Posted By Geoff Burt
An MSDS for a breeze block.

Are you really sure that's what you want?

Posted By Hilary Charlton
It is highly likely that a breeze block is not going to cause harm to health and, therefore, an MSDS is not required by Law. I would check the chemical composition and go from there.

Hilary

Posted By Jonathan Breeze
It wasn't me!

I didn't block nothing.

You can't prove it anyway!

I read somewhere that they're normally made out of compressed blast-furnace slag and incinerator ash, so that might provide a lead.

MSDS for ground granulated blast-furnace slag are available from most bulk cement manufacturers. Be aware though that GGBS is a fine powder and breeze blocks are not.

The following is a link to an article relating to incinerator ash used in breeze blocks following an unfounded public health scare.

I would guess the only hazard is the potential to inhale dust, which from memory was classed as nuisance dust in EH 40 (though seperate work may have been done since 2002 when I last looked.)

Plus they've moved to WEL's now instead of OES & MEL's

Posted By Neil Pearson
A breeze block is an article, not a substance, so CHIP can't apply. So no MSDS needed.

Posted By Geoff Burt
I've been emailed an MSDS for a breeze block and I'm in a quandary. But first, thank you to the person who sent it.

I'm in a quandary because how do you tell someone who has done you a favour by sending the sheet that there seems to be some confusion between an MSDS and a risk assessment. Also on a related link about RCDs someone else said 'obtain the MSDS for it'.

The fact that someone has gone to the bother of preparing an MSDS for a breeze block makes me uneasy especially when one of the control measures on the MSDS is the use of ear defenders.

To 'try' to put things straight an MSDS might be required for the materials/substances being used to manufacture the blocks (because employees in that activity might be exposed to them). You would not expect to have an MSDS for the finished article.

In your risk assessment for using breeze blocks there is a possibility you might refer to the make up of any dust from the blocks (from the MSDS for the substances used) and the control measures you might possibly need. However, I would suggest on the normal site that a mention of dust masks would be sufficient. You might even mention ear defenders in your risk assessment - but please, not on an MSDS.

Geoff

Posted By peter gotch
Hi Joe

Here's a link, albeit to US manufacturer.

http://www.featherlitete...com/specs/MSDS_Block.pdf

Depending on design of a structure the laying of breeze blocks can result in significant dust emissions (along with other risks, eg vibration, flying particles, ergonomic strains etc etc. COSHH will obviously apply to exposure to this dust, so in my view not inappropriate for the supplier to publish an MSDS in pursuance of their UK duties under HSWA Section 6.

If that then goes on to address other key risk issues such as noise and MSDs is there a problem??

Regards, Peter

Posted By Stuart Nagle
Are we talking 'Dense Concrete Blocks' or 'Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks' here?

There is of course a vast difference betwen the two, one is concrete with aggrigates thsat is moulded, pressed and cured, the other is a mixture of various components placed into a mould, cut to size and pressure treated inan autoclave to provide a 'lightweight' block.

Apart from the manual handling issues - see HSE construction info sheets on handling concrete blocks.... there are issues that concern users in respect of what goes into these products and if it can have an effect on persons handling the finished product (e.g. contact dermatitus from cement etc).

Tp put minds at rest, so far as I an aware the general consensus of opinion is that whilst materials that can effect persons go into the products, once they are they cured and ready for use they are 'inert' to all intents and purposes and therefore do not represent a health hazard through contact with the product.

Ther are issues in respect of dusts and grit etc, but these arise with most bulding construction materials and are not specific to concrete blocks per se.

H+H Celcon (www.celcon.co.uk) have information sheets and MSDS on their 'Autoclaved Aerated (Lightweight) Concrete Block' products that are downloadable from their web site, or contact their technical department (01732 886810) for advice and infomation....


Regards...

Stuart