INTRODUCTIONMineral wools are part of a group of products called machine-made mineral fibres (MMMF) which also includes ceramic fibres, special purpose fibres and continuous filament fibres. In the local authority enforced sector, mineral wools are the most likely to be of interest. Mineral wool is a general name for MMMF of a woolly consistency normally made from molten glass, rock or slag. Mean fibre diameters are typically in the range 4 to 9 micrometres. It exhibits good resistance to heat and chemicals and can be woven. It is therefore widely used in thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings and process plant and as structural fire protection in the form of rolls, slabs, brown cavity wall filling, plasterboard laminates and pipe insulation. Use of MMMF has accelerated as asbestos materials have been phased out. HEALTH EFFECTSMost currently available MMMF products do not readily release airborne fibres and those fibres that are released are relatively thick and do not persist in the lung. MMMF can cause irritation of the skin and eyes and excessively dusty conditions may cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract. While most peoples’ skin becomes resistant after a period of adaptation, some need to take precautions to protect their skin and a small number may have to move to other work. Extensive research into the possible carcinogenicity of MMMF has produced inconclusive results. However, it has been concluded that in view of some uncertainties, it would be prudent to assume high exposures might pose a risk of lung cancer in workers. All mineral wool fibres are classified for irritancy, but classification for carcinogenicity applies only to fibres of <6mm diameter – coarser fibres are not respirable. If evidence is available from specified tests indicating certain types of effect, then classification as a category 3 carcinogen will not be necessary. However, on a precautionary basis, if satisfactory data are not available for a specific mineral wool product, it must be classified as carcinogen of category 3. LEGAL REQUIREMENTSThe COSHH Regulations apply to all forms of MMMF. A maximum workplace exposure limit (WEL) has been set; inhalation exposure to MMMF should always be reduced to a level as low as is reasonably practicable and, in any event, the WEL should not be exceeded. The COSHH assessment will include breaking down the work into its constituent tasks and identifying the workers involved in each, assessing the duration and level of exposure and planning the control measures to be used and identifying the level of control that is deemed to be reasonably practicable. Factors to be considered should include:- *location – e.g. higher exposure in enclosed areas or working with mineral wool above head height. *materials – type will affect likely level of fibre release *duration of work. In all but the simplest cases the assessment should be written down. Insulation, construction and removal activities can create relatively high levels, which may exceed the limits if suitable precautions are not taken. A Maximum exposure limit of 5 mg/m3 and 2 fibres/ml. over 8 hours has been set. Precautions may include:- •Prevention – substitution with non-fibrous material, dust suppressants, sealants. •Engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation •Work planning/housekeeping •Personal protective equipment (PPE) – as a final measure when all other reasonably practicable measures have been taken but adequate control has not been achieved. This should include eye protection, skin protection, respiratory protective equipment (either type-approved by HSE or made to an HSE approved standard) and protective clothing. Consideration will need to be given as to whether monitoring is required under COSHH. Further information on methods may be obtained from the publication ‘Monitoring Strategies for Toxic Substances’. Employees working with or handling MMMF should be provided with suitable and sufficient instructions and training on risks to health and precautions to be taken. Insulation WorkAirborne concentrations during the installation of insulation vary depending on the confinement of the work area and the type and duration of the work undertaken. The primary safeguards in such operations will normally involve the use of an appropriate standard of PPE suitable for the conditions, but the work method should also be designed to: •Prevent or minimise direct skin contact •Prevent MMMF from settling on work or other clothing •Prevent the spread of MMMF to other work areas not normally affected Where high levels of exposure may occur e.g. blowing mineral fibres into lofts or hand laying of mineral wools in poorly ventilated lofts (30mg/m3 is common with up to 90mg/m3 being measured for short durations) the duration of exposure will need to be assessed to determine the time-weighted average, and hence the standards of PPE that will be necessary. REFERENCE/FURTHER DETAILS1.Guidance Note EH 46: Man-made mineral fibres (HSE)(1995) 2.L5 ‘General COSHH ACOP, Carcinogens ACOP and Biological Agents ACOP’ (1999)(£8.50)(0 7176 1670 3)(HSE Books) 3.Leaflet IND(G)163(rev1)(5/99) ‘5 Steps to Risk Assessment’ www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf 4.Leaflet IND(G)136L (Rev2) (10/03) ‘COSHH – A brief guide to the Regulations’(HSE) www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.pdf 5.Booklet HS(G)53:’The Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – a practical guide’ (HSE)(1998)(£9.50) 6.SIR 27 Specialist Inspector Report ‘Some Occupational Hygiene Aspects of MMMF and New Technology Fibres (Available from HSE Information Centre). 7.Guidance document HSG 173 ‘Monitoring Strategies for Toxic Substances’ (1997)(£6.95) (ISBN 0 7176 14115) | 