Gypsum is an inherently safe material.
Safety Classification
The scientific name for gypsum is calcium sulphate dihydrate, chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O, and it is a non-toxic, non-hazardous substance. Gypsum-based plasters and plasterboards in the UK have no known adverse effect on health and are classified as non-hazardous. The industry adheres to very strict quality controls for the manufacture or disposal of UK plasterboard.
Health Effects
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There are no long-term adverse medical effects from ingestion of gypsum. If ingested, wash out the mouth and drink plenty of water.
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Plaster powders and dust may potentially irritate eyes or sensitive skin, or irritate the respiratory system. Any effects should be short term. Rinse with water and wash from skin. If in doubt contact a medical practitioner.
Safety Regulations
Gypsum as used by the members of GPA has been registered in accordance with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & restriction of Chemicals). The overall conclusion in accordance with the REACH regulation is that there are no hazardous classifications associated with either mined or by-product gypsum. Gypsum products are not classified as dangerous according to EU CLP Regulations.
Production
The UK and Irish manufacturers make their plasterboard products to strict specifications on gypsum purity. Whether they use natural gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) or FGD gypsum (a by-product from flue-gas cleaning at power stations), manufacturers inspect all material continually to ensure quality and performance of the product. In use, plasterboard with FGD or natural gypsum is inert and does not change chemical composition, so it can be recycled again and again.
Handling
Suitable care and correct handling should be used when handling gypsum products.
The journey of plasterboard from factory to site involves many people, all of whom need to be able to work with a reduced risk of injury. Particular risks that need to be assessed are the weight and unwieldy nature of the plasterboard. By voluntary agreement, gypsum plaster sacks are a maximum of 25kg.
A guide to Manual Handling supported by GPA and our member companies is available below.
A guide on the Safe Ingress of Plasterboard, produced by the FIS (alongside members of the GPA) is also available below
Manual handling needs to be minimised by good planning and using equipment
Good training and implementation of best practices need to be in place
The right attitude and behaviour are essential for everyone to ensure have that no one in the industry is exposed to short- or long-term risks that will affect their musculoskeletal health now or in the future
Risks must be assessed before lifting and carrying plaster or plasterboard. All standard plasterboard has safety information printed on it
Mechanical aids are available and should be considered in the overall risk assessment
Waste
If gypsum waste must be sent to landfill, it is controlled by specific Environment Agency rules. As a non-hazardous high-sulphate waste, there is a risk that large volumes of gypsum waste mixing with rainwater and organic waste materials could produce hydrogen sulphide, therefore it is not permitted in mixed waste but must be landfilled in dedicated, non-hazardous ‘high sulphate’ landfill cells, which minimise impact on the environment. These cells are a potential exploitable source for recycled gypsum for the future.
However, landfill of gypsum waste should be considered a last resort. The majority of plasterboard construction waste is recycled, either into new plasterboard, in the production of cement or for agricultural use. The flow of plasterboard waste to landfill will continue to decrease with further emphasis on clean waste recycling, actively championed by all our members. There has also been good progress towards finding ways to recycle plasterboard demolition waste – at the present time it cannot return to the plasterboard manufacturing process, but it can be used for agricultural soil improvement.
Other uses
Plasterboard
safety labelling
As part of the GPA’s commitment to continuous safety improvement, UK and Irish plasterboard manufacturers added printed guidance on manual handling to plasterboard products.
This safe handling guidance was one of a number of initiatives generated by an industry-wide forum led by the Health & Safety Executive and comprises: a warning triangle, a graphic showing a two-person board lift, board weight, and a statement to ‘Handle Safely’. These four parts now appear on the reverse face of plasterboard products, alongside existing technical and compliance information, manufactured
by GPA members.
Flammability
Gypsum is non-combustible and prevents flames from spreading.
In addition to its uses in building products and soil improvement, gypsum is also widely used in bread and dough mixes, as a stabiliser in other foodstuffs, as an aid to juice extraction in fruits and vegetables and to stimulate plant growth. Gypsum has no known adverse effect on health.