Slide 002: PPE Selection, Donning, and Doffing

Slide Visual

Slide Overview

This slide provides detailed guidance on selecting the correct PPE for resin printing operations, the proper sequence for putting on and removing PPE, and the critical cross-contamination prevention techniques that most beginners overlook. Correct PPE use is the single most important defense against resin-related health issues.

Instruction Notes

PPE Requirements by Task

Task	Gloves	Eye Protection	Lab Coat	Respirator
Pouring resin into vat	Nitrile 5+ mil	UV safety glasses	Required	If no ventilation
Starting/monitoring print	Not required	UV safety glasses	Not required	Not required
Removing print from platform	Nitrile 5+ mil	UV safety glasses	Recommended	Not required
IPA washing	Nitrile 5+ mil	Safety glasses	Recommended	If large volume
UV post-curing	Not required	UV safety glasses	Not required	Not required
Cleaning spills	Nitrile 5+ mil	Safety glasses	Required	If large spill
Handling cured parts (fully post-cured)	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required

Glove Selection Details

• Material: Nitrile (NEVER latex — acrylates permeate latex in <15 minutes)
• Thickness: Minimum 5 mil (0.13mm); 8 mil preferred for extended handling
• Size: Proper fit is critical — too loose creates snag hazards; too tight causes fatigue and tears
• Change frequency: Every 30 minutes of continuous resin contact, immediately if torn
• Double-gloving: Recommended for extended sessions or when handling large resin volumes

Proper Glove Doffing (Removal) Technique

This is where most contamination occurs. The outside of used gloves is contaminated: 1. Pinch the outside of one glove at the wrist (contaminated surface touches contaminated surface) 2. Peel the glove off inside-out, holding it in the gloved hand 3. Slide bare fingers UNDER the wrist of the remaining glove (clean skin touches clean interior) 4. Peel the second glove off inside-out, encapsulating the first glove 5. Dispose of the glove ball in a waste container 6. Wash hands immediately with soap and water for 20 seconds

Critical Cross-Contamination Points

The most common resin exposure pathway is NOT direct contact — it is cross-contamination: - Phone/keyboard: Touched with contaminated gloves, then handled bare-handed repeatedly - Resin bottles: Exterior becomes contaminated during pouring; always wipe bottle exterior - Door handles: Contaminated gloves touching shared surfaces - Printer touchscreen: Touched during every print, rarely cleaned - Water bottles/food: Placed on the resin workbench

Prevention Strategy

Designate a "clean zone" and a "dirty zone" at the resin workstation. Personal items, food, drinks, and electronics stay in the clean zone. Hands are washed at the boundary. This physical separation makes contamination transfer much harder.

Key Talking Points

1. PPE only works if used correctly — a torn glove or improperly doffed glove provides zero protection
2. Cross-contamination through shared surfaces is the number one exposure pathway — not direct resin contact
3. The glove doffing technique must be practiced until it becomes muscle memory — one incorrect removal can contaminate your hands

Learning Objectives (Concept Check)

• [ ] Students can select the correct PPE for each resin printing task
• [ ] Students can demonstrate the correct glove doffing technique without contaminating bare skin
• [ ] Students can identify at least three common cross-contamination pathways and describe prevention measures

---

Last Updated: 2026-03-19