Carbon fibre composites

Carbon fibre is made of extremely thin strands (about 5–10 microns wide) composed of carbon atoms. Several thousand fibres are twisted together to form yarn, which can be used in raw form or woven into fabric. When combined with resin and moulded or wound into shape, carbon fibre forms a strong, lightweight composite material.

Health risks

Handling, machining or mechanical finishing carbon fibre can create fine dust and microfibres (carbon fibres are also easily broken by stretching – less than 2% elongation). If airborne, carbon fibre dust and microfibres can irritate the skin, eyes and mucous membranes, and broken fibres can stick to the skin or cause splinters.

Many carbon fibres are coated with epoxy or other resins (called 'sizing'), and many of the solvents used in advanced carbon fibre composite processes are volatile, flammable and may irritate the skin and eyes. Exposure to these solvents and resins could include:

  • visual disturbances
  • eye and throat irritation
  • dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting
  • dermatitis from repeated or prolonged skin contact.

Before you start using solvents or resins, read the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and follow all safety precautions.

Risk management

To reduce risks when working with carbon fibre:

  • wear heavy-duty gloves to protect against splinters and resin contact.
  • wear full eye protection (goggles) and a fit-tested N95 or P2 mask to prevent inhalation
  • use protective clothing with elastic cuffs to stop dust getting inside clothing
  • use HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners specifically designed for conductive dust
  • complete a risk assessment for any task involving carbon fibre
  • contact your local Safety Officer or the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team for advice if you’re unsure about potential exposure.

First aid

  • Wash the area with soap and water.
  • Use sticky tape to lift off any fibres.
  • Remove contact lenses if worn.
  • Rinse eyes with running water for 15 minutes.
  • Seek medical attention.
  • Move the person to fresh air.
  • Seek medical attention.
  • Rinse mouth with fresh water.
  • Seek medical attention.

Spills

Clean up solvent or resin spills immediately. To do this, follow the Safety Data Sheet instructions for the chemical you’re working with, and use your local or building spill kit.

Need help?

For more information, contact the Health, Safety & Wellbeing team at hsw@monash.edu.