User Guidelines for Handling Aluminium, Copper, and Zinc Powders and Pastes

General Safety Precautions

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  - Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks or respirators.
  - Use long-sleeved clothing to minimize skin exposure.

2. Work Environment:
  - Ensure work area is well-ventilated.
  - Avoid creating dust clouds. Use local exhaust ventilation if necessary.
  - Keep away from open flames, sparks, and other sources of ignition.

3. Storage:
  - Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  - Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use.
  - Store away from incompatible materials such as acids and oxidizing agents.

4. Handling:
  - Handle with care to avoid spillage.
  - Use non-sparking tools and equipment.
  - Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin and eyes.

5. Emergency Procedures:
  - In case of skin contact, wash immediately with plenty of water and soap.
  - In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
  - If inhaled, move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
  - For spills, use appropriate personal protective equipment and clean up using non-sparking tools.

Aluminium Powders and Pastes

1. Specific Properties:
  - Aluminium powders are flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air.
  - Aluminium pastes may contain solvents that add to flammability.

2. Handling:
  - Avoid generating dust.
  - Use inert gas (like nitrogen) when handling large quantities to reduce explosion risk.

3. Storage:
  - Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers.
  - Protect from moisture to prevent the formation of hydrogen gas.

Copper Powders and Pastes

1. Specific Properties:
  - Copper powders are less reactive compared to aluminium but can oxidize over time.
  - Copper pastes may contain oils or solvents that can pose additional hazards.

2. Handling:
  - Minimize dust generation.
  - Avoid contact with acids which can produce hydrogen gas.

3. Storage:
  - Store in a cool, dry place.
  - Keep away from acids and strong oxidizing agents.

Zinc Powders and Pastes

1. Specific Properties:
  - Zinc powders are flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air.
  - Zinc pastes may contain binders or solvents that add to the hazard.

2. Handling:
  - Avoid generating dust.
  - Use non-sparking tools and equipment.

3. Storage:
  - Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers.
  - Protect from moisture and oxidizing agents.

Disposal

1. Waste Management:
  - Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.
  - Do not dispose of in general waste or down the drain.

2. Spill Response:
  - Clean up spills promptly using non-sparking tools.
  - Contain and collect spillage in appropriate containers for disposal.

First Aid Measures

1. Inhalation:
  - Move the person to fresh air.
  - Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

2. Skin Contact:
  - Wash the affected area with soap and water.
  - Remove contaminated clothing.

3. Eye Contact:
  - Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
  - Seek medical attention.

4. Ingestion:
  - Do not induce vomiting.
  - Rinse mouth with water and seek medical advice.

Firefighting Measures

1. Suitable Extinguishing Media:
  - Use dry chemical, CO2, sand, or class D extinguisher.
  - Do not use water or foam.

2. Special Hazards:
  - Dust can form explosive mixtures with air.
  - Metal fires can release hazardous fumes.

3. Firefighting Instructions:
  - Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
  - Cool surrounding containers with water spray to prevent explosion.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe and effective handling, storage, and disposal of aluminium, copper, and zinc powders and pastes. Always refer to the specific Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed information on each material.