal 15 min Presentation: hazardous waste classification, disposal procedures, environmental compliance
Slide 6: Chemical Spill & Exposure Response 15 min Presentation: emergency procedures, first aid, incident reporting
Activity 3: Spill Cleanup Simulation 15 min Demonstration: proper spill cleanup with absorbent materials
Q&A & Certification Prep 10 min Review, address questions, explain certification requirement

Assessment Strategy

  • Formative: 15-question quiz on chemical hazards, PPE, and SDS interpretation (80% thresholdβ€”high standard for safety)
  • Practical: Demonstrate proper PPE donning, SDS interpretation, and spill cleanup procedure
  • Safety Certification: Signed acknowledgment of understanding before any hands-on chemical work

Standards Covered

  • OSHA 1910.1450: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
  • OSHA 1910.1200: Hazard Communication Standard (GHS)
  • NIOSH: Guidance on photopolymer chemical hazards
  • EPA: Hazardous waste classification and disposal regulations

Prerequisites

  • No prior chemical safety training required
  • Ability to read and comprehend technical documents (SDS)
  • Completion of Module 1 (SLA Technology) recommended for context

Resources Needed

  • Current SDS sheets for all resins and chemicals in the lab (printed or digital)
  • PPE samples: nitrile gloves (multiple sizes), safety glasses, respirator masks
  • Spill kit: absorbent material, cleanup supplies, waste container
  • Ventilation assessment equipment: air velocity meter, smoke test kit
  • Video: proper PPE donning/doffing procedure
  • Signage: chemical hazard labels, waste disposal labels, first aid station location

Success Criteria

  • Score β‰₯80% on knowledge quiz (higher threshold due to safety criticality)
  • Correctly identify hazards in SDS for at least 2 resin products
  • Demonstrate proper PPE donning and removal without contamination
  • Explain ventilation requirements and how to verify adequate airflow
  • Complete safety certification form with instructor signature

Next Steps

  • Module 3: Print Setup & Execution (now with proper chemical safety protocols in place)
  • Ongoing: Refresher training annually or when new chemicals introduced to lab

Last Updated: 2026-03-18 CRITICAL: This module is a prerequisite for all subsequent hands-on SLA work. Students cannot proceed without passing safety certification.