Material Selection Requirements
Some applications require that plastics parts be approved by or conformed to specifications developed by a variety of government and private agencies. Bayer has compliance data for many of its materials. It would be expeditious to select a material that that has been pre-tested and meets specifications. Knowledge of the following agencies and their requirements would be beneficial to you: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL): UL is a widely accepted private agency that develops flammability standards used for most electrical devices sold in America. Many Bayer resins meet or exceed the flame class ratings indicated by the appropriate UL standard. Military (MIL): Specifications regulate and certify plastics used in all military applications. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Compliance is needed for plastics that could come in contact with food. When evaluating medical and surgical devices, the FDA examines the resin's composition, quality, and uniformity, as well as the device's structural integrity and bio-compatibility. These regulations generally pertain to substances that could migrate into food through contact with the plastic. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Approves plastics used in packaging federally inspected meat and poultry, and plastics used in meat and poultry processing equipment. National Sanitation Foundation Testing Laboratory Inc (NSF): Regulates the use of some plastics used in food processing equipment, pipes and fittings for potable water. Standards deal with taste, odor, toxicity and ability to be cleaned, as well as other tests specific to the finished part. Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA): This agency deal with the safety and health issues in the workplace. For materials that may pose health hazard due to toxic fumes during processing need to be handled appropriately. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Toxic fumes and solvent emissions released to the environment during processing or other secondary operations are concern for EPA. Check EPA regulations if you have emission issues. |