Working Safely with Fibre Cement

Working safely with fibre cement – managing the risk of crystalline silica

Like many building materials (AAC, brick, concrete, tiles, stone), James Hardie and other fibre cement manufacturers use sand because it is an inert, durable and non-combustible material. Sand is largely composed of crystalline silica which is a natural compound that is also found in clay, coal, granite, slate, sandstone, and other minerals.

Fibre cement products are not considered hazardous in their manufactured state but the very fine dust generated when using high speed tools (e.g. circular saws, drills, grinders), presents a hazard and it is important to manage the associated risk by adopting best practice controls. ​

Exposure to respirable silica in the workplace must be assessed and managed in compliance with applicable laws.  

James Hardie remains steadfast in its commitment to Zero Harm. This includes providing information to help people keep safe when working with our fibre cement products. By helping them understand the appropriate controls that can be used to minimise exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

To ensure you understand the best ways of minimising exposure to respirable crystalline silica when working with James Hardie fibre cement products, always refer to the recommended safe working practices section within each product technical manual, the fibre cement Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and our Best Practice Guide before starting any cutting or machining of James Hardie product.