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5 Precautions to Keep in Mind while Using Plaster Supplies

Plasters can be molded, carved and casted. A variety of plasters are found such as the plaster of paris, molding plaster, white art plaster, and others. Plastering involves the application of a thin layer of mortar over the masonry to provide a coating that is water-resistant and damp-proof. Plaster is also responsible for providing a smooth finishing to the surface for painting, concealing porous substances and also protection of the surface from the weather conditions.

Plaster comprises of different kinds of calcined gypsum and sulfates of calcium, Vaseline, green-soap tincture, mineral-oil petroleum jelly, silicone-grease-benzene. Using Plaster supplies is best after it has been tested for quality with expert help. For instance, sand is tested for checking the presence of organic impurities, presence of silt and also the size of the granules and grains besides the bulk inspection. Selection of the proper sand is necessary for making an effective plaster mix.
plaster supplies
There are differences between crushed sand and natural sand. Sand from a river flowing through a plain is unsuitable as it is falling within the limits of the zonal grading. Hence, the quality and the type of sand are necessary to be checked before using them for plastering purposes. Soft stones like soapstone, sandstone, serpentine, greenstone, limestone, alabaster, and others are also needed to be distinguished from hard stones like marble and granite. Electric tools which are generally used for plastering purposes include drills, saws, grinders, etc. Stone finishing in plaster is given by grinding and is followed by sanding and polishing. For all such works you need expert help.
There are hazards involved in working with these plaster supplies due to their toxicity. For example the toxicity of granite and soft stones is harmful for inhalation as they contain large quantities of free silica, asbestos causing asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, stomach and intestinal cancer. Chipping, grinding and sanding activities may cause eye injuries. Heavy lifting of plaster mix material can cause back injuries and Hence, using plaster supplies is not easy and needs some basic safety measures to be applied.

Here are a Few Precautions that Might be Necessary in Handling Plaster Supplies:

  • Not using stones will avoid toxic exposure: Using stones releases toxic substances that are hazardous for inhalation. Using plaster supplies with proper substitutes is the solution. Use soft stones that have no asbestos in their content. Alabaster is a good option for substituting toxic stones.
  • Wearing goggles and gloves:  While chipping, flying chips may cause eye injuries and facial cuts. Additives in clays such as preservatives and turpentine can cause allergies as well as irritation in the skin. Hence wearing chipping goggles to protect the facial features and shield the entire face during heavy grinding. Wear gloves or application of medicated or protective creams in hands is advisable when using such materials. Washing hands with soap at the end of the work is extremely important.
  • Being careful with pneumatic equipment’s and carving tools: Pneumatic equipment have vibrations that cause “dead fingers” or “white fingers” and can lead to the Raynaud’s disease. Hence, protection is necessary, and this can be met by having comfortable grips for hands. Directing the air blasts to the opposite side of your hands, taking breaks to keep your hands warm and conducting regular massages and exercises to ensure steady circulation are some basic preventive measures one can take. w
  • Avoiding wax overheating:  Just like stones, overheating wax releases toxic wax vapors that are dangerous. So using a double boiler, crock pot or a hot-plate regulated by temperature to avoid overheating and decomposition of wax. Avoid chlorinated synthetic wax while using plaster supplies as they are highly toxic in skin contact and absorption, causing chloracne, liver problems and pancreas cancer as well.
  • Avoid plastering casts of body parts: Setting process in plastering can release heat which is highly hazardous during plastering of body parts like hands and legs. Using bandage impregnated with plaster, is advisable when using such plaster supplies.
Plaster Supplies
Plaster is a versatile material which has several applications but is requires to be used with proper precautions. Keep these points in mind in order make the best use of plaster supplies. Your priority must always be safety and quality control. Consult with any experienced professional for further insights while purchasing or using plaster supplies.

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