Health and safety - The Hempcrete Topic: Designing and Building with Hemp-lime - page 168

Different roles on a hempcrete build come with different levels of risk of exposure to bind-
er dust or wet binder material: from putting up shuttering (low risk), to placing hempcrete
(moderate risk), to mixing the hempcrete (high risk). The suggested PPE for each role is
outlined here, but bear in mind that different people have different degrees of sensitivity to
the irritation caused by the dust, so anyone should wear extra PPE if they feel it is neces-
sary, especially if working close to the mixing area, where despite best practice there will
inevitably be some dust getting into the air.
The suggested personal protective equipment for each role is as follows.
Shuttering
Low risk, whether constructing or removing shuttering. Wear standard builders' gloves
when removing shuttering from freshly cast material.
Mixing hempcrete
High risk. Wear PPE as described overleaf for placing hempcrete, and in addition wear
goggles and dust mask at all times when mixing. The mask should be at least 'P2' rated, of
strong construction, and of the type that uses replaceable filters. Depending on the water
set-up at the mixing area, and how much water is splashing around when you are doing a
mix, consider waterproof boots and clothing.