What is a safety concern when cutting Fibre cement siding?
What is a safety concern when cutting Fibre cement siding?
Cutting fibre cement board without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica-containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lungs, and can result in death.
Is fiber cement siding toxic?
Fiber cement is made from non-toxic materials. While it’s not biodegradable like wood, it won’t release toxins like plastic siding.
Is cement board dust 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.
Do you need to wear a mask when cutting Hardie board?
We can get you in touch with safety consultants and provide other resources to help you prepare your organization for compliance with written safety plans, communication and training requirements of the new OSHA silica standard. There’s no need to use respirators or tents when cutting fiber cement products.
Does fiber cement siding contain asbestos?
Fiber cement siding used to contain asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, for reinforcement. Asbestos, however, was later replaced by cellulose, a harmless material that makes wood rigid.
Is Hardie plank toxic?
HardiePlank® siding is made from natural and sustainable raw materials: cement, sand, wood fiber, and water. It has no asbestos, glass fibers, or formaldehyde, which makes it a safe building product as well. The materials are low in toxicity; therefore, it does not harm the environment.
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.
What happens if you inhale cement dust?
Crystalline silica is found in materials such as concrete, masonry and rock. When these mate- rials are made into a fine dust and suspended in the air, breathing in these fine particles can produce lung damage. Silicosis can be totally disabling and may lead to death.
Is Hardie board poisonous?
The product is not toxic in its intact form.
Does Hardie board contain silica?
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.
How can you tell if cement siding has asbestos?
How do I know if my roofing or siding contains asbestos? Look for asbestos markings on the roofing or siding material or the packages in which they came, or call the manufacturer. Another alternative is to hire a Minnesota certified asbestos inspector to sample the material and submit it for laboratory analysis.
When did James Hardie start using asbestos?
James Hardie became aware of asbestos-related health problems among its employees as early as the 1960s. In 1978 the company began labeling products with warning stickers, informing handlers that dust from the products may cause cancer.
Does Hardie board off gas?
Fiber-cement siding, however, is biologically inert. This means that there is no off-gassing with the product.
Is Hardie siding toxic?
Do I need a special blade to cut cement board?
There are a few different power tools that you can use to cut cement backer board. Again, these will produce lots of dust, so protect yourself with goggles and a respirator. For straight cuts, use a circular saw fitted with a carbide-tipped wood-cutting blade, pushing the saw into the material with slow, even pressure.
Can you cut cement board with utility knife?
A carbide-tipped scoring knife is recommended, but you can also use a utility knife or shears. Never use a high-speed grinder to cut cement board indoors, since this can create a dust hazard.