Hi Guys,
We work in the aerospace industry, just not on actual planes, but do have to work with pre-cast carbon fibre.
Can someone point me in the right direction regards risks of drilling, cutting and grinding of carbon fibre material.
Is there any specific legislation regards controlling the dusts and fibres?
Currently using full disposable paper suits, nitrile gloves, and half face mask with organic vapour filters and goggles, same as we do with fibreglass, but wondering if we should try and set up some kind of extraction.
How similar is it to asbestos?
TIA
Siblo
Carbon Fibre dust/fillaments
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- quality_somerset
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Re: Carbon Fibre dust/fillaments
Hi Siblo
https://compositesuk.co.uk/health-safet ... st-control
You seem to be doing most of the things that i would do. LEV is always a good idea, although it does have costs associated with it.
At the moment it is not have the risks associated with asbestos, however it is quite a new product and lung disorders can take decades to become apparent. You may also want your occupational health dept to perform regular lung function tests so that any problems can be dealt with at the earliest possible instance. In short i would try and keep exposure as low as possible and keep an eye out for briefing from the HSE/NHS etc.
Regards
QS
https://compositesuk.co.uk/health-safet ... st-control
You seem to be doing most of the things that i would do. LEV is always a good idea, although it does have costs associated with it.
At the moment it is not have the risks associated with asbestos, however it is quite a new product and lung disorders can take decades to become apparent. You may also want your occupational health dept to perform regular lung function tests so that any problems can be dealt with at the earliest possible instance. In short i would try and keep exposure as low as possible and keep an eye out for briefing from the HSE/NHS etc.
Regards
QS
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Re: Carbon Fibre dust/fillaments
It can be of similar length to asbestos.
If I recall correctly, individual Carbon Fibres are around 5-10 micrometres in length, whereas Asbestos fibres are 0.1 to 10 micrometres.
Dare I ask if you've checked the manufacturers MSDS for their info?
It's in very common use on all manner of items, not just aviation, but cars, bikes etc
Good info here: http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/#!/comp ... rbon-fibre
If I recall correctly, individual Carbon Fibres are around 5-10 micrometres in length, whereas Asbestos fibres are 0.1 to 10 micrometres.
Dare I ask if you've checked the manufacturers MSDS for their info?
It's in very common use on all manner of items, not just aviation, but cars, bikes etc
Good info here: http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/#!/comp ... rbon-fibre
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Re: Carbon Fibre dust/fillaments
Just off on a tangent...
Many moons ago, before I knew anything about health and safety (how many jobs did you do when no one ever showed you a risk assessment or safe system of work) I was asked to move some perspect sheets from a warehouse which were covered in perspex dust. I did this with NO PPE at all.
Later that day I became i'll and the next day I had the worst cough I have ever experienced. Constant, extremly forcefull coughing that would leave me collapsed on the ground in a lot of pain. Lasted two weeks. Wrecked my kareoke career as well. (thats my story and im sticking to it)
I would NEVER move stuff like that again without a mask.
Many moons ago, before I knew anything about health and safety (how many jobs did you do when no one ever showed you a risk assessment or safe system of work) I was asked to move some perspect sheets from a warehouse which were covered in perspex dust. I did this with NO PPE at all.
Later that day I became i'll and the next day I had the worst cough I have ever experienced. Constant, extremly forcefull coughing that would leave me collapsed on the ground in a lot of pain. Lasted two weeks. Wrecked my kareoke career as well. (thats my story and im sticking to it)
I would NEVER move stuff like that again without a mask.
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Re: Carbon Fibre dust/fillaments
As ever, great answers guys, some very informative links and videos.
@stephen1974 - not at all off topic, just another example of not giving dust the respect it deserves.
Thanks Guys..
@stephen1974 - not at all off topic, just another example of not giving dust the respect it deserves.
Thanks Guys..