The information on this page is a guide to working safely with Hebel, however if you are unsure please consult a professional or call the Hebel call centre on 1300 712 896 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm) for advice.
Safety data sheets and guides
Respirable Crystalline Silica Information
Hebel CSR Safety Data Sheets
The CSR Safety Data Sheets are issued in accordance with National standards and guidelines from Safe Work Australia (SWA – formerly ASCC/NOHSC). These safety data sheets cover – hazard identification, composition, first aid measures, fire fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls and personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicology, disposal considerations, transport and regulations.
Safety Guides
For information on how to cut, clean, lift and store products see below:
Handling
When we talk about risk in manual handling we’re not just referring to heavy lifting. Manual handling is any activity that requires you to exert force to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or move, hold or restrain any object. Manual handling should always be carried out in accordance with manual handling regulations and codes. Here are some key points to apply when handling Hebel panels and blocks. You should also refer to the Hebel Design and Installation Guides and Hebel CSR Safety Data Sheets for further information.
Plan ahead and keep your traffic area clear
Plan your installation including sequence to minimise movements and avoid awkward lifts. Keep your traffic area clear and worksite clean and tidy to reduce the risk of injury from slipping, tripping or falling
Know your limits
The physical capabilities of the individual person need to be considered when moving Hebel products.
Use mechanical aids
Hebel recommends using mechanical aids such as trolleys, lifters, separators and hoists to reduce the risk of injury with actions such as – heavy lifting, heavy force, repetitive action, bending and twisting, handling loads that are difficult to grasp and working in an awkward or uncomfortable position.
Wear appropriate PPE
Wear PPE gloves and suitable clothing when handling Hebel panels and blocks. The dust can irritate the skin, especially in heat and sweat, and repeated exposure may cause irritation, mainly on the hands. To reduce dust exposure, use standard-duty leather gloves (or equivalent AS 2161) and comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Cutting, sawing, abrading, chasing or crushing Hebel
Wear hearing protection
Wear hearing protection when using power tools. Protect your eyes and lungs. Hebel autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) panels and blocks are supplied as non-hazardous. However, dust from cutting, sawing, abrading (such as rasping, scraping, grinding down), chasing or crushing is considered hazardous.
Wear a P2 particulate respirator
When dust contains crystalline silica some particles can be small enough to go deep into the lungs when breathed in. For this reason a P2 particulate respirator should be used when working with Hebel panels and blocks. Where high levels of dust are encountered, more efficient cartridge-type or powered respirators or supplied-air helmets or suits may be necessary.
Wear safety goggles
Dust from cement-based products is irritating to the eyes, causing watering and redness with the potential to aggravate certain eye conditions. When cutting, sawing, abrading, chasing or crushing Hebel panels or blocks we advise you to wear safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles (AS 1336) or a face shield.
When cutting
Use a 75mm plunge with cutting shroud, LEV and an M or H Class HEPA filter industrial vacuum
- Stop the cut 2mm to 5mm from bottom edge to stop dust blowing below the saw shroud
- Clean your M or H Class HEPA filter more often with heavy dust exposure
Sign up for installer training
We offer a half day training session each month and training is free
