DUS/General/TBT-DUS-017

Fibrous Insulation Dust

Dust & Silica › General › Fibrous Insulation Dust

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Fibrous insulation materials include mineral wool, glass wool, rock wool, and ceramic fibre products.
Cutting, handling, and installing these materials releases fine fibres that irritate skin, eyes, and lungs.
Man-made mineral fibres (MMMF) have a workplace exposure limit of 2 fibres/ml for refractory ceramic fibres.
MMMF dust causes skin irritation, upper respiratory irritation, and eye discomfort on contact.
Refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) used in high-temperature applications are classified as possibly carcinogenic.
The COSHH Regulations 2002 require risk assessment and control measures for all fibrous insulation work.
Insulation work in confined plant rooms and ceiling voids concentrates fibre exposure significantly.
Loose-fill insulation disturbed during refurbishment creates high airborne fibre levels requiring RPE.
Disposable coveralls prevent fibres embedding in clothing and being carried home to families.
On-tool extraction and damping down reduce airborne fibre concentrations during cutting operations.

Protect your lungs	Inhaled insulation fibres cause respiratory irritation and refractory ceramic fibres may cause cancer.
Prevent skin disease	Fibrous insulation causes intense skin irritation and dermatitis with prolonged or repeated contact.
Legal compliance	COSHH 2002 requires employers to assess and control exposure to MMMF and ceramic fibre dust.

Don't

Complete a COSHH assessment before handling or cutting any fibrous insulation materials
Wear RPE with a P2 or P3 filter when cutting or disturbing fibrous insulation products
Use disposable coveralls to prevent fibres embedding in personal clothing during work
Wear safety goggles to protect eyes from airborne fibres during cutting and installation
Use sharp tools for clean cuts that minimise fibre release from insulation materials
Dampen insulation before cutting where the material and application allow moisture use
Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces before starting insulation installation work
Wash exposed skin with cool water after handling — hot water opens pores and traps fibres
Dispose of insulation offcuts in sealed bags to prevent fibre release in waste handling
Report persistent skin irritation, coughing, or eye discomfort to your supervisor promptly

DON'T handle or cut fibrous insulation without RPE, gloves, goggles, and coveralls
DON'T use power tools to cut insulation without on-tool extraction or dust suppression
DON'T rub or scratch itchy skin caused by insulation fibres — wash with cool water instead
DON'T shake out contaminated clothing — this disperses fibres into the surrounding air
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke until hands and face are washed after handling insulation
DON'T work in confined spaces with insulation without confirmed ventilation running
DON'T sweep up insulation offcuts with a broom — use a vacuum with HEPA filtration
DON'T take contaminated coveralls or work clothing home — dispose of them on site
DON'T ignore persistent respiratory symptoms after working with insulation materials
DON'T assume all insulation fibres are low risk — ceramic fibre is potentially carcinogenic

See also: Man-Made Mineral Fibres (MMMF) | RPE Selection and Face Fit Testing

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