Saftey Issues Tools, Tips and Techniques Discuss Saftey Issues in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; Originally Posted by dmun Not true. Firebricks are mostly silica and alumina. You don't want to breathe the stuff on ...

[cynon767]

Originally Posted by dmun

Not true. Firebricks are mostly silica and alumina. You don't want to breathe the stuff on a regular basis, but it's not nearly as toxic as asbestos. You are unlikely to be able to buy anything new that contains even trace amounts of asbestos.

Still, you don't want to breathe the dust. When you're cutting, particularly cutting dry with an angle grinder or such, wear a proper respirator, not one of those paper dust masks.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease... I've just seen all these references lately to class-action lawsuits for workplace asbestos exposure, naming, among the usual others, firebrick manufacture. I'm glad to hear, as will my wife, that we won't be putting ourselves at risk for mesothelioma with every pizza we cook!

again, thanks!

[PizzaPolice]

Know you limits. Don't overextend yourself. Lift with your legs. Never extend your arms out with a load. And for gods sake, don't go twisting your back about whilst lifting, carrying or placing heavy items.

[Johnny the oven man]

The only issues with cutting bricks is the silica dust. Ceramic fibre is pretty safe until it has been fired where the binders are burnt out but it is in the 1000 degree C range which is nowhere near WFO temps. Cal Sil is safe.

[toddj]

Be careful mixing your concrete.

BEWARE OF THE 80LB BAGS!!!

Im scheduled for back surgery this Tues thanks to QUIKRETE

My oven has been on hold due to a ruptured disk - im 37 in good health other than that!

[egalecki]

Hey Todd, I was wondering where you'd gone! I'm sorry about your back. Good luck with the surgery- my sister in law had a roto-rooter job on her disc several years ago and is much better since.

Good to see you back.

[james]

Ouch. I hope it isn't too bad. Take care of yourself and let us know how it goes.
James

[toddj]

Thanks guys maybe I can celebrate recovery with some pizza this summer

[mrchipster]

In addition to lifting a safe load an often forgotten safety issue when dealing with these types of projects is safely of transporting your materials.

Do not overload your car, truck trailer or van. If you have items on the roof such as lumber or in an open trailer make sure that the load is properly strapped down or otherwise secured.

A few years ago I was in a Menards Lumber yard and saw a man put so many concrete blocks in his trailer that he blew the tire right there. It was a good thing he was not going down the highway at 60 when the tire exploded.

Drive a safe load.

[Ilfornaio]

What about asbestos in the perlite or vermiculite??? Does anyone know for sure if it contains any?

[lwood]

Perlite is a naturally occurring substance. It is mined from volcanic areas and has nothing to do with asbestos, except looking similar to asbestos matl. I don't think they would be selling it in Home Depot if it had asbestos in it. Asbestos was outlawed in the US a long time ago and I assure you there is no asbestos in the vermiculite or perlite.