Solvent handling in the aerospace industry is an essential part of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance processes. These compounds are used for a wide range of applications, including parts cleaning and surface preparation.
However, their use entails risks to the health and safety of workers. This is precisely why it is essential to know and apply the appropriate protective measures.
Critical factors in the handling of solvents in the aerospace industry
For this work, personal protective clothing is absolutely essential, as it provides a physical barrier between the worker's skin and the diluents, thus minimizing the risk of exposure.
However, there are chemicals with high toxicity potential and high environmental impact. In fact, many jobs even require working with chemicals that are harmful to health.
In the aerospace industry, in addition to using the appropriate PPE, training in the handling of these chemicals is essential to minimize the risks associated with their use. This includes accurate knowledge of emergency procedures in case of spills or exposures.
Ansell Tips: How to choose the right PPE?
Because of our experience and quality, Ansell offers a solution tailored to every need. In this sense, personal safeguarding is a mandatory aspect in the handling of chemicals in this vertical.Among other items, depending on the job function, gloves, coveralls, safety goggles, suits, aprons and respirators are vital. Still, let's focus on protecting users' hands. When it comes to choosing protective gloves for handling solvents, several factors must be taken into account:
- Type of solvent: The choice should be in line with the substances being used, as some gloves may be more suitable for specific solvents.
- Duration of exposure: It is very important to evaluate this aspect, since, depending on the time of exposure to toxins, there are PPE that may be more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Specific task: This is another determining factor when choosing personal protective gloves. Some operations require greater dexterity, while others require greater chemical protection.
- Sizing and fit: Opting for the model that fits properly ensures effective protection.
Aviation Personal Protective Equipment: MICROFLEX® 93-260, the solution.
Specially designed for the aerospace vertical, these disposable gloves are thin, chemical resistant and provide unparalleled hand comfort. In addition, they offer higher levels of protection than standard single-use products and for longer periods of time.
Made of nitrile and neoprene, at only 7.8 mils thick, their enhanced tactile sensitivity makes dexterity easy for handling small parts and tools. This is achieved by means of an innovative three-layer design, which resists a wide variety of aggressive substances, especially solvents and oils:
- The outer layer provides maximum protection against various organic diluents.
- The soft middle layer is made of neoprene and protects against acids and bases.
- The final inner layer remains dry to the touch, while assisting in the donning and doffing process to the user's advantage.
Oil repellent glove: Ideal applications
When tested with aggressive chemicals, such as sulfuric acid, n-heptane, hexane and methanol, these EPPs showed impressive permeation times. It should be noted that MICROFLEX® 93-260 gloves meet the requirements of EN 374 certification in Europe and KOSHA certification in Korea. Therefore, these are the ideal applications for aerospace lines of work:
- Inspection, selection, and revision of parts.
- Assembly of components.
- Repair and maintenance of equipment.
- Production line support.
- Change of oils, fluids and filters.
- Mixing and formulation of solids and liquids.