Aluminized fiberglass

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

In their original supply condition and under normal circumstances of use, the products do not pose any generalised health risk to the customer. It should be noted however that the glass filaments used in the manufacture of these articles are small, measuring approximately 9-microns in diameter. Their use in some fabrication operations such as cutting and drilling may subject the fibres to harsh mechanical abrasion, during which individual fibres may break horizontally into smaller lengths, but they will not divide longitudinally into fibrils of a smaller diameter. This size of glass filament (9µm) is greatly in excess of the 3-micron limit below which a fibre is generally categorised as being respirable. The products do not therefore constitute an inhalable hazard. Users should be aware that direct exposure to glass fibres can lead to a temporary irritation of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes or upper respiratory tract. Skin irritation is not an uncommon symptom to people with sensitive skin and whilst they may be affected on first-contact exposure, users should be acquainted with the fact that the effects are usually short-lived and should disappear when the source of irritation has been removed by a thorough cleansing of the skin surface. With long-term exposure, the skin surface usually hardens, leading to either a reduction or elimination of symptoms. Workers who make use of barrier creams and employ sensible hygiene precautions do not usually report ongoing problems. If workers are withdrawn from frequent exposure to glass fibres, the skin surface usually re-softens. Those people who have a history of skin complaints may be particularly susceptible to the effects listed above. They should be carefully managed to minimise or avoid contact, making use of personal protective equipment such as gloves (see section 8). Within the class of articles covered by this safety data sheet, the risks identified above have been significantly reduced below that of loomstate glass fabrics. Aluminium foil or PET film laminated to the surface of the fabric acts to shield at least one surface from direct skin contact and minimise any hazard of filament release during handling. The EKCA ranges of products have additionally been treated with an organic polymer, which acts to stabilise the weave and partially encapsulate the glass, further minimising the potential for dust or fibre release. The product is also carefully selected the size of glass filament used in the construction of these fabrics to lessen the degree of potential irritation that could be evident following skin contact. Our products generally use glass which is below 11 micron in diameter, (above that size the potential for irritation increases dramatically). This point being made, care should still be taken to control and eliminate contact with loose fibres in so far as this is reasonably practicable.