Lektion 1, Topic 1
In Arbeit

Old minor al wool insulation materials glass wool, rock wool with carcinogenic properties.

Arbeiten mit Mineralwolle-Dämmstoffen

Hazards

  • During dismantling, demolition, maintenance and repair work, there is a fundamental suspicion of cancer if the mineral wool products were installed before the year 2000.

General information

"Old" products

  • Since June 1, 2000, "old" mineral wool insulation materials may no longer be used. Due to the ban on its use, it may only be handled in Germany in the course of dismantling, demolition, maintenance and repair work.
  • As part of the risk assessment, determine whether the mineral wool in question is "old", i.e. suspected carcinogenic, products.
  • Include activities with old insulation materials in the list of hazardous substances (one-time company-related).
  • TRGS 521 and DGUV Information 213-031 provide a list of activities with the corresponding exposure categories. The protective measures required for these activities are staggered and are based on the level of fiber dust exposure at the workplace as well as the duration and frequency of the work.

Protective measures

  • The measures for each exposure category are listed below:

Exposure category E1

  • For activities with no or only very low dust exposure, e.g. work on interior walls (partition walls, facing shells) without dismantling the insulation material, opening individual sections of less than 3 m2, Work on floating screed with removal of less than 3 m2 Insulation material.

Measures

  • material does not tear.
  • Only use motor-driven saws with extraction during removal.
  • Do not throw removed material.
  • Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.
  • Avoid stirring up dust.
  • Keep the workplace clean and clean regularly with a class M vacuum cleaner.
  • Pick up dust with an industrial vacuum cleaner (at least dust class M) or clean with a damp cloth, do not blow off with compressed air or sweep dry.
  • Service and maintain dust extractors and industrial vacuum cleaners regularly.
  • Pack and label waste as dust-tight as possible at the point of origin. Use closed containers (e.g. garbage cans, tear-proof sacks, big bags) for transportation.
  • Wear loose-fitting, closed work clothing and e.g. nitrile-coated cotton gloves.
  • After finishing work, rinse off dust on the skin with water.
  • For sensitive skin, use skin care products after work.
  • Create operating instructions.
  • Instruct employees.

Exposure category E2

  • For activities with low to medium dust exposure, e.g. work on thermal insulation systems with exposure of the insulation material, dismantling of thermally loaded system components outdoors of no more than 20 m2.

Measures

  • Take all measures of exposure category E1 and additionally:
  • Collect fiber dusts directly at the point of emission or origin, e.g. with an air purifier, if possible.
  • Service and maintain dust extractors and industrial vacuum cleaners regularly.
  • Limiting the number of employees through organizational protective measures.
  • Provide employees with personal protective equipment on request:
    • Respiratory protection:
      • Half/quarter mask with P2 filter or
      • FFP2 particle-filtering half mask or
      • Filter unit with blower TM 1P,
    • Safety goggles, especially when working overhead,
    • Type 5 protective suit.
  • Offer occupational health care.
  • Delineate and label work areas.
  • Cover objects or equipment that are difficult to clean with foil.
  • Ban on smoking/snuffing at the workplace, ban on food intake.
  • Provide washing facilities.

Exposure category E3

  • For all activities with high to very high dust exposure, e.g. extensive renovation measures with removal of insulation material (ceiling cladding, suspended ceilings), removal of thermally contaminated systems or system components in confined, poorly ventilated spaces.

Measures

  • Take all measures of exposure category E1 and E2 and additionally:
  • Employment restrictions for young people and pregnant women.
  • Personal protective equipment must be worn:
    • Respiratory protection:
    • Safety goggles, especially when working overhead,
    • Type 5 protective suit.
  • Arrange for occupational health check-ups.
  • Clean or dispose of protective clothing.
  • Separate changing rooms for street clothes and work clothes,
  • Provide a washroom with showers (black and white facilities).

Occupational health care

  • Arrange occupational health care according to the results of the risk assessment (mandatory care) or offer it (optional care). Advice on this from the company doctor.