MDF has a variety of uses including furniture, kitchen units, wall panels, laminate flooring, timber frame structures, stair treads, doors, window boards, skirting boards, architrave, picture rails and coving. MDF can be found in all types of domestic, commercial, retail and industrial buildings.

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.

Depending on how MDF sheets or mouldings have been fitted, will determine how they are removed, segregated and stored. MDF sheets or products that are in good condition and not water damaged may have some reuse value. They should be segregated and stored flat on a suitably sized pallet, preferably inside and covered with plastic or tarpaulin sheets to keep them dry and prevent splash damage. MDF destined for recycling or recovery can be stored in a similar fashion, but is often added to a timber only skip along with other wood waste.

Hammer, saw, nailbar, crowbar, screwdriver, jemmy bar, chisel, socket, spanner, electric screwdriver, electric circular saw.

MDF sheets, mouldings, panels, units and worktops are generally fixed in place with nails, screws, T-nuts and bolts, glues or adhesive. For some wall panel systems, the MDF sheets will tightly run inside metal, timber or plastic channels without the need for fixings. Flat worktops that usually include a veneer will be fixed underneath. Kitchen units will include various types of fixing screws, nails, gromets and dowels. MDF panels and doors will incorporate a layer of foam insulation or corrugated cardboard glued to the sheets. Skirting boards, architrave, picture rails and covings will be fixed with screws, nails or adhesive.

Subject to task-specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Use correct protective equipment for removing fixings, especially nails and screws. Wear gloves and long sleeve overalls when handling sheets with damaged edges, coated in paints or veneer to prevent irritation and cuts. Wear eye protection when removing nails, screws or other fixings with a crowbar, hammer or nailbar. Do not walk on wet and slippery sheets that are painted or coated in veneer. A respirator and goggles should be worn when cutting the materials and always in a controlled and ventilated environment.

• Timber Recycling
• Demolition Code of Practice
• Reclaimed Products Guide
• HSE Working with Medium Density Fibreboard
• HSE Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work
• Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk
• FIRA Recycling MDF Limitations
• MDF Recycling
• Recycling MDF - The Research

• Manual Handling
• Safe Use of Hand Tools