Epoxy coating viscosity reducing dispersant: "invisible shield" for safe use
In the coating industry, epoxy coating viscosity reducing dispersant is the "behind-the-scenes hero" that improves
the performance of coatings. It can significantly reduce viscosity and make construction more efficient. However,
there are also "hidden arrows" behind this "hero" - volatile solvents, irritating chemicals and potential operational
risks, which may pose a threat to health and the environment if not prevented. This article will reveal the safety
precautions in the use of viscosity reducing dispersants from a popular science perspective to help you build a
solid "invisible shield".
1. The "double-edged sword" characteristics of viscosity reducing dispersants
The core components of viscosity reducing dispersants include organic solvents (such as alcohol ethers and esters)
and surfactants, which give it a strong viscosity reducing ability, but also bring potential risks:
"Invisible attack" of organic solvents
Many dispersants contain volatile organic solvents, which may enter the human body through the respiratory tract or
skin, causing dizziness, nausea and even nervous system damage. For example, solvents such as ethylene glycol butyl
ether can burden the liver and kidneys at high concentrations.
"Skin trap" of chemical irritation
Surfactants in dispersants may damage the skin barrier, causing dryness, itching or allergies. If protective gloves are not
worn, long-term contact may cause "chemical dermatitis".
"Chain reaction" of static electricity and fire
During the high-speed dispersion process, mechanical friction may generate static electricity. If there is flammable solvent
vapor in the environment, static electricity sparks may cause fire or even explosion.
2. Safety protection: comprehensive armament from "head" to "foot"
The key to safe use of viscosity-reducing dispersants is to "prepare for a rainy day". The following are specific protective measures:
Respiratory protection: add "air filter" to the lungs
In poorly ventilated environments (such as closed workshops), you must wear a gas mask and use a filter canister suitable for
organic vapor (such as P100 grade filter).
Regularly test the solvent concentration in the air. If it exceeds the occupational exposure limit (such as TLV-TWA＞50ppm),
you need to immediately increase ventilation or suspend operation.
Skin protection: Wear "chemical armor"
Wear nitrile rubber gloves (thickness ≥0.3mm) to avoid solvent penetration. If gloves are contaminated, they must be replaced
immediately.
Wear chemical protective clothing (such as PVC material) to cover the entire skin to prevent splashing or dripping.
Eye protection: Guard the "window of the soul"
Use anti-chemical splash goggles (compliant with ANSI Z87+ standards) to ensure that there are no gaps on the sides to
prevent liquid penetration.
Environmental control: Create a "safety bubble"
Operate under a negative pressure fume hood or industrial exhaust system to ensure that the air is ventilated 6-12 times
per hour.
Dispersion equipment must be grounded, and operators must wear anti-static wristbands to avoid static sparks.
3. Operation specifications: Details determine safety success or failure
Safety depends not only on equipment, but also on standardized operations. The following are key steps:
Before adding materials: three checks and three preparations
Check the packaging: Check whether the dispersant container is sealed and whether the label is clear (including ingredients,
hazard signs and first aid information).
Check the equipment: Ensure that the disperser and stirring paddle are not damaged and the grounding wire is normal.
Check the environment: Confirm that the ventilation system is operating normally and there is no open flame or
high-temperature heat source.
Prepare PPE: Wear protective equipment in advance to avoid wearing it hastily during operation
Prepare tools: Prepare cleaning solvents, absorbent cotton and emergency flushing equipment.
Prepare personnel: Make sure at least one colleague is present to assist in an emergency.
During feeding: Slow work produces fine work
Slow pouring: Pour the dispersant slowly along the wall of the container to avoid splashing. If pumping is used, the flow
rate must be controlled to ≤1L/min.
Stay away from fire sources: Smoking, welding or using non-explosion-proof electrical appliances within 5 meters of the
operation area is prohibited.
Real-time monitoring: Use an infrared thermometer to monitor the temperature of the dispersion. If it exceeds 50℃,
stop and cool it immediately.
After feeding: Clean and seal
Thorough cleaning: Clean the disperser and tools with solvent to avoid solidification of residues or corrosion of
equipment.
Sealed storage: Unused dispersants must be sealed and stored in a cool place, away from oxidants and food.
Record archiving: Record usage, operators and abnormal conditions for easy traceability management.
4. Emergency treatment: the "golden rule" to turn danger into safety
Even if prevention is in place, accidents may still occur. Master the following emergency methods to minimize losses:
Skin contact: a "washing battle" that races against time
Immediately take off contaminated clothing and rinse the contact area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
If redness, swelling or stinging occurs, wash with mild soap and apply vaseline to moisturize. Severe cases require
medical treatment.
Eye contact: the "20-minute rule" for precise rescue
Open the eyelids and rinse with running water or saline for at least 20 minutes (rinse from the inner corner of the
eye to the outside).
Do not rub your eyes or use neutralizers. Seek medical attention immediately after rinsing.
Inhalation or accidental ingestion: the "three no principles" of scientific response
Inhalation: quickly move to a ventilated place and keep breathing smooth. If symptoms persist (such as coughing,
difficulty breathing), seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting! Immediately drink 200ml of milk or water to dilute, and bring the dispersant
label to see a doctor.
Fire and leakage: "Three-step method" for rapid response
Fire: If it contains flammable solvents, use dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher to extinguish, and do not
use water (it may expand the fire).
Leakage: Cover the leak with sand or absorbent cotton, collect it and hand it over to professional institutions for
treatment to avoid it flowing into the sewer or soil.
Evacuation and alarm: If the fire or leakage cannot be controlled, evacuate immediately and call the fire department.
5. Safety culture: from "I want to be safe" to "I want to be safe"
Safety is not only a rule, but also a culture. The following suggestions will help you build a long-term safety mechanism:
Training and assessment: Let safety knowledge "enter your mind"
Regularly organize safety operation training, including the use of PPE, emergency treatment and dispersant characteristics.
Through written test + practical assessment, ensure that every employee has mastered safety skills.
Signs and warnings: Make risks "clear at a glance"
Set up warning signs such as "flammable" and "corrosive" in the storage area, and mark the emergency contact number.
Post a safety operation flow chart at the operation site, and mark the key steps in red.
Health monitoring: make hidden dangers "nowhere to hide"
Long-term contact personnel need to undergo occupational health examinations every year, focusing on liver function,
blood routine and nervous system indicators.
Establish a health record and intervene in abnormal situations in time.
Conclusion: Safety is the "base color" of viscosity reduction and efficiency improvement
The use of epoxy coating viscosity reduction dispersant is like dancing on a tightrope - we must pursue efficiency and
protect safety. Through scientific protective measures, standardized operating procedures and perfect emergency
mechanisms, we can completely eliminate risks. Safety is no small matter, and responsibility is heavier than a mountain.
Only by integrating safety awareness into every operation can technological progress and personnel safety go hand in
hand. The next time you use a viscosity reduction dispersant, you might as well say to yourself: "I am fully equipped,
I operate in a standardized manner, and I am safe and worry-free!" This is not only a promise to yourself, but also
a responsibility to your family and society.
