Best Practice Working safely with fibre cement products

NEW ZEALAND

to work safely, you need to understand the hazards and know how to minimise the risks.

at James Hardie we believe that safety should be of paramount importance to everyone. We are committed to the safe use of our products.

this guide is a straightforward approach to jobsite safety through the use of best practices with James Hardie products.

it’s good to remember that ‘Best Practice’ is much more than simply a ‘strong suggestion’. it is a work ethic that if followed has tangible benefits that will positively influence your quality of work and wellbeing, leading to greater efficiency, and importantly, improved worksite safety.

BEST PRACTICE A THREE STAGE APPROACHsilica can be an occupational hazard for the whole industry but can be managed by adopting best practices, which includes appropriate tooling. ■ Best Practice ■ tooling ■ silica awareness

WHY sHOULD i reaD tHis?

silica can be an occupational hazard for the whole industry but can be managed by adopting best practices, which includes appropriate tooling.

BE

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PR

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James Hardie is committed to safe use of our products and safety of your worksite.

James Hardie believes that safety is of paramount importance to everyone and is committed to safe use of our products and safety of your worksite.

Best practice information on all James Hardie products can be found in our installation instructions and technical specifications or at www.jameshardie.co.nz.if there is additional concern about silica exposure levels, you should always consult a qualified industrial hygienist.

CuTTING INDOORScut only using score and snap, hand guillotine or fibreshears (manual, electric or pneumatic).

JOB site Best PracticeSANDING, REBATING, DRILLING OR OTHER mACHININGWhen sanding, rebating or drilling you should always wear a P1 or P2 respirator and warn others in the immediate area.

CuTTING OuTDOORSPosition cutting station so that wind will blow dust away from user and others working in the area.

Use one of the following methods based on the required cutting rate:

Best ■ score and snap ■ Hand guillotine ■ Fibreshear

Good ■ Dust reducing circular saw equipped with HardiBlade® saw blade connected to a vacuum with HePa filter

Note: cutting recommendations vary from product to product. refer to our installation manuals or technical specifications for product specific best practice recommendations.

ImPORTANT NOTES■ For maximum protection (lowest respirable dust exposure), James Hardie recommends always using “Best” level cutting methods where feasible ■ Never use a power saw indoors ■ Never use a circular saw blade that does not carry the HardiBlade® logo ■ Never dry sweep — use wet suppression or HePa vacuum ■ Never use grinders without appropriate respiratory protection (e.g. minimum P1 or P2 respirator) ■ aLWaYs follow tool manufacturer’s safety recommendations ■ P1 and P2 respirators can be used in conjunction with cutting practices to further reduce dust exposure

Operator shown cutting 16mm Linea™ Weatherboard using Makita Dual slide compound saw connected to a Makita tool start vacuum with HePa filter. Operator is wearing safety glasses, hearing protection and P1 respirator.

WRONGDust blown into user breathing zone

CORRECTDust blown away from user breathing zone

James Hardie products are robust and durable once installed. it is important to keep the product dry in storage and during installation.

if product becomes saturated prior to installation the following can occur.■ shrinkage at joints.■ staining. a deposit of soluble salts,

usually white in colour.■ Difficulty in handling due to the increased

weight and added flexibility once saturated.

(James Hardie is not responsible for damage due

to improper storage and handling)

HaNDLiNG aND stOraGe OF JaMes HarDie PrODUcts

STORAGEProducts should be:■ stored in their original packaging in a covered

area when possible ■ covered on a pallet and must not be stored

directly on the ground (figure 1) ■ Protected with a waterproof covering, if

storage outside is unavoidable (figure 2) ■ stored flat and above ground (figure 1)

HANDLINGa few simple techniques make handling of James Hardie materials a breeze.

For planked products■ Do not lift planked products flat and in the

middle (figure 3)■ carry the products on edge (figure 4) ■ if only one person is carrying the product, hold

it in the middle and spread arms apart to better support the product (figure 5)

■ if two people are carrying the plank, hold it near each end and on edge (figure 6)

For panel products■ carry with two people (figure 8)■ Do not hold near each end and on edge ■ exercise care when handling panel products to

avoid damaging the corner

FiGUre 2 FiGUre 3 FiGUre 4

FiGUre 7 FiGUre 8FiGUre 6FiGUre 5

FiGUre 1

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HardiBlade® saw blade is designed specifically for fibre cement and produces less respirable dust than traditional masonry blades.

tOOLsNo matter what James Hardie building product you choose, using the correct tool is a critical step in helping to complete the installation faster, safer and more efficiently. that’s why we have joined forces with other industry leaders to create this guide.

James Hardie has worked closely with leading tooling manufacturers on the continued growth and development of tools that will help create a safer work environment and ensure that the job is done correctly. Our goal has been to provide the complete package of tools and accessories either specifically designed or otherwise suitable for use with James Hardie building products — all should help with ease of installation and help to deliver the performance and long lasting durability that James Hardie products offer.

James Hardie also actively promotes the use of the right tools with recommended best practices. this guide contains information on silica, including its potential hazards and how these can be safely managed using best working practices.

it is important to note that this guide needs to be read in conjunction with the product-specific technical specification or installation manual. these manuals provide specific information relating to the product you are using.

HARDIBLADE® SAW BLADEthe only blade recommended by James Hardie.

NEVER uSE A CARBIDE FRAmING BLADE OR CONTINuOuS RIm DIAmOND BLADE.

HardiBlade saw blade generates larger dust particles and reduces the risk of respirable silica.

the 185 mm diamond tip HardiBlade saw blade fits a dust reducing 185 mm circular saw and 254mm and 305mm slide compound mitre saws.

always use circular saws outdoor and in a well ventilated area.

Blades are also available through Makita and Hitachi at your local merchant.

James Hardie has been actively working with tool and blade manufacturers to develop tools to specifically minimise dust exposure.

CIRCuLAR SAWSappropriate for most James Hardie building products. see installation instructions for details.

HITACHI 185mm DuST-REDuCING CIRCuLAR SAW — mODEL C 7YA■ Designed for cutting fibre-cement products.■ easily attaches to tool start vacuum with HePa

filter to further reduce dust exposure.■ equipped with a transparent slide cover which can

be moved up and down to see the cutting edge easily.

■ Lever enables lower guard to be fully retracted for easier pocket cutting.

■ spindle lock for fast and easy blade change in the same manner as a circular saw.

■ Use with a HardiBlade® saw Blade.

mAKITA mODEL 5057KB■ Designed for cutting fibre-cement products.■ easily attaches to tool start vacuum with HePa

filter to further reduce dust exposure.■ 185mm (7¼") Dust-reducing circular saw.■ Powerful 1400w Motor.■ Fully enclosed, transparent upper guard.■ Use with a HardiBlade® saw Blade.

HitacHi c7Ya

MaKita 5057KB

COmPOuND mITRE SAWScutting Linea™ Weatherboard and other James Hardie Weatherboard products.

mAKITA mODEL LS1013■ 260mm (10") slide compound Mitre saw.■ easily attaches to tool start vacuum with HePa filter

to further reduce dust exposure.■ Used in conjunction with a HardiBlade® saw Blade

makes for fast convenient cross cutting, mitre and compound mitre cutting.

■ Max cutting capacities: at 90˚ – 95mm x 305mm. at 45˚ – 95mm x 305mm.

■ Use with a HardiBlade® saw Blade.

HITACHI mODELS C10FSB/C10FSH■ 262mm slide compound saw.■ Positive angle stoppers for easy adjustment of the

turn table position for mitre cutting (at the right and left of the 0° centre setting, at 15°, 22.5°, 31.6° and 45°settings).

■ easily attaches to tool start vacuum with HePa filter to further reduce dust exposure.

■ May also be used with the optional Fibre cement adaptor Kit.

■ electronically controlled soft start and constant speed for smooth, accurate cutting, fine surface finish, and low noise operation.

■ Built in laser guide shows exactly where blade will cut (c10FsH only).

■ Use with a HardiBlade® saw Blade.

HitacHi c10FsH

HitacHi c10FsB MaKita Ls1013

aDaPtOr Kit

MaKita Ls0714

DuST EXTRACTION EQuIPmENTProlongs the lifespan of your power tools. Limits amount of dust entering your power tools and reduces the risk of breakdowns. Promotes a healthy work environment, reduces the risk of harmful inhalation of fine dust particles.

James Hardie recommends the use of a tool start vacuum fitted with a paper dust bag and HePa filter for efficient dust collection and performance.

NILFISK ALTO ATTIX 560-21XC■ 45 litre industrial Dust extractor with seLF

cLeaNiNG filter system.■ auto on/off mode and power socket for connection

to power tools.■ includes floor tools.■ Powerful 1500W motor.■ soft start and variable airflow controls.■ tough Heavy Duty body and strong castors.■ Used with HePa filter.

mAKITA 447L — INDuSTRIAL DuST EXTRACTOR & HEPA FILTER■ (Wet/Dry) with auto filter cleaning system.■ Used with HePa filter.■ totally automatic self cleaning air pulse filtering

system.■ 45 litre capacity.■ variable suction control for delicate work.■ auto cut out carbon brushes to prevent motor

burnout.■ ideal extractor when working with masonry or fibre

cement products.■ standard — Filter cartridge, hose, plastic waste bag.

MaKita 447L

mAKITA mODEL LS1214■ 305mm (12") slide compound Mitre saw.■ easily attaches to tool start vacuum with HePa

filter to further reduce dust exposure.■ Used in conjunction with a HardiBlade® saw

Blade makes for fast convenient cross cutting, mitre and compound mitre cutting.

■ 1650 motor.■ cutting capacities:

at 90˚ – 115mm x 308mm. at 45˚ – 115mm x 218mm.

■ Use with a HardiBlade® saw Blade.

mAKITA mODEL LS0714■ 190mm Dual slide compound Mitre saw.■ easily attaches to tool start vacuum with HePa

filter to further reduce dust exposure.■ Double slide action.■ Huge 300mm width of cut.■ Geared drive system.■ Depth stop adjustments for trenching.■ removable lock off button for safety and security.■ Large stable base.■ Use with a HardiBlade® saw Blade.

FIBRE CEmENT ADAPTOR KIT —SuITS HITACHI C10FSB/C10FSH SLIDE COmPOuND mITRE SAWS — mODEL FCAKIT

■ Designed for use with the above models when cutting fibre cement.

■ adaptor Kit fits around the HardiBlade® saw Blade and helps capture the dust particles that the standard dust port misses.

■ integrates with the saws standard dust port and then connects to an external dust collector.

■ can be easily removed so saw can revert back to wood cutting tasks.

MaKita Ls1214 attiX 560-21Xc

NAIL GuNS�For installing James Hardie products with nail guns, please refer to the relevant product technical specification for fastener requirements.

HITACHI 65mm CLADDING NAILER — mODEL NV65AF3■ Lightweight: 1.9kg for one-handed operation for

greater productivity.■ easy slide load pop-out magazine.■ tool-less depth adjustment.■ comfortable rubber grip.■ Nail capacity — 200 to 400 nails.

mAKITA mODEL AN611 PNEumATIC CONSTRuCTION COIL NAILER■ 65mm Pneumatic construction coil Nailer.■ 3-way switch.■ tool-less 9 position depth adjustment.■ easy load canister.■ 360˚ rotational exhaust deflection.

PASLODE ImPuLSE COmPACT NAILER B20544■� �2.9kg lightweight and well balanced.■� �Drives 50-90mm fasteners.■� �Nicad rechargeable battery.■� �No hoses or compressor required.■� �adjustable depth of drive.■� �No mark attachment available.

PasLODe B20544

HitacHi 65MM

PASLODE B20440 POWERmASTER NAILER PSN100■� �adjustable depth of drive saves you time and

energy.■� �Drives 50-90mm nails.■� �Operating pressure of 500-800kPa

(80-120psi).■� �air Driven (Pneumatic).■� �adjustable depth of drive.■� �No mark attachment available.

PASLODE ImPuLSE 250 S “C” SERIES BRADDER B20574■� �2.5kg lightweight and well balanced.■� �Nicad rechargeable battery.■� �Drives 19-65mm finishing nails.■� �No hoses or compressor required.■� �adjustable depth of drive.■� �No mark attachment available.

PasLODe B20574

MaKita aN611

PasLODe B20440

SCREW GuNSUse with villaboard® Lining, HardiGroove® Lining, Monotek® sheet, HardiFlex® sheet and Hardisoffit® Lining.

HITACHI WF4DY 12.0V CORDLESS COLLATED SCREWDRIVER■ 12v cordless auto feed impact driver.■ variable speed reverse.■ removable auto-feed attachment.■ Powerful impact 90Nm of torque.

HITACHI W4YD ELECTRIC COLLATED SCREWDRIVER■ automatic impact driver 300w.■ removable auto-feed attachment.

mAKITA 6834 AuTO FEED SCREWDRIVER■ tool-less auto feed mechanism.■ 470w, 2,800rpm.■ 25mm-57mm screw capacity.

BFR440RFE CORDLESS mAKITA AuTO FEED SCREWDRIVER■ tool-less auto Feed mechanism. ■ New Lithium-ion battery technology. ■ 14.4v 3.0ah Li-ion, 4000 rpm. ■ Fitted with reversing switch for convenience. ■ 25mm – 41mm screw capacity.

SCREWDRIVERS

HITACHI LOW SPEED DRILL — mODEL D13VG■ a specially designed slow speed drill ideal for drilling

through fibre cement with tungsten carbide or Diamond bits and holesaws.

■ Maximum no load speed — 600 rPM.■ convenient variable speed control and reverse.■ Optional angle drilling attachment allows holes to be

drilled in confined spaces.

mAKITA mODEL 6823 SCREWDRIVER■ Powerful 570w Motor.■ 0-2,500rpm.■ solid metal gear housing for industrial application.■ New in-line design housing ensures comfort and

power.■ ideal for fixing to metal frames.

mAKITA mODEL 6936FDWDE SCREWDRIVER■ 18v cordless impact Driver.■ armature and carbon brushes are replaceable for

longer tool life.■ 2 x 2.6ah Ni-MH batteries.■ 0-2,600 rpm.■ 140Nm of torque.■ Built in LeD light.

MaKita 6936FDWDe

MaKita 6823 HitacHi D13vGHitacHi WF4DY

HitacHi W4YD

MaKita 6834

MaKita BFr440rFe

* * * * *

EASY BEVELan efficient way to rebate the cut edges of Monotek® sheet and villaboard® Lining.

HITACHI EASY BEVEL — mODEL EBCOmBO■ Use with a HePa vacuum.■ the easy Bevel is fitted to a Hitachi 125mm angle

Grinder (supplied).

SCORE & SNAP KNIFEFor use with James Hardie products up to 7.5mm thickness.

JAmES HARDIE SCORE & SNAP KNIFE■ twin blade tungsten tipped tool designed for

scoring and snapping of fibre cement.

ECLIPSA™ SCORE & SNAP KNIFEscoring and snapping of eclipsa™ eaves Lining.

ECLIPSA™ SCORE & SNAP KNIFE■ twin blade tungsten tipped tool designed for

slicing through plastic laminate, then scoring and snapping of fibre cement.

HAND GuILLOTINEFor effective cutting of fibre cement up to 9mm in thickness.

HAND GuILLOTINE■ the hand guillotine is a low dust solution for

cutting fibre cement. ideal for use indoors.

HitacHi c7Ya

SNAPPER SHEARSFor James Hardie products up to 9mm in thickness. TITANIum DRILL BIT

■ a 3mm titanium Nitride coated twist drill for Linea™ Weatherboard.

JAmES HARDIE TuNGSTEN CARBIDE DRILL BITS■ 9mm drill bit suitable for 9mm sheets. 18mm drill bit

suitable for 18mm sheets.■ a solid tungsten carbide Drill for drilling and

countersinking of Fibre cement panels in one operation.

■ suitable for 10 gauge screws.■ Drill at approximately 450 to 560 rPM.

REmGRIT CARBIDE TIPPED HOLE SAW KIT■ available from your local building merchant in

16mm – 114mm sizes.

HITACHI SNAPPER SHEARS — mODEL SS10A■ the snapper shear is the fast, low dust solution for

fibre cement cutting.■ impressive straight edge performance, the snapper

shear will also cut accurate notches, gentle curves, and clean internal corners with ease.

■ the snapper shear’s unique blade design allows blades to be reversed when the cutting edge is worn out, extending the life of the blades.

JaMes HarDie tUNGsteN

carBiDe DriLL Bits

titaNiUM DriLL Bit

reMGrit HOLe saW Kit

HitacHi easY BeveL

JaMes HarDie scOre & sNaP KNiFe

ecLiPsa™ scOre & sNaP KNiFe

HaND GUiLLOtiNe

ACCESSORIES

HitacHi sNaPPer sHears

NAILS & SCREWSNAILS/SCREWS uSED FOR FIXING JAmES HARDIE PRODuCTS

PRODuCT

FIXING OPTIONSDIRECT FIXED

CONSTRuCTION mETHODCAVITY

CONSTRuCTION mETHODWeatherboards

Linea™ Weatherboard ■ concealed fixing method — HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm

■ Face fixing method — 60 x 3.15mm jolt head nails

■ concealed fixing method — HardiFlex® nails 60 x 3.15mm

■ Face fixing method — 75 x 3.15mm jolt head nails

James Hardie Weatherboards ■ concealed fixing summit Weatherboard 40 x 2.8mm HardiFlex® nails

■ Face fixing James Hardie Weatherboards 50 x 2.8mm HardiFlex® nails

■ concealed fixing summit Weatherboard 60 x 3.15mm HardiFlex® nails

■ Face fixing James Hardie Weatherboards 75 x 3.15mm HardiFlex® nails

cLD® trim and Fascia ■ Fascia screw 40mm x 9g stainless steel

■ Jolt head nails 60 x 3.15mm jolt head nails

monolithic

Monotek® sheet ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm■ HardiDrive® screws

30mm x 7g

■ HardiFlex® nails 60 x 3.15mm

Hardibacker® substrate Not applicable ■ HardiFlex® nails 60 x 3.15mm

Panel

titan® and exotec® Facade Panel

Not applicable ■ HardiFlex® nails 60 x 3.15mm (for titan® Facade Panel only)

■ 65mm x 10g wood thread screw

■ 75mm x 10g pan head or wafer head screw fitted with a neoprene washer

titan Facade Panel (only when fixed to cLD® structural cavity Battens)

Not applicable ■ B20650 Paslode impulse c-25mm stainless steel Brad Nails in conjunction with Bostik seal ’n’ Flex-1

■ 25 x 2.5mm annular threaded fibre cement nail

■ 25mm x 8-15g or pan head or wafer head exposed screw class 3/4

■ 25mm x 10g counter sunk screw class 3/4 or stainless steel

cLD® structural cavity Battens B20558 impulse 65 x 2.87mm rounDrive® Hot Dip Galv ring NailB20573 impulse 75 x 3.06mm rounDrive® s/steel ring Nail

Not applicable

axon™ Panel ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm ■ HardiFlex® nails 60 x 3.15mm

NAILS/SCREWS uSED FOR FIXING JAmES HARDIE PRODuCTS

PRODuCT FIXING OPTIONInternal Linings

villaboard® Lining ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm■ HardiDrive® screws 30mm x 7g ■ villadrive® screws 30mm x 6g■ FibreZip® screws 30mm x 9g

HardiGroove® Lining ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm■ HardiDrive® screws 30mm x 7g ■ villadrive® screws 30mm x 6g ■ FibreZip® screws 30mm x 9g

HardiGlaze® Lining ■ Fastfix fasteners 40mm

Flooring

HardiPanel® compressed 18mm ■ comsheet 50mm x 10g countersunk screws

eziGrid® tile Underlay and tile and slate Underlay

■ Underlay nails — 25 x 2.5mm annular threaded galv. nails

Eaves and Soffits■ silkline® soffit Lining ■ Fastfix fasteners 40mm■ Hardisoffit® Lining ■ HardiFlex® nail 40 x 2.8mm■ eclipsa™ eaves Lining ■ eclipsa® 30 x 1.8mm nail

■ Fastfix fasteners 40mm■ villaboard® Lining ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm

■ HardiDrive® screws 30mm x 7g ■ villadrive® screws 30mm x 6g■ FibreZip® screws 30mm x 9g

■ HardiGroove® Lining ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm■ HardiDrive® screws 30mm x 7g■ villadrive® screws 30mm x 6g■ FibreZip® screws 30mm x 9g

Note: Refer to specific product technical specification/installation manuals for information regarding fixing.

NAILS/SCREWS uSED FOR FIXING JAmES HARDIE PRODuCTS

PRODuCT

FIXING OPTIONSDIRECT FIXED

CONSTRuCTION mETHODCAVITY

CONSTRuCTION mETHODPanel

HardiFlex® sheet ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm■ HardiDrive® screws

30mm x 7g

■ HardiFlex® nails 60 x 3.15mm

shingleside® Panel Not applicable ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm■ Galvanised clout 30 x 2.8mm■ Flat head nail

30 x 2.8mm stainless steel■ HardiDrive® screw 30mm x 7g

stainless steel■ villadrive® screw

30mm x 6g Galvanised

raB® Board ■ HardiFlex® nails 40 x 2.8mm ■ HardiFlex® nails 60 x 3.15mm

SIL

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silica is the second most common mineral on earth and is found in many common building products.

silica is commonly found in building products like concrete, bricks, grout, wallboard, ceramic tiles, glass, dirt and all fibre cement material such as James Hardie building products.

it would almost be impossible for people not to come into contact with silica everyday.

THE HAZARD The capability to cause harm.

silica when it’s intact is harmless. However when it is cut, drilled or otherwise abraded silica is released as fine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

Breathing excessive amounts of respirable silica can cause a potentially fatal lung disease called silicosis, and has been linked with other diseases. some international authorities consider respirable silica to be a cause of cancer. some studies suggest smoking may increase these risks.

THE RISK The likelihood of the hazard causing harm.

James Hardie Best Practice recommendations are designed to minimise the risk of harm from silica exposure.

James Hardie products meet or exceed all applicable government safety standards when used in accordance with best practice including recommended tooling guidelines.

RISK FACTORS■ exposure concentration■ Duration and frequency of exposure■ external health factors

siLica – WHat is it?

commonly known as sand or quartz, silica is the second most common mineral on earth and is found in many common building products.

tM aND ® DeNOtes a traDeMarK Or reGistereD MarK OWNeD BY JaMes HarDie iNterNatiONaL FiNaNce Bv© cOPYriGHt JaMes HarDie NeW ZeaLaND LtD sePteMBer 2007

additional installation information, warranties and warnings are available at www.jameshardie.co.nz