3 D Printer Safety Remember SAFETY FIRST Marilyn
3 D Printer Safety (Remember: SAFETY FIRST!) Marilyn Gambone USDA-ARS Temple, TX September 2020
3 D Printer Safety • 3 D printers have increased in popularity and affordability • Used in offices, homes, campus dorms, labs • Known hazards associated with 3 D printers are not well appreciated. • 3 D printing has relatively little regulation. Although OSHA has not adopted any laser specific standards, it often utilizes ANSI Z 136. 1 (Safe Use of Lasers), which provides guidance for individuals who work with high power laser systems. 2
3 D Printer Hazards 3 D printer hazards include, but are not limited to: Ultra fine particles (UFP) Heat Mechanical hazards from moving parts High Voltage UV light Chemical vapors from media used 3
Printing Materials Two most common printing materials: • Polylactic Acid (PLA) • Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) In general, PLA is much safer to use than ABS. 4
3 D Printer Safety Guidelines 1 st safe lab practice • Whenever possible, 3 D printers should be placed in areas designed as labs. Do not place over carpeted areas. • Ensure the 3 D printer is plugged directly into a grounded electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip. • 3 D printers at USDA should not be used to print guns or gun parts. NOTE: Lab designated areas have increased ventilation rates (6 -12 air exchanges per hour) making them a preferable location for 3 D printing operations. Lab areas containing carcinogens, radioisotopes, biohazards, and lasers should be properly marked with the appropriate warning signs. 5
3 D Printer Safety Guidelines 2 nd safe lab practice When 3 D printers are running, users should not congregate around the printing operation to minimize the inhalation of particulates being created. Limiting time spent in close proximity to running 3 D printers reduces contact with and inhalation of UFPs and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). 6
3 D Printer Safety Guidelines 3 rd safe lab practice The extrusion-head tip and build chamber door get very hot! DO NOT touch the extruder heads when they are heated. The head tips can reach temperatures of approximately 300° C (572° F). Avoid touching components inside the build chamber when chamber is heated. 7
3 D Printer Safety Guidelines 4 th safe lab practice Always use leather safety gloves when working inside the printer. Wear safety goggles with UV protection when removing breakaway supports. Do not eat, drink, apply cosmetics, chew gum, or handle contact lenses in rooms that contain 3 D laser printing operations. 8
3 D Printer Safety Guidelines 5 th safe lab practice If a print has failed, and the printer is still printing, STOP the printer immediately. If an instrument or piece of equipment fails during use, or isn't operating properly, report the issue to a technician right away. Never try to repair an equipment problem on your own. 9
3 D Printer Safety Guidelines 6 th safe lab practice All work surfaces must be cleaned by a wet method. Sweeping and other dry methods can create airborne particles. Gloves (nitrile or neoprene) –do not use latex gloves—and safety goggles with UV protection should be worn when removing and cleaning parts. Printer parts that may be contaminated with printer materials should be cleaned prior to reuse with manufacturer’s recommended solvent, or denatured or isopropyl alcohol, followed by a thorough washing with soap and water. Wash hands thoroughly after working with 3 D printers. 10
In the Event of a Lab Accident… • Report all injuries, accidents, and broken equipment or glass right away, even if the incident seems small or unimportant. • If you have been injured, yell out immediately and as loud as you can to ensure you get help. • In the event of a chemical splashing into your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush the affected area(s) with running water for at least 20 minutes. • If you notice any unsafe conditions in the lab, let your supervisor know as soon as possible. 11
At the End of Your Lab Time… • If you are the last person to leave the lab, make sure to lock all the doors and turn off all ignition sources. 12
Questions? 13
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