The Apticote product range includes coating of both inorganic metal systems, polymer and combinations of both. As supplied the coatings do not present any particular health risk and such do not come under COSHH Regulations. However from time to time we are asked for H & S data, these notes have been put together to help end users decide on suitability for their particular application.

The most common question we are asked covers skin contact, effect of temperature, food approvals and final finishing treatment where appropriate.

Skin Contact

In common with all material handling advice, standard personal hygiene practices should be followed. It is worth noting that in fact some coatings can be 'damaged' by handling with bare hands. Body salts can stain and finger mark many of the metallic coating systems - Apticote 400 range particularly.

Certain skin types can become sensitised by continual contact with coatings containing nickel. Apticote 400 and 2000 ranges.

Comprehensive expert advice on Nickel sensitisation can be obtained from NiDi - Tel: 01527 58477, Fax: 01527 585562

Temperature

The complete Apticote range is thermally stable up to at least 250°C. Above this temperature some of the inorganic polymer systems can start to break down and 'vaporise', under the circumstances good air circulation and extraction is recommended. In practice of course this is not likely to occur as the maximum optimum intended working temperature would have been greatly exceeded and the coating would fail.

Food Contact

The following coatings are generally suitable for food contact, but compliance with various national regulations existing in this field should be reviewed case by case.

Food Contact Coatings

• 170E
• 200E, 200G, 200N, 200R
• 300M, 300N, 300W, 350F, 350R
• 400N, 400P
• 460C, 460G, 460M
• 470E
• 810

Post Coating Working

In the event of a post coating finishing operation being necessary, honing, grinding polishing etc. The normal procedures to prevent operator inhalation of dust, fumes, debris need to be adhered to. Personnel hygiene and sensible work wear laundering practices need to be adhered to.