BGC Product Safety
To work safely, you need to understand potential hazards and how to minimise the associated risks. BGC Fibre Cement believes that safety is of paramount importance to everyone and are committed to educating all potential product users in the safe use of our products.
It’s important to remember that ‘Best Practice’ is much more than a ‘strong suggestion’. It is a work ethic that, if followed, has tangible benefits that will positively influence your quality of work and wellbeing, leading to greater efficiency, and importantly, improved worksite safety. We want you to return home healthy to your family and friends.
Silica sand is one of the most common varieties of sand found in the world. It is used for a wide range of applications. Sand is the general term for broken down granules of minerals or rocks, technically between about one-sixteenth of a millimeter to two millimeters in diameter, falling between silt and gravel in the spectrum of sizes. There are many varieties of sand in the world, each with their own unique composition and qualities. Commonly known as sand or quartz, silica is found in many common building products, including concrete, bricks, grout, wallboard, ceramic tiles, glass, dirt and all fibre cement.
Silica, when it’s intact, is harmless. However, when it is cut, drilled or otherwise abraded, silica is released as fine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Breathing excessive amounts of respirable silica can cause a potentially fatal lung disease called silicosis, and has been linked with other diseases. Some international authorities consider respirable silica to be a cause of cancer.
Some studies suggest smoking may increase these risks.
BGC Fibre Cement has produced a Best Practice Guide – Working Safely with BGC Fibre Cement Products which walks through the hazards, risks and best practice guidelines when using our products.
