Safety FAQs

What types of gloves may I use?

You may use latex, nitrile, or thicker kitchen “dishwashing” gloves are all good. All can be reused if you spray them with your disinfecting solution or wash thoroughly with soap and hot water between uses. If you don’t have these, washable carpentry-style or gardening-style work gloves are OK as long as you disinfect by washing with detergent between uses. If you don’t have any gloves, this is a hard stop-do not produce or handle materials.

What kind of face mask may I use?

Cloth (homemade) face masks are acceptable. In fact, N95 “respirator” type face masks should not be used, as they are designed to prevent you from being infected, rather than protecting the products you are making. In addition, those products are needed by healthcare workers.

May I use a face shield in place of a face mask?

No. A face shield is designed to protect the wearer, but is not effective in preventing aerosolized virus leaving the wearer and contaminating surfaces.

What do I do if I don't have a face mask?

Stop. If you do not have a face mask, this is a hard stop.

If I don’t have gloves and face mask, can I just disinfect with alcohol after printing?

No. The safety procedures are designed to be “preventative.” That is, to minimize the chances of items becoming contaminated rather than relying on disinfection after the fact. Face masks and gloves are an important part of that strategy.

What kind of disinfecting solutions may I use?

70% alcohol (isopropanol or ethanol), 2-5% bleach, and household disinfectants are acceptable. Alcohol and bleach are handy because they can be easily sprayed with a spray bottle, do not leave a residue, and at the concentrations used here do not damage the parts.

I don’t have alcohol or bleach, what household disinfectants may I use?

Most household disinfectants are effective in inactivating the virus on surfaces. Because different products contain different compounds, we cannot list or assess all possibilities or the effect on the printed material. A list of products approved for use against SARS-CoV-2 can be found on the EPA website: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Can I use everclear/grain alcohol?

Yes! The percentage of alcohol just needs to be higher than 70% (or 140 proof) to decontaminate items.

Is 90% alcohol acceptable?

Yes! All concentrations greater than 70% are effective. Diluting from 90% to 70% will help your supply last longer, however, if you are confident about how to dilute the alcohol.

What do I do if I don't have alcohol, bleach, or other disinfectant solution?

Stop. If you don’t have disinfecting solutions, this is a hard stop.

Can other people be in the room where the printers are working during operation?

No. The safety procedures require that you work alone, in order to minimize the chances of the parts becoming contaminated.

Can I post-process a piece?

Yes, you can lightly post-process printed materials. Be sure to follow normal safety procedures when you do so. Remember that the goal is to minimize the chance of contaminating the product with virus, so extensive handling is discouraged.

What kinds of bags are acceptable?

Clear plastic bags that are not prone to tearing are acceptable. Although “Ziploc” type bags are ideal, others are acceptable if they can be sealed or taped closed.

Are sandwich bags acceptable?

Yes, as long as they are clear, are not prone to tearing, can be sealed or taped, and can fit the required number of items (5, 10, or 20).

If I run out of plastic bags can I use paper bags?

No. An important part of the operation is for the items to be inspected, sorted, and counted. Clear bags allow inspection without opening the bags, which is important for the safety of those involved.

What if I only have big trash bags, can I use those? If I don’t have bags, can I use a box?

No. The inspection, counting, and sorting procedures require that the workers be able to see the items clearly and count them without opening the bags. Large trash bags and boxes do not allow this.

When I am ready to drop off my items, can I put all my bags into a large bag rather than a box?

Yes! Just be sure to follow similar guidelines in terms of spraying the outside of the bag (especially around the top and any handles). Also, please let your team lead know that you’re out of boxes so we are aware of the need.

Do I have to follow the safety procedures if I am printing the face mask buckles (aka “ear savers”)?

Yes, these safety procedures are in place to minimize the risk of contamination, no matter what is being produced.

I really want to help, but….what if I have a roadblock that is stopping me from printing, like no gloves, no disinfecting solution etc.?

Reach out to the Make4COVID community (www.make4covid.co) and ask for help! We are here to help and make sure we are providing doctors, nurses, first responders and others on the front-lines with the safest materials possible. You are our partners in that effort, if you have any concerns, just ask!

I’m still unsure about a few things...who can I ask?

If, after reading the SOPs and these FAQs, you still have questions, please email us at safety@make4covid.co. Please use this for safety-related questions only. 3D print questions and quality-of-print questions should be sent to our 3D Printing Help team on the in M4C Community.