Safety Issues

[kebwi]

Re: Saftey Issues

The concern is that the premier vermiculite mine in the U.S. produced vermiculite containing asbestos back in the bad old 70s (give or take a decade, I really don't know), but that was a long time ago and contemporary vermiculite does not contain asbestos.

That said, I got my vermiculite free off CraigsList from someone who cleared out all their ancient attic insulation, which clearly dates back to that bygone era previously mentioned (I think there is a spate of such vermiculite concerns in my town of Seattle)...so I wore a full respirator the entire time I was dealing with it, same one I used when jigsawing InsBlock.

Cheers!

[lwood]

Re: Saftey Issues

Perlite is a naturally occurring substance. It is mined from volcanic areas and has nothing to do with asbestos, except looking similar to asbestos matl. I don't think they would be selling it in Home Depot if it had asbestos in it. Asbestos was outlawed in the US a long time ago and I assure you there is no asbestos in the vermiculite or perlite.

[Ilfornaio]

Re: Saftey Issues

What about asbestos in the perlite or vermiculite??? Does anyone know for sure if it contains any?

[mrchipster]

Re: Saftey Issues

In addition to lifting a safe load an often forgotten safety issue when dealing with these types of projects is safely of transporting your materials.

Do not overload your car, truck trailer or van. If you have items on the roof such as lumber or in an open trailer make sure that the load is properly strapped down or otherwise secured.

A few years ago I was in a Menards Lumber yard and saw a man put so many concrete blocks in his trailer that he blew the tire right there. It was a good thing he was not going down the highway at 60 when the tire exploded.

Drive a safe load.

[toddj]

Re: Saftey Issues

Thanks guys maybe I can celebrate recovery with some pizza this summer

[james]

Re: Saftey Issues

Ouch. I hope it isn't too bad. Take care of yourself and let us know how it goes.
James

[egalecki]

Re: Saftey Issues

Hey Todd, I was wondering where you'd gone! I'm sorry about your back. Good luck with the surgery- my sister in law had a roto-rooter job on her disc several years ago and is much better since.

Good to see you back.

[toddj]

Re: Saftey Issues

Be careful mixing your concrete.

BEWARE OF THE 80LB BAGS!!!

Im scheduled for back surgery this Tues thanks to QUIKRETE

My oven has been on hold due to a ruptured disk - im 37 in good health other than that!

[Johnny the oven man]

Re: Saftey Issues

The only issues with cutting bricks is the silica dust. Ceramic fibre is pretty safe until it has been fired where the binders are burnt out but it is in the 1000 degree C range which is nowhere near WFO temps. Cal Sil is safe.

[PizzaPolice]

Re: Saftey Issues

Know you limits. Don't overextend yourself. Lift with your legs. Never extend your arms out with a load. And for gods sake, don't go twisting your back about whilst lifting, carrying or placing heavy items.

[cynon767]

Re: Saftey Issues

Not true. Firebricks are mostly silica and alumina. You don't want to breathe the stuff on a regular basis, but it's not nearly as toxic as asbestos. You are unlikely to be able to buy anything new that contains even trace amounts of asbestos.

Still, you don't want to breathe the dust. When you're cutting, particularly cutting dry with an angle grinder or such, wear a proper respirator, not one of those paper dust masks.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease... I've just seen all these references lately to class-action lawsuits for workplace asbestos exposure, naming, among the usual others, firebrick manufacture. I'm glad to hear, as will my wife, that we won't be putting ourselves at risk for mesothelioma with every pizza we cook!

again, thanks!

[dmun]

Re: Saftey Issues

I have heard that firebricks are made with asbestos

Not true. Firebricks are mostly silica and alumina. You don't want to breathe the stuff on a regular basis, but it's not nearly as toxic as asbestos. You are unlikely to be able to buy anything new that contains even trace amounts of asbestos.

Still, you don't want to breathe the dust. When you're cutting, particularly cutting dry with an angle grinder or such, wear a proper respirator, not one of those paper dust masks.

[cynon767]

Re: Saftey Issues

I had a question about firebrick safety... I have heard that firebricks are made with asbestos. Is this still so? If so, wouldn't the dust from cutting be highly dangerous?

[badzy]

Re: Saftey Issues

ELctricity precautions:
-Wear shoes or slippers when plugging or using an electrical gadget/machine
-Have your power/electric supply be checked by electrician for at least once a year

[asudavew]

Re: Saftey Issues

I actually found a new type of gardening glove at Walmart last week. They are a lot like the blue ones Dmun had- rubber coated on the palm and fingers, and knit on the back. They also come in pretty colors with designs on the back! I got two pairs so I could switch to a dry one when they get soggy. They fit pretty well, although if your wife has smaller hands than about a 6 1/2 or a 7, they might be too big.

They work well to pick up the bricks without slipping or wearing off your fingertips.

I love gloves now....