PORCELAIN STONEWARE TILE FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR USE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

According to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP) There is no proof or indication that the whole, finished product (definable as an “article” pursuant to Regulation EC 1907/2006) has any risks according to Regulation EC No1272/2008 (CLP). In the case of the breakage of the article or its processing involving crushing, breakage, cutting, sanding or any other process which could lead to the release of dusts traceable to the matrix of the article, it may generate crystalline silica powder. The breathable fraction of crystalline silica, particularly during prolonged exposures and/or exposures to high concentrations, may lead to lung damage or illnesses, such as silicosis. The hazard assessment refers to this specific case.

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

The fired ceramic product is odourless, stable, non-flammable and does not present health risks. Does not release substances (fumes/gases/vapours/dusts) after installation. In the decommissioning phase it is not considered hazardous waste. The whole, finished product is free from hazardous classification according to Regulation (EC) No.

Hazard statements

None None

2.2 Label elements

Labelling

Hazard pictograms

None Hazard instructions: None

2.3 Other hazards

Health risks Porcelain stoneware do not emit hazardous substances after installation during the firing process stable chemical compounds are formed, and therefore porcelain stoneware slabs are not considered hazardous for the health. During activities such as cutting, polishing, perforation, etc., of porcelain stoneware, dust containing crystalline silica may be formed. Inhaling this type of dust is hazardous for the health and must be avoided. To limit dust generation, we recommend wet cutting or the score and snap method during the installation process. Do not dry cut using power tools during the installation process. Improper installation techniques could expose installer to harmful dust. Prevent dispersion/inhaling of dust by means of suction systems or personal protection equipment (PPE). PPE: Repeated exposure, prolonged over time and/or massive inhaling of the breathable fraction may have an effect on the lungs causing fibrosis (silicosis). Prolonged exposure over time to the finer fraction suspended in air may cause irritation of the cornea. To reduce the production of dust when cutting, the score-and-snap method is recommended. An electric wet tile cutter performs a straight and precise cut in a very short time without releasing dust into the environment. An angle grinder can be used to cut any desired shape and meet design specifications. To reduce the quantity of dust released, be sure to wet the tile frequently, either manually or using devices integrated with the grinder. Avoid dry cutting with power tools. The literature on emissions generated when cutting cement products reveals that the use of a wet saw reduces respirable crystalline dust by 99% compared to the use of a power saw without water control1. Other studies show that respirable crystalline silica emissions are about 50 times lower when using the score-and-snap method than when using wet power tools and are about 1,000 times lower than when cutting with a power saw without dust suppression devices2. 1 Charles RV, Sheehy J, Feng HA, Sieber WK;; "Laboratory evaluation to reduce respirable crystalline silica dust when cutting concrete roofing tiles using a masonry saw", Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2010, 7: 245-251. 2 "Human Health Risk Assessment for Proposition 65: Crystalline Silica"; Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc. (EH&E), June 2018. Safety hazards: The product does not present hazards for safety if used in compliance with the normal precautions for use.

Environmental hazards

Not classified as hazardous for the environment