As awareness and demand for fire sprinkler installations rise, it's important that your teams rise to the challenge. However, as standards rise, this should never affect the standards put in place to keep installers safe, even in hazardous environments with the tightest deadlines.
BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems take pride in offering installers a safer working environment, without the need for any heavy machinery whatsoever. Heat welding and electrical tools are also a requirement of times gone by. This is made possible using solvent cement.
In minutes, a strong, permanent bond between CPVC pipes and fittings can be made to facilitate a healthy distribution system for fire protection, across all light hazard environments. It is one of the benefits that makes BlazeMaster CPVC the most specified non-metallic fire protection material worldwide.
But does using such a strong bonding method bring risks? Is solvent cement harmful, for both installers and potential customers nearby, when used for long periods of time? We commissioned a study to find out.
Occupational Exposure Monitoring: The Investigation
In January of this year, RPS Group carried out an independent study, monitoring airborne contaminants at a sprinkler installation site, at the Lane End Developments site in Warrington. This building project consisted of new build residential apartments.
The solvent cement product, compatible with BlazeMaster CPVC pipes and fittings was in use by installers on-site, both of which provided sampling for the study. Each was fitted with personal sampling equipment for approximately three hours, during which most of the day’s solvent cement activity would be taking place. A static background analysis of the environment would also be carried out.
Each installer was tested for exposure to the following active solvents used in CPVC cements:
- Tetrahydrofuran
- Cyclohexanone
- Acetone
- Methyl ethyl ketone
The Installation
The project required installers to fit CPVC pipes at ceiling level, first by ‘clipping out’ the area and then laying the pipe and fittings, with the help of cable trays and plastic clips.
BlazeMaster CPVC solvent cement, a BlazeMaster CPVC pipe and fitting and a typical installation above head height
To install the pipe, solvent cement is applied to the outside diameter of the pipe and the inside diameter of the fitting using the dauber provided. Pipes and fittings are then pushed together by hand and allowed to dry for a secure fitting. The fitting and drying often take place above head height, as shown above.
Solvent cement was in use on the day of the study for approximately four hours. Approximately 1 pot (400ml) of solvent cement is used on a typical day’s installation.
It was noted that there was ample ventilation in the test area, however laying of CPVC pipe is also often carried out in more confined spaces. Solvent cement emanates a notable odour when in use, even in well-ventilated areas. During the study, general purpose work gloves were in use; thanks to the small amount required per fitting, skin contact is easily avoided.
The Requirements
Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are concentrations of hazardous airborne substances averaged over fixed time durations. Time weighted averages consist of 8 hours (long term) and 15 minutes (short term.)
WELs are measured to protect workplace conditions and would be the unit of measurement for this study. WELs are set under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH.)
The Results
As shown above, exposure to Tetrahydrofuran, Acetone and Methyl Ethyl Ketone were all detected; however, measured exposure fell far below the relevant Workplace Exposure Limits, while Cyclohexanone levels fell below the scale.
What This Means for Installers
- These exposure levels present no cause for concern, regarding inhalation exposure.
- The low levels of exposure to these substances are largely thanks to the small amount of solvent cement required per fitting.
- A well-ventilated area does of course provide an additional advantage to the installer, so it is recommended that good ventilation is provided on-site as much as possible to keep concentrations low.
- It is recommended that installers be provided with chemical resistant gloves, particularly to mitigate the risk of spillages.
What This Means for BlazeMaster CPVC
Historically, BlazeMaster CPVC has been recognised as quicker and easier to install than steel, thanks to its lightweight material and solvent cement jointing process; however, this study recognises BlazeMaster CPVC solvent cement in particular as a safe way to fit fire sprinklers.
BlazeMaster CPVC solvent cement, much like the CPVC pipes and fittings themselves, is not the same as all CPVC. It is now more important than ever to recognise pipes, fittings and ancillary materials as fit for purpose and safe for long term exposure in the workplace.For assistance in comparing compatibility of BlazeMaster CPVC products, visit the FBC System Compatible Program. For the complete guide to BlazeMaster CPVC fire sprinkler system specification, download The Orange Book.
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