Safety and Chemical Handling
Solvent safety and SDS requirements for EPDM adhesives, required PPE, hot work permits for flammable adhesives, and OSHA fall protection standards for low-slope roofing.
- Identify the hazardous chemicals in EPDM bonding adhesives and splice primers
- Read a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and locate flash point, exposure limits, and first aid information
- List required PPE for solvent-based adhesive application including respiratory protection
- Explain OSHA fall protection requirements for work at heights of 6 feet or more
Leçon 1
Solvent Hazards and Safety Data Sheets
Chemicals Used in EPDM Installation
EPDM installation involves several chemical products that present health and safety hazards. The primary hazardous materials are:
Bonding adhesive (solvent-based) - Contains naphtha, toluene, hexane, or other petroleum solvents. Flash points range from -20 deg F to 50 deg F depending on formulation, making these products highly flammable. Inhalation of solvent vapors causes headache, dizziness, nausea, and central nervous system depression. Prolonged exposure can cause liver and kidney damage.
Seam primer / splice wash - Contains cyclohexane, heptane, or similar solvents. Flash point is typically below 0 deg F. Extremely flammable. Evaporates rapidly, producing high vapor concentrations near the application area.
Splicing cement - Used for bonding uncured EPDM to cured EPDM in flashing details. Contains petroleum solvents similar to bonding adhesive.
Lap sealant - A caulk-grade sealant applied at seam edges and terminations. Generally lower hazard than adhesives but may contain volatile compounds.
Reading a Safety Data Sheet
Every chemical product on a jobsite must have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires that SDS documents be accessible to all workers who may be exposed to the product. The SDS is organized into 16 standardized sections:
The sections most relevant to EPDM installers are:
- Section 2 - Hazard Identification: Lists the hazard classification (flammable liquid, health hazard) and signal word (Danger or Warning)
- Section 4 - First Aid Measures: What to do for eye contact, skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion
- Section 5 - Fire-Fighting Measures: Flash point, suitable extinguishing media (CO2 or dry chemical for solvent fires - never water)
- Section 8 - Exposure Controls/PPE: Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), recommended gloves, respirator type, and eye protection
- Section 9 - Physical/Chemical Properties: Flash point, vapor pressure, evaporation rate
Never Use Water on Solvent Fires
EPDM bonding adhesive and primer solvents are lighter than water and immiscible. Water spreads the fire rather than extinguishing it. Use CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers. Every adhesive work area must have a fire extinguisher within 50 feet.
EPDM solvent-based adhesives and primers have flash points as low as -20 deg F and are extremely flammable. Always have the SDS accessible, use CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers (never water), and keep an extinguisher within 50 feet of all adhesive work.