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Stamit board and Formaldehyde used together in the uk
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Deacon36447  
#1 Posted : 13 March 2014 19:12:19(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Deacon36447
I am looking for help and information on the above please. I have been asked for help by a Client who remembers his college prof discussing Formaldehyde being used as an insecticide in Stramit boards during the 1950/60's. Was it? If so what are the control measures required when working near to or stripping out Stramit board from roofs. National Federation of Roofing Contractors do not have any technical information so I am asking the IOSH community to help please. Doug
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firesafety101  
#2 Posted : 13 March 2014 20:29:08(UTC)
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firesafety101
MDF also has formaldehyde used as a binder. All I know is it gets heated and turns into a mist when electric saw is used for cutting so RPE is required.
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Phil Grace  
#3 Posted : 14 March 2014 08:10:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Phil Grace
Can't really help with precise details... Formaldehyde is generally supplied as a solution in water. Often circa 35% Formaldehyde with circa 48% water... This is formalin as used to preserve medical specimens and prevent their attack by insects etc. But what I can not envisage is spraying such a solution onto Stramit board - seems an unlikely approach. And if done decades ago I'm not sure how much of the Formaldehyde will remain. Did spot item on HSE Web community where someone said they had seen Stramit board "faced" with asbestos paper and/or asbestos board. That may present a greater risk! Finally, Stramit web site states that material is fire resistant and does not contain any resins or alcohols that might contribute to or increase risk of fire. Phil
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leadbelly  
#4 Posted : 14 March 2014 08:16:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
leadbelly
Formaldehyde can be used with urea or melamine to produce thermosetting resins. If overheated, the resins can unzip to release the two components. A common cause of localised overheating is the use of saws or drill bits that have started to get blunt. If the formaldehyde is present in this form in the Stramit board, it is unlikely to present a significant risk unless the board is cut or drilled with such devices. LB
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firesafety101  
#5 Posted : 14 March 2014 09:03:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
Yes and it is advisable to cut in fresh air. It is the heat generated by friction that causes the release of the chemicals.
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Phil Grace  
#6 Posted : 14 March 2014 09:25:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Phil Grace
LB, Exactly hence the problem with work on MDF boards. Stramit claim that their material is made without binding materials - just heat and pressure together with the natural resin in the wood fibres or straw. Phil
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