Is this product still manufactured or used in new construction?

No. The standard has been withdrawn, and the use of asbestos in building materials is banned/heavily restricted in India due to severe health risks.

What is the primary health hazard associated with this material?

Inhaling asbestos fibres, which can be released when the sheets are cut, drilled, or broken. This can cause fatal diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma (cancer).

What is the modern, safe alternative to these sheets?

Non-asbestos fibre-cement flat sheets, which conform to IS 14862, are the standard modern alternative for similar applications.

What does the 'silica' in the title refer to?

It refers to ground sand or other siliceous material which is autoclaved with cement and asbestos fibres to form a stable calcium silicate matrix, improving the sheet's properties.

IS 13000

: 1990

Silica-asbestos-cement Flat Sheets

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This Indian Standard specifies the requirements for silica-asbestos-cement flat sheets. It covers material composition, dimensions, physical properties like strength and water absorption, and the test methods used to verify compliance.

Silica-asbestos-cement Flat Sheets

Quick Reference Values

Maximum water absorption (by mass)30 %

Minimum apparent density1.40 g/cm³

Minimum breaking load for 6mm sheet (wet condition)1600 N/m width

Standard thickness range4 to 12 mm

Length tolerance+5, -0 mm

Width tolerance+5, -0 mm

Practical Notes

This standard is for an asbestos-containing material, which is a known carcinogen. This standard has been withdrawn by BIS.

Extreme care must be taken during handling, cutting, or disposal of existing sheets to avoid inhaling asbestos fibres. Follow all hazardous material protocols.

For new construction or renovation, use non-asbestos alternatives like fibre-cement sheets conforming to IS 14862.