Occupational safety · workshop practice
Working safely at the 3D printer
The key protective measures for FDM and resin printing – compact and without the legal maze.
3D printing is not a harmless office device. FDM printing produces fine particles and fumes; resin printing adds skin-irritating substances and flammable cleaning alcohol (IPA). In Austria a workplace risk assessment is legally required (§ 4 ASchG). This page summarizes the practice – the legal detail is in the technical paper.
What matters
FDM / filament
- Fine dust & fumes – especially with ABS/ASA (styrene) and nylon
- Hot nozzle (~250 °C) and heated bed
- PLA/PETG emit far less than ABS/ASA
Resin / SLA
- Uncured resin irritates skin & eyes, can cause allergies
- IPA (cleaner) is highly flammable – flash point 12 °C
- UV light during curing – operate enclosed only
Protective measures – the STOP principle
S
Substitute
Where possible choose PLA/PETG instead of ABS/ASA – far fewer emissions. For resin washing, consider water-based or less flammable alternatives.
T
Technical (most important)
Enclosed printer with source extraction and filter (HEPA H13 + activated carbon). For resin: sealed wash-&-cure station. Check and change filters regularly.
O
Organize
Put printers in a separate, well-ventilated room (especially with several units). No eating/drinking in the print area. Keep safety data sheets at hand. Train people.
P
Personal protection
Nitrile gloves for resin (no latex), safety goggles, for fumes type A respirator + particle filter. Wash resin splashes off immediately with water and soap.
Everyday
✓ Always
- Print enclosed & extract
- Gloves + goggles for resin
- Wash hands after work
- Ventilate, maintain filters
- Separate resin/IPA waste
✗ Never
- Print ABS openly in living spaces
- Touch resin with bare hands
- Open IPA near ignition sources
- Resin/IPA down the drain
- Run filters "until full"
Take isopropanol (IPA) seriously: the cleaning alcohol forms flammable vapours at room temperature that are heavier than air. Use sealed, extracted wash containers, keep away from ignition sources, do not leave open overnight.
Allergy note: repeated skin contact with uncured resin can trigger a permanent allergy – for life. So wear gloves consistently from the start. Cured parts are unproblematic.
More detail