48
Graphic Communications
Breathing solvent vapors can be very harmful.
Do not rely on your nose to warn you of vapors.
Specialists need to be employed to measure airborne
solvents and determine safe levels.
Vapors should be exhausted away from the
operator and the area kept well ventilated. Some
vapors may require the operator to wear a respirator.
The proper respirator for
each situation must be
selected by an expert,
Figure 2-16.
Be sure to
wear a respirator if the vapors in the surrounding air
exceed the permissive expo
sure levels shown on the
product’s MSDS. For any industry that has an MSDS
allowable levels statement, you must successfully
complete extensive respirator protection training that
includes an individual medical exam and fit testing,
as well as other training factors.of
Solvents can also be harmful to skin or eyes.
Read the container label
before
using a chemical to
determine what to do in case contact. Typically, it is
recommended that the affected area be flushed with
water for at least 15 minutes and then treated by a
doctor. Personal protective devices such as goggles,
face shields, gloves, and aprons must be worn when
handling chemical solvents.
Whenever you are working with chemicals, take
these general precautions against harmful solvent
vapors:
•
Do not attempt to identify a solvent by sniffing it.
•
Keep lids and covers on cans and drums.
•
Do not use large quantities of solvents in one
area.
•
Clean up spills immediately.cleanup,
•
Know the proper handling, and
disposal procedures for the chemical you are
using.
•
Place soiled rags in an approved safety can,
keeping its lid closed.
•
Ventilate the work area as needed.
•
Wash your hands before eating.
Platemaking
Chemicalsscience,carriers The chemicals used to prepare image
can irritate the skin and cause burns. Always wear
rubber or plastic gloves or apply barrier creams when
working with platemaking chemicals. Inspect gloves
for pinholes before working. Never touch your face
or eyes with gloves that have been in contact with a
chemical.
Contact lenses should
not
be worn when working
with chemicals. If splashed in
the eyes, the chemicals
can seep under the lenses and cause severe burns.
Face shields and splash goggles are the best form of
eye and face protection.
Wearing an appropriate apron will keep chemicals
from reaching clothing and soaking through to the
skin. Food and beverages should never be allowed
to come into contact with chemicals. Chemicals
that are corrosive, flammable, or poisonous should
be properly labeled and stored in a safety cabinet,
Figure
2-17.platemakingchemicalsareconcentrated.intoacidthetheofacid.acid,ansplatteringTheconcentratedto Many
When diluting always pour
the water. opposite method would produce
a dangerous acid. Never add
water
Ink Mists
Rapidly rotating press rollers throw tiny droplets
of ink into the air, creating an ink mist. These droplets
are tiny enough to be inhaled. Ink mists often contain
pigments, polymers, plasticizers, resins, and solvents
that can prove harmful. Face shields and respirators
!
Figure 2-16.
In many industrial occupations, an
approved respirator is required whenever fine
airborne mists of chemicals, inks, dust, paint, or other
contaminants are present. (3M Company)
Features of the
Textbook
Learning Objectives appear at the beginning
of each chapter. They are designed to
make you aware of what you will be able to
accomplish after studying the chapter.
Figure References within the body of the text
are printed in bold type. This makes them easy
to locate and identify.
Important Terms appear in green bold-italic
type where they are defi ned. These terms are
identifi ed when they are introduced and are
included in the glossary.
Academic Links use questions and activities to
relate chapter content to math, and history.
Running Glossary entries appear in green
near their related terms. These entries can
be used as a quick-reference guide to the
defi nitions of the Important Terms in a chapter.
Safety Tips identify activities that can result in
personal injury, if proper procedures or safety
measures are not followed.