53
Matrix Installation and Operation Instructions
Refractory Ceramic Fibers (RFC)
Personal Protective Equipment Recommended -
Read the following warnings and handling
instructions carefully before commencing any service work in the combustion chamber. The insulating
material on the inside of the burner door and at the back of the combustion chamber contain
Refractory
Ceramic Fibers
and should not be handled without personal protective equipment.
Potential Carcinogen
- Use of
Refractory Ceramic Fibers
in high temperature applications (above
1000
o
C) can result in the formation of Crystalline Silica (cristobalite), a respirable silica dust. Repeated
airborne exposure to crystalline silica dust may result in chronic lung infections, acute respiratory
illness, or death. Crystalline silica is listed as a (potential) occupational carcinogen by the following regulatory organizations:
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC),
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS),
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Failure to comply with handling instructions in Table 14-1 may result in serious injury or death.
Crystalline Silica -
Certain components confined in the combustion chamber may contain this potential
carcinogen. Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause property
damage, serious injury (exposure to hazardous materials) or death. Refer to Table 14-1 for handling
instruction and recommended personal protective equipment. Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer,
service agency or the gas supplier (who must read and follow the supplied instructions before installing, servicing, or removing
this appliance. This appliance contains materials that have been identified as carcinogenic, or possibly carcinogenic, to humans).
Table 16.1
Handling Instructions for Refractory Ceramic Fibers (RCF)
Reduce the Risk of Exposure
Precautions and Recommended Personal Protective Equipment
Avoid contact with skin and eyes
•
Wear
long-sleeved clothing, gloves, and safety goggles or glasses
.
Avoid breathing in silica dust
•
Wear a respirator with a N95-rated filter efficiency or better.
1
•
Use water to reduce airborne dust levels when cleaning the combustion chamber.
•
Do not dry sweep silica dust. Pre-wet or use a vacuum with a high efficiency filter.
Avoid transferring contamination
•
When installing or removing RFCs, place the material in a sealable plastic bag.
•
Remove contaminated clothing after use. Store in sealable container until cleaned.
•
Wash contaminated
clothing separately from other laundry.
First Aid Measures
If irritation persists after implementing first aid measures consult a physician.
•
Skin
- Wash with soap and water.
•
Eyes
- Do not rub eyes; flush with water immediately.
•
Inhalation
– Breathe in fresh air; drink water, sneeze or cough to clear irritated
passage ways.
Notes:
1
R
espirator recommendations based on CCOHS and OSHA requirements at the time this document was written. Consult
your local regulatory authority regarding current requirements for respirators, personal protective equipment, handling,
and disposal of RCFs.
For more information on Refractory Ceramic Fibers, the risks, recommended handling procedures and acceptable disposal
practices contact the organization(s) listed below:
Canada (CCOHS):
Telephone directory listing under
Government Blue Pages Canada—Health and Safety—
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety; or
website http://www.ccohs.ca.
United States (OSHA):
Telephone directory listing under
United States Government—Department of Labor—
Occupational Safety and Health Administration; or website
http://www.osha.gov.