Abrasive blasting of concrete and other materials (especially where sand is used as the abrasive). Exposure to silica dust can cause silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

Is fibre cement cladding safe?

Cembrit fibre cement cladding is non-combustible and offers an outstanding fire protection rating of A2-s1,dO when installed with joints between boards to a maximum of 3mm. These fire protection qualities make fibre cement weatherboard a far safer option compared to using many timber and plastic cladding alternatives.

Is fibre cement board hazardous?

Note: The fibre cement boards in their intact state do not present a health hazard. The controls below apply to dust generated from the boards by cutting, drilling, routing, sawing, crushing, or otherwise abrading, and cleaning or moving sawdust.

Is concrete board toxic?

Using a handheld circular saw to cut fiber‑cement board can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. When inhaled over time, the small particles of silica can irreversibly damage the lungs.

What is a safety concern when cutting fibre cement siding?

Page 1 of 2 Cutting fibre-cement board (e.g., Hardiplank/Weatherboard) without the appropriate controls can expose workers to harmful levels of crystalline silica dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious and irreversible lung disease called silicosis.

Is Hardie plank cladding safe?

Safe, fire resistant cladding suitable for homes in Kent All JamesHardie™ cladding products have an A2 fire rating, meaning there is no risk that the fibre cement will ignite and spread flames through the home or to an adjacent building.

How long does cement board cladding last?

Fibre-cement cladding costs High quality versions will come with 10-year warranties covering basic defects, such as cracking and peeling. You can expect a typical lifespan of at least 40 years (Building Research Establishment tests show fibre-cement slates can last for 60+ years).

Is backer board toxic?

Cementitious backer boards are typically made from cement, they can contain fly ash (which can have residual toxic metals), quartz, perlite.

How should dust generated from fibre cement sheets be cleaned up?

Dust is best cleaned up by wet sweeping and/or vacuuming to avoid making dust airborne. Wetting down before sweeping up dust may be a useful control measure.

Is there silica in Hardie board?

Working Safely with James Hardie Products James Hardie^® products contain crystalline silica. This mineral is found everywhere in the world – often in the form of sand – and therefore often a component of many construction products such as brick, stone, concrete, glass wool and abrasives.

Is it safe to cut cement board?

(A word of caution: Cutting cement backer board produces crystalline silica dust, which can irritate your eyes and lungs. Wear eye goggles and a dual-cartridge respirator when cutting backer board. Always make the cuts outdoors and well away from open windows and doors.)

Is inhaling cement dust harmful?

Inhaling high levels of dust may occur when workers empty bags of cement. In the short term, such exposure irritates the nose and throat and causes choking and difficult breathing. Sanding, grinding, or cutting concrete can also release large amounts of dust containing high levels of crystalline silica.

What PPE is required when cutting Fibre cement sheets?

Therefore, when sanding, rebating, cutting, drilling or carrying out other machining of fibre cement products, as well as following our recommended cutting instructions, you should always wear a properly fitted P1 or P2 respirator and warn others in the immediate area.