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Important Safety Information
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP)
MEKP is among the more hazardous materials
found in commercial channels. Proper handling
of the "unstable (reactive)" chemicals presents a
definite challenge to the plastics industry. The
highly reactive property which makes MEKP
valuable to the plastics industry in producing the
curing reaction of polyester resins and gel-coats
also produces the hazards which require great care
and caution in its storage, transportation, handling,
processing and disposal.
Workers must be thoroughly informed of the hazards
that may result from improper handling of MEKP,
especially in regards to contamination and heat.
They must be thoroughly instructed regarding the
proper action to be taken in the storage, use and
disposal of MEKP and other hazardous materials
used in the laminating operation.
MEKP is flammable and potentially explosive,
as well as potentially damaging to the eyes and
skin.
Read material manufacturer's warnings and
material MSDS to know specific hazards and
precautions related to MEKP.
Contaminated MEKP can become explosive.
Prevent contamination of MEKP with other materi-
als, which includes, but is not limited to polyester
overspray, polymerization accelerators and promot-
ers, and non-stainless metals. Even small amounts
of contaminates can make MEKP explosive. This re-
action may start slowly, and gradually build-up heat,
which can accelerate until fire or an explosion result.
This process can take from seconds to days.
Heat applied to MEKP, or heat build-up from con-
tamination reactions can cause it to reach what is
called its Self-Accelerating Decompisition Tempera-
ture (SADT), which can cause fire or explosion.
Spills should be promptly removed, so no residues
remain. Spillage can heat up to the point of self-
ignition. Dispose in accordance with manufacture's
recommendation.
Store MEKP in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area
in the original containers away from direct sunlight
and away from other chemicals. It is strongly recom-
mended that the storage temperature remain below
86° F (30° C). Heat will increase the potential for ex-
plosive decomposition. Refer to NFPA 432.
Keep MEKP away from heat, sparks and open
flames.
GC-1402E
Current catalysts are premixed and do not require
any diluents. GlasCraft strongly recommends that dilu-
ents not be used. Diluants add to the possibility of con-
Isocyanate Conditions
taminates entering the catalyst system. Never dilute
MEKP with acetone or any solvent since this can pro-
duce an extremely shock-sensitive compound which
can explode.
Use only original equipment or equivalent parts
from GlasCraft in the catalyst system (i.e.: hoses, fit-
Spraying materials containing isocyanates creates
tings, etc.) because a hazardous chemical reaction
may result between substituted parts and MEKP.
potentially harmful mists, vapors, and atomized partic-
To prevent contact with MEKP, appropriate personal
ulates.
protective equipment, including chemically imperme-
Read material manufacturer's warnings and material
able gloves, boots, aprons and goggles are required
for everyone in the work area.
MSDS to know specific hazards and precautions
related to isocyanates.
Polyester Resins and Gel-Coats
Prevent inhalation of isocyanate mists, vapors, and
atomized particulates by providing sufficient ventila-
tion in the work area. If sufficient ventilation is not
available, a supplied-air respirator is required for
everyone in the work area.
Spraying materials containing polyester resin and
gel-coats creates potentially harmful mist, vapors and
To prevent contact with isocyanates, appropriate per-
atomized particulates. Prevent inhalation by providing
sonal protective equipment, including chemically
sufficient ventilation and the use of respirators in the
impermeable gloves, boots, aprons, and goggles, is
work area.
also required for everyone in the work area.
Read the material manufacturer's warnings and ma-
terial MSDS to know specific hazards and precautions
related to polyester resins and gel-coats.
Material Self-ignition
To prevent contact with polyester resins and gel-
coats, appropriate personal protective equipment,
including chemically impermeable gloves, boots,
aprons and goggles are required for everyone in the
work area.
Some materials may become self-igniting if applied
too thickly. Read material manufacturer's warnings
Spraying and Lamination Operations
and material MSDS.
Moisture Sensitivity of
Isocyanites
Remove all accumulations of overspray, FRP sand-
ings, etc. from the building as they occur. If this waste
Isocyanites (ISO) are catalysts used in two component
is allowed to build up, spillage of catalyst is more likely
foam and polyurea coatings. ISO will react with moisture
to start a fire.
(such as humidity) to form small, hard, abrasive crystals,
If cleaning solvents are required, read material
which become suspended in the fluid. Eventually a film
manufacture's warnings and material MSDS to know
will form on the surface and the ISO will begin to gel,
specific hazards and precautions. (GlasCraft recom-
increasing in viscosity. If used, this partially cured ISO
mends that clean-up solvents be nonflammable.)
will reduce performance and the life of all wetted parts.
The amount of film formation and rate of crystalli-
GlasCraft recommends that you consult OSHA
zation varies depending on the blend of ISO, the
Sections 1910.94, 1910.106, 1910.107 and NFPA
humidity, and the temperature.
No. 33, Chapter 16,17, and NFPA No. 91 for further
guidance.
To prevent exposing ISO to moisture:
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