Fibreglass Inert 17 02 02
Fibreglass (fiberglass, glass fibre, fibre glass, glass reinforced fibre) is a strong lightweight material used for a range of construction purposes including glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) and glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) products. Fibreglass is rolled or moulded into various shapes, styles and designs using a mixture of resin, glass fibre matting and additives including fibres, fillers and colouring agents. It is of varying strength and colour depending on the desired performance and architectural finish. It is resistant to weather and corrosive environments and is increasingly being used for featured items and lightweight, themed products.
Usage & Probable Locations
Fibreglass has many uses in construction including underground tanks, septic tanks, water tanks, tank liners, pipes and fittings, access chambers, access covers, grating and stair treads, ladders and handrails in corrosive environments, meter boxes, shower trays, baths, covers, specialist mouldings, profile products, flat roofs, garage doors, panels, roof lights, cladding, domes, pods, columns, pediments, cornice, towers, turrets, facia and soffits, modular buildings, sculptures, garden planters and architectural features. They are located underground, in earthworks, forming flat roofs, within buildings, garden features and the internal and external cladding of buildings.
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE requirements indicated are for guidance purposes only. DRIDS has identified the PPE that is mandatory on all demolition projects and ones that may be required subject to site specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Hover over the icon to determine the types of PPE required for the removal of this material.
Removal, Segregation & Storage
Fibreglass products that are destined for reuse should be deconstructed, segregated and stored carefully and safely, especially those of architectural, themed or historic value. They should be stored flat or upright to prevent cracking and away from plant movements to prevent breakage. Fibreglass is recyclable, but no commercial outlets exist in UK at this time. Fibreglass that is destined for landfill should have all active contaminants removed so that it maintains its inert status. There is little need to store fibreglass inside a building or under cover as they are robust against weather.
Tools
Fixtures, Fittings & Connections
Glassfibre has traditionally been fixed in place using resin, silicone sealant, bolts, screws, straps and pins. Some fibreglass products such as garden features, planters, domes, pediments and pipes will be laid into place using mortar, screed, blinding sand or other binding/bedding agent. Glassfibre products will sometimes be coated with an vinyl material for advertisement or themed purposes which can be difficult to remove. Structural and architectural products such as cladding, soffits, facia, windows and panels will be fixed with nuts, bolts, screws and pins and occasionally within a space frame made from alloys or stainless steel.
Health & Safety
Subject to task-specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Use correct protective equipment when working with fibreglass. Wear kevlar grip gloves when handling fibreglass products and crushed or broken products to prevent cuts and abrasion. Use eye protection or full face mask when using hand tools to prevent impact form fibreglass splinters. Use dust mask at all times to prevent ingestion of airborne fibreglass dust and particles. Do not walk on fibreglass sheets or roof lights. Only use harness protection at height as a last resort. Only use 360 plant, cranes and lifting straps/chains if appropriately trained.
