When handling any HTIW product, care should be taken to reduce exposure to fibrous dust as per recommendations in ECFIA’s CARE guidance documents. Users of ASW/RCF must also follow specific risk management obligations as laid out in the EC Directive 2004/37EC of 29 April 2004 (Carcinogens Directive) on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at the workplace.
The obligations resulting from the application of the Carcinogens Directive apply only to ASW/RCF.
Substitution obligation (Art.4 Carcinogens Directive)
Replace as far as technically possible by a substance, preparation or process which under its conditions of use, is not dangerous or is less dangerous to workers‘ health or safety as the case may be Submit findings of investigations to relevant authorities.
Avoiding exposure (where technically feasible)
Substitution obligation (Art.4 Carcinogens Directive)
Using closed systems
Using dust collecting equipment (dust extraction at source etc.)
Using prefabricated products
Limiting access to authorised persons only
Using personal protective equipment
Please refer to our CARE Guidance documents that recommend specific measures to reduce exposure.
BOELV Implementation for ASW/RCF
Specific OELs are currently set by national authorities, varying from country to country (1f/ml – 0.1f/ml).
The Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) classified RCF in 2011 as SCOEL Carcinogen group C (genotoxic carcinogens for which a practical threshold is supported) allowing SCOEL to propose an occupational exposure limit for RCF of 0.3 f/ml.
The European Commission used this as a basis for introducing a Binding Occupational Exposure Limit Value for ASW/RCF in the Carcinogens Directive update of 2017. There follows a two-year transitionary period for member states to implement this OEL into their own legislation.
From February 2020 a BOELV of 0.3f/ml will apply to all EU member states.
For LBF and PCW the general dust or MMVF limits will continue to apply.
Communication
- Information to be submitted to authorities
- Information to be provided to workers on: health risks, handling instructions (including transport, waste)
- Training
- Health surveillance
- Record keeping
Marketing Restrictions
Directive 76/769 EC (Limitations Directive), prohibits substances listed in Annex 1 of the Dangerous Substances Directive to be sold to the general public. This prohibition has been transferred to Annex 17 N° 28 of the REACH Regulation on restriction on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, preparations and articles.
No sales of ASW/RCF to consumers.
Safety Data Sheets
Safety data sheets are mandatory for those substances meeting the criteria listed in Article 31 REACH Regulation (classification as hazardous, persistent/bioaccumlative or being considered an SVHC for other reasons).
SDS have been provided for a long time to customers for all products containing ASW/RCF, LBF and PCW.
SDS will be continued to be provided as per regulatory requirements for ASW/RCF and on a voluntary basis for LBF and PCW.
Reference documents
- TRGS 619: Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances – Substitute materials for alumino-silicate wool products, version May 2013; Download
- VDI-Guideline 3469 Emission control – Production and processing of fibrous material sheet 1 (HTIW), February 2007
- INRS several technical brochures on refractory ceramic fibres (in French: fibres céramique réfractaires); www.inrs.fr
- Les fibres céramiques réfractaires, fiche pratique de sécurité, ED 109 novembre 2017; FAS 9 fiche à l’aide de substitution: Substitution des fibres céramiques réfractaires (FCR) (2007)
- Fibres céramiques réfractaires. Isolation et protection thermique en milieu industriel; Guide de prévention (ED 6085, 2011)
- Exposition aux fibres céramiques réfractaires lors de travaux d’entretien et de maintenance (ED 6084, 2010)
- Captage de fibres céramiques réfractaires sur poste fixe; Guide de prévention (ED 6156, 2013)
- Fibres céramiques réfractaires: recommandations pour capter les poussières ; Notes techniques (NT4, 2013)
- COSHH Regulation 7: HSE Guidance booklet seven steps to successful substitution of hazardous substances