BEWARE OF...SUPER GLUES!!

What happened?

  • A number of accidents have occurred with the use of 'Super Glues'. Some individuals have suffered injuries - severe irritation, or skin bonded together - through getting glue on their face and in their eyes.

What are the hazards associated with glues?



  • 'Super Glues' (i.e. cyanoacrylates):
  • Are harmful if swallowed and are chemical irritants to the eyes, respiratory system and skin.
  • Present the risk of polymerization (hardening) leading to skin damage.

Be careful ! 'Super Glues' can bond to skin and eyes in seconds.

Note: Other glues, resins and hardeners are also chemicals and as such can cause serious damage to the skin, eyes, respiratory or digestive tract.
(For example: some components can be toxic, harmful, corrosive, sensitizing agents, etc.).

How to prevent accidents in the future?



  • Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all of the glues you work with.
  • Check the label on the container to find out which of the materials you work with are hazardous.
  • Wear the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Avoid skin contact - Polyethylene or nitrile gloves (SCEM No. 50.43.20.AD in edh) must normally be used when working with 'Super Glues'.
    • Wear eye protection - Use chemical safety glasses (SCEM No. 50.49.10.040.0 in edh) or safety goggles (SCEM No. 50.49.10.250.2),
      according to the risk.
  • Avoid breathing hazardous vapours - The work area should be ventilated. For large quantities or 'close work', use local extraction ventilation and general ventilation.
  • Remember the appropriate first aid - In case of eye contact, rinse eyes with warm water for 15 minutes. Soak affected skin in warm soapy water for 10 minutes. In all cases consult the CERN Medical Service (if necessary, call the CERN fire brigade - 74444 - to arrange for the victim to be transported).

    Be careful ! Do not try to forcibly separate bonded areas of skin, eyelids or clothing. Glues will tend to work themselves free after a period of a few hours up to a few days, causing no permanent damage.

What about waste?

  • Don't throw used tubes or contaminated equipment into ordinary dustbins. Such items are chemical waste. Please telephone 163315 or 160879 to arrange for their collection.

If you have doubts about safety rules, contact:
 The Territorial Safety Officer (http://safety.cern.ch)
or
The Safety Commission (safety-chemistry@cern.ch)