Composites
The composites industry in the United States includes three manufacturing areas: polymers, metals, and ceramics. This Safety and Health Topics section deals with that segment of the industry known as polymer matrix composites.
A composite is a material composed of a reinforcing fiber and a resin matrix. Composites are classified according to their matrix phase (the material which surrounds the fiber). Composite products range from skateboards to components of the space shuttle. Materials within the composites industry are often called "advanced" if they combine the properties of high strength and high stiffness, low weight, corrosion resistance, and in some cases special electrical properties. Several of the manufacturing processes and potential hazards are common to both polymer matrix composites and advanced polymer matrix composites.
There are currently no substance specific health standards for composites. However, employees' exposure to chemicals used in the manufacture of composites or generated as byproducts of the manufacturing processes, are covered under 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z.
OSHA Standards
This section highlights some of the general OSHA standards related to composites.
Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved
State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement
policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are
identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted
different standards applicable to this topic or may have different
enforcement policies.
General Industry (29 CFR
1910)
Construction Industry (29 CFR
1926)
Hazards and Solutions
Many workers are unaware of the potential hazards in
their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to injury. The
following references aid in recognizing and evaluating composites hazards in the
workplace.
Hazard Recognition
- OSHA
Technical Manual (OTM). OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20).
- Polymer
Matrix Materials: Advanced Composites. Provides a description of the
manufacturing processes and potential hazards of the advanced polymer matrix
composites. Includes an overview of the industry, information about the
manufacturing process, and health hazards.
- Glossary. Provides an extensive list of definitions
relative to composites.
- For additional information on general safety and health concerns, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages on:
Possible Solutions
- OSHA
Technical Manual (OTM). OSHA Directive TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20).
- Workplace
Controls. Provides information for controlling
exposure to process material. Includes sections on engineering controls,
work practice controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and administrative
controls.
- Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE). OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Provides
a collection of occupational safety and health information designed to help
familiarize the individual with common PPE
practices and OSHA's policy regarding the use of PPE.
- For additional information, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages on: