General Handling Practices for Refractory Ceramic Fibers for Hearth Products and Applications

"General Handling Practices for Refractory Ceramic Fibers for Hearth Products and Applications" is published by the RCFC, an association of the leading U. S. producers of refractory ceramic fibers (RCFs).  The RCFC develops and promotes proper work practices and standards for the industry, conducts health research and disseminates information on the proper handling and use of RCFs.

Manufacturers of hearth products use refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) based products for a variety of applications, including imitation fireplace logs, brick panels for gas inserts, insulating pellet burning stoves, firebox and combustion chamber insulation in wood burning stoves and fireplaces. RCF is also used as gasketing material, seals, and insulation lining for chimney systems. RCF can be formed into a variety of realistic, decorative shapes and, along with its insulating capability of up to 3,000° F, offers many attractive features as hearth products or in hearth related applications. Individuals involved in the manufacturing, installation or servicing of hearth products made from RCF materials, should become familiar with and adhere to proper handling practices and techniques.

Refractory ceramic fibers are a part of a larger family of synthetic materials, called synthetic vitreous fibers (SVF), including fiberglass or mineral wool. There are numerous RCF product forms, such as blankets, papers, boards, textiles, ropes, cements and casting mixes. Generally, it is easy to identify a RCF hearth product component, as compared to a heavy cast refractory, because of its extremely light weight. Recommended handling practices have evolved over time based upon the data and expertise gained from a comprehensive Product Stewardship Program  (PSP) sponsored by the Refractory Ceramic Fibers Coalition (RCFC), an industry trade association. There are seven key elements to the PSP: health effects research, exposure assessments, study of workplace controls, workplace monitoring, product research, communications and special studies. Research into the potential health effects of exposure to RCFs has involved both animals and humans, with significantly different results³. In animal tests, some of the rats and hamsters exposed to very high doses of specially-prepared, rodent-respirable RCFs developed lung disease (fibrosis, cancer or mesothelioma). Unlike the animal results, a study of about 1,500 current and former RCF manufacturing employees has not identified any incidence of RCF-related lung disease. The PSP also demonstrated that engineering controls, process improvements and proper handling techniques are effective means of controlling airborne fiber and reducing exposure risks. RCF materials present little, if any, opportunity for exposure if handled in an encapsulated form. RCF hearth products are typically encapsulated and should fit most applications without modification. For the hearth products applications involving unencapsulated RCFs, the following procedures are recommended:

• If cutting or trimming is required, such as installing RCF blanket as a part of a chimney lining, use hand tools whenever possible. Power tools generate significantly more airborne dust.
• When performing potentially dusty operations involving RCF products, such as finishing, cutting, sanding, removing or clean-up activities:

• Wear long-sleeved clothing, gloves and eye protection. A properly fitted NIOSH certified respirator is recommended for dusty activities and where exposure levels are unknown.
• Wash exposed skin with soap and water after handling.
• Launder RCF-soiled clothing separately.
• Use vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters for clean-up tasks. When HEPA-filter vacuums are not feasible, lightly spray RCF materials and work area with a water mist before sweeping or bagging of debris.
• Do not use compressed air to clean work clothes or work area.
• Refrain from smoking, eating, or drinking while working near areas where RCF-containing dust is present.

• Dispose of broken or scrap RCF material properly. Follow all applicable federal, state and local regulations.

Generally, unusable RCF material can be placed in a plastic bag and discarded in any landfill accepting general waste. In some cases, the material can be returned to the manufacturer.