COS/Controls/TBT-COS-018

Man-Made Mineral Fibres (MMMF)

COSHH & Hazardous Substances › Controls › Man-Made Mineral Fibres (MMMF)

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Location		Date

Man-made mineral fibres include glass wool, rock wool, slag wool, and ceramic fibres used as insulation.
MMMF products are widely used for thermal insulation, fire protection, and acoustic treatment in buildings.
Handling MMMF causes immediate skin irritation, itching, and redness from fibre contact with exposed skin.
Inhaling MMMF dust irritates the nose, throat, and upper airways, causing coughing and discomfort.
Refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) are classified as possible human carcinogens and have stricter exposure limits.
The workplace exposure limit for MMMF other than RCF is 5 mg/m³ for total inhalable dust.
Cutting, tearing, and compressing MMMF releases higher concentrations of airborne fibres.
COSHH 2002 requires assessment and control of MMMF exposure during installation and removal.
Long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection significantly reduce skin and eye irritation from MMMF.
Washing MMMF-contaminated clothing separately prevents fibre transfer to other garments.

Skin irritation	MMMF fibres embed in skin causing intense itching, redness, and dermatitis that affects worker comfort and health.
Respiratory effects	Inhaling MMMF dust irritates the airways and, for ceramic fibres, carries a potential cancer risk.
Legal duty	COSHH 2002 requires employers to assess MMMF exposure and provide appropriate controls and PPE.

Don't

Wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection when handling MMMF insulation
Use sharp knives rather than tearing to cut MMMF — clean cuts release fewer fibres
Work in well-ventilated areas to disperse airborne fibres during installation
Wear RPE when cutting or disturbing large quantities of MMMF in enclosed spaces
Complete a COSHH assessment for MMMF products before starting insulation work
Wash hands, face, and forearms before eating, drinking, or leaving the work area
Shower after prolonged MMMF handling to remove embedded fibres from the skin
Launder MMMF-contaminated work clothing separately from personal clothes
Identify refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) and apply stricter controls where present
Dispose of MMMF waste in sealed bags to prevent fibre release during transport

DON'T handle MMMF insulation with bare arms, hands, or without eye protection
DON'T tear MMMF products by hand — use a sharp blade for cleaner, lower-dust cuts
DON'T blow MMMF dust from clothing with compressed air — it spreads fibres everywhere
DON'T rub or scratch irritated skin — it pushes fibres deeper and worsens irritation
DON'T install MMMF in enclosed spaces without ventilation and RPE
DON'T eat or drink before washing MMMF fibres from your hands and face
DON'T dispose of MMMF offcuts loose on site — bag them to contain fibres
DON'T wash MMMF-contaminated clothing with your personal laundry
DON'T confuse standard MMMF with refractory ceramic fibres — RCF needs stricter controls
DON'T ignore persistent skin or respiratory symptoms — report them to occupational health

See also: COSHH Awareness | Roof Insulation Installation

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