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The purpose of this procedure is to provide a step-by-step guide for members to construct a fin can, which consists of a phenolic tube with four fins attached, covered in either fiberglass (for a test fin can) or carbon fiber (for a flight fin can). Below is a list of risks, required materials, and a step-by-step procedure including a risk assessment, required materials and the expected length of time that each step should take for better time management.
Prerequisites
All participants in the layup must have general Rocket Team lab safety training, and must have completed a respiratory medical evaluation at MIT Medical, and a respirator fit check in EHS. All participants should be wearing respirators and gloves when working with epoxy and colloidal silica, and safety glasses and dust masks when sanding. Participants should be under the supervision of at least one member who has performed a similar fin can layup previously.
Risks and Risk Corrections
Participants should also refrain from operating machinery while sleep-deprived or otherwise unfit, and should be accompanied by another member in the lab at all times when using power tools or hazardous chemicals.
Risks and MitigationThough this procedure is relatively safe and straightforward, there are a few chemicals that present risks, which can be mitigated through proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Epoxy
Risk: Inhaling epoxy fumes can cause respiratory problems, and skin contact with epoxy causes sensitization. Furthermore, when sanding epoxy, inhaling the fine particles is also harmful for the respiratory system.
MitigationRisk Correction: Wear a respirator when working with epoxy (layups and sanding), ensuring a positive/negative pressure test passes. Wear nitrile gloves when working with epoxy, and wash hands thoroughly with cold, abrasive soap afterwards.
Colloidal Silica
Risk: Inhaling ultra-fine colloidal silica particles can cause respiratory toxicity and an increased risk for pulmonary diseases.
Risk CorrectionMitigation: Wear a respirator when working with colloidal silica, enduring a positive/negative pressure test passes. Wear gloves when working with colloidal silica.
Composites
Risk: After a layup is cured, the edges of the composite can be sharp. In general, when working with composites, small fibers can irritate the skin, especially when sanding.
Mitigation: Wear nitrile gloves when working with composites, do your best to cover your skin (long sleeve shirt, jeans and close-toed shoes). Exercise caution when handling cured composites.
Required Materials for Test Fin Can and Flight Fin Can
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