There are many great benefits to using carbon fiber, like how carbon fiber composites offer about 10 times the strength of steel while weighing only about half as much. But when working with any composite, especially in carbon fiber engineering, there are safety precautions that need to be taken. So this article is going to discuss a few safety tips to keep in mind when working on carbon fiber product development.
Handling carbon fiber: Whenever carbon fiber is being used, it should always be kept as clean as possible to avoid generating dust and fly. It’s especially important to handle carbon fiber carefully when unpacking or processing the material, as this is when it’s at its most fragile. Using proper cleaning methods, like an air ejector cleaner, can help control any dust or fly that is produced from the material. This helps avoid spreading the fibers to places it shouldn’t be.
Protecting your body: When someone is using carbon fiber, they should never try to rub it off of their skin. Carbon fiber strings are more likely metal wires and can quickly enter the skin. So trying to rub or scratch off the fibers will only cause the carbon fiber dust to penetrate deeper into the skin. Instead, water and soap should be used after handling the material. Additionally, safety glasses and ventilator masks should be worn during carbon fiber engineering to prevent fibers from being inhaled or entering the eyes.
Proper storage: Like most other materials, carbon fiber needs to be stored properly to last as long as it should. This material should not be stored in direct sunlight or in wet environments. It should also be stored in mild temperatures to avoid heating the material up to the point of deterioration. All carbon fiber engineering facilities should follow the manufacturer‘s instructions for ideal storage conditions.
When working on a carbon fiber project, it’s important to always take safety precautions, like wearing safety goggles and keeping the materials clean. Whether you’re just unpacking and moving the material or working with it directly, these safety tips should always be followed to avoid injuries or accidents.
