Environmental Statement

Sustainable Resource

Vermiduct is a cementitious spray-applied fireproofing material based on Vermiculite, Gypsum and Portland cement, plus trace chemical additives which improve the rheological properties.

The term Vermiculite refers to a group of naturally-occurring micaceous ferro-magnesian aluminium-silicate minerals which exfoliate or expand (perpendicular to the plane of cleavage) on heating. In its exfoliated form, it is used as an aggregate in the manufacture of fireproofing materials to impart fire resistance to elements of steel and concrete construction in civil, commercial, industrial, petrochemical and underground mine installations.

Vermiculite mineral deposits are know to occur around the world, in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA and Uganda.

The top three producers, USA, South America and South Africa, alone, contribute some 50 million tonnes to world reserves, with a reserve base estimated to exceed 180 million tonnes.

In 1988, the world production of vermiculite concentrate was around 550,000 tonnes. This figure has remained relatively stable in the decade to 1998.

The cementing agents used in Vermitex are gypsum or Portland cement. Gypsum has been used since ancient times. The manufacture of Portland cement is a process of relatively recent discovery. As with many other binders, it contains lime.

Gypsum and lime are basic raw materials upon which various processes are performed and to which many other ingredients are added to form the various kinds of cementitious materials on the market today.

Vast deposits of Gypsum are found throughout the world. It is a mineral which basically consisting of calcium and contains about 20% water after re-hydration. This mineral is mined and processed into different grades - each with its own method of manufacture, and each bringing its individual advantages to a mixture of plaster mortar.

There are sufficient reserves of both Gypsum and Vermiculite to supply current and projected levels of demand, into the next century and beyond.

Contamination to air, water or land during use and at disposal

	During Use	At Disposal
Air	Nuisance dust only	None – as product will be wet
Water	None	Dispose in normal manner in accordance with accepted site practices
Land	No contamination as Vermiculite and gypsum are naturally occurring minerals	The waste is suitable as landfill or disposed through other methods

Recycle ability

LAF Group’s cementitious fireproofing compounds are spray-applied, requiring only the addition of water at the job site. They are formulated for maximum application efficiency and minimal wastage, in both material and labour context.

As monolithic systems, they products are highly waste efficient, and recyclable. Unlike sheet panel systems, prefabricated off site in standard sizes, and site trimmed (sometimes resulting in wastage), only the necessary amount of material is used to cover the required building element.

As Society requires a sustainable future, our latest installation procedures now incorporate a more responsible attitude. Any resulting 'green' over spray can be swept up and reprocessed/recycled immediately through the spray equipment and set mortar may be broken down and recycled into other gypsum based materials or disposed of at approved landfills.

This practice is tested and proven, and will not alter the final properties of the fireproofing material.

Potential hazards/impact to humans and the environment

Vermiculite and Gypsum are materials which have been in use since ancient times, hence their potential impact to humans and the environment are well documented.

Exfoliated vermiculite particles are too large to be inhaled.

The binder (Plaster or Cement) can become airborne during preparation of the dry mix at the factory and during mixing with water on site, and is known to cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract if inhaled.

LAF Group’s products are non-toxic and asbestiform fibrous materials have never been detected.

In conclusion, the main human and environmental impact is that of a nuisance dust nature. If high total nuisance dust levels are encountered, half-face respirators are sufficient to prevent inhalation of the plaster or cement dust. This is in line with the recommendation issued by the Division of Occupational Health of the Department of Industrial Relations and Employment, New South Wales Government and other World Health Organizations.

No long term health or environmental effects will result from use of LAF Group’s products in dry or wet forms, during or after application. Further details are provided in the Material Safety Data Sheet available from.