28 June 2004 - New Occupational Exposure Limit for Refractory Ceramic Fibres Late 2004
Following a consultation in June 2003 on the proposed new occupational exposure limit for refractory ceramic fibres (RCFs), the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) upon the new limit.
RCFs are alumino-silicate fibres used mainly in the ceramic, steel and metal treatment industries, as a lining for furnaces and kilns. Before the impending changes, the workplace exposure to RCFs has been covered by a generic limit covering all machine-made mineral fibres (MMMFs).
Although the limit will not officially come into force until late 2004, manufacturers and users of these fibres are being advised by the HSC that they should be take appropriate proactive steps to ensure that the exposure of their workforces is reduced accordingly.
RCFs and Special Purpose Fibres (SPFs) had already been classified as Category 2 carcinogens in 1997 the European Commission.
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The new limit is 1 fibre/millilitre (for an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA)) for RCFs and SPFs.
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The limit for MMMFs (except for RCFs and SPFs) is 2 fibres/millilitre (8-hour TWA).
