Silicone sheet is a versatile material widely used across industries including electrical and electronics, automotive, food processing, healthcare, manufacturing and engineering.
Silicone rubber is known for its excellent resistance to temperature extremes, flexibility, durability and resistance to ageing. Depending on the grade, silicone sheet can also offer properties such as good tear resistance, tensile strength, low smoke emissions, flame resistance and electrical insulation.
But is silicone sheet safe to use?
In normal handling and use, silicone rubber is generally considered a low-risk material. However, the exact properties and safety requirements depend on the grade of silicone, its formulation and how it is being used.
This guide explains the general safety considerations when handling, storing and using silicone sheet.
View TYM's silicone sheet range.
Is Silicone Sheet Safe?
For normal industrial handling, silicone sheet is generally considered safe when used as intended.
Silicone rubber is chemically stable and is widely used in applications where resistance to heat, moisture, weathering and ageing is required. Certain specialist silicone grades are also manufactured for applications where specific regulatory or performance requirements apply.
However, not all silicone sheets are the same. Different grades can have different properties and certifications, so it is important to select a silicone sheet that is suitable for the intended application.
For example, applications involving food contact, medical equipment, electrical insulation or high temperatures may require a specific grade of silicone with appropriate testing or certification.
Where a particular certification or regulatory approval is required, always check the relevant product documentation and technical datasheet.
Is Silicone Sheet Hazardous?
Silicone rubber sheet is generally not considered hazardous under normal conditions of handling and use. Once cured, silicone rubber is a relatively stable material.
Normal handling of silicone sheet does not generally require specialist respiratory protection.
However, workplace risk assessments should always take account of the particular product being used, including any coatings, additives, contaminants or processing involved.
If silicone sheet is being cut, ground, drilled or otherwise mechanically processed, the appropriate workplace controls should be considered because these processes can generate dust or particles.
The product's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and technical documentation should be consulted where specific safety information is required.
How Should Silicone Sheet Be Stored?
Correct storage can help maintain the performance and service life of silicone sheet.
As a general rule, silicone sheet should be stored:
- In a clean and dry environment
- Away from direct sunlight and ultraviolet exposure
- Away from sources of excessive heat
- At normal ambient temperatures where possible
- In its original packaging or protective covering where practical
- Away from chemicals or substances that could contaminate the material
- In a way that prevents unnecessary deformation or damage
Storage conditions can vary depending on the specific silicone compound and product construction, so the manufacturer's recommendations should always take precedence.
Silicone Sheet and Temperature Resistance
One of the major advantages of silicone rubber is its ability to withstand a wide range of operating temperatures.
Standard silicone sheet grades can typically operate across a broad temperature range, although the precise limits depend on the formulation and application.
Some specialist silicone materials can withstand temperatures significantly above those of standard grades.
It is important to distinguish between short-term temperature resistance and continuous operating temperature. A material may tolerate a higher temperature for a limited period but may not be suitable for continuous exposure at that temperature.
The correct silicone sheet should therefore always be selected according to the actual operating conditions.
See TYM's range of silicone sheet materials and grades.
Is Silicone Sheet Safe for Food Contact?
Some silicone rubber compounds are suitable for applications involving food contact, but not all silicone sheet should automatically be considered food-safe.
If silicone sheet is going to come into direct contact with food, the material should be specifically selected for that application and supplied with the appropriate documentation or certification.
Factors such as the silicone formulation, manufacturing process, thickness and intended use can all be relevant.
If you require silicone sheet for food processing or food contact applications, specify the application when requesting a material so the correct grade can be selected.
Is Silicone Sheet Safe for Medical Applications?
Silicone rubber is widely used in healthcare and medical-related applications because of its flexibility, durability and temperature resistance.
However, the fact that a product is made from silicone does not automatically mean it is suitable for medical use.
Medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare applications may require specific grades, testing, traceability or regulatory compliance.
Always check the certification and technical documentation for the particular silicone sheet rather than relying solely on the material name.
Is Silicone Sheet Electrically Insulating?
Silicone rubber is commonly used as an electrical insulating material and can provide useful electrical resistance across a wide range of applications.
This makes silicone sheet suitable for applications such as:
- Electrical insulation
- Cable and wire protection
- Electrical enclosures
- Gaskets and seals
- Switchgear and control equipment
- Electronics
- Heat-resistant electrical components
However, specialist electrical applications may require a silicone grade with defined electrical properties, such as dielectric strength or volume resistivity.
The appropriate technical specification should therefore be checked before selecting a material for a critical electrical application.
What Happens to Silicone Sheet in a Fire?
Silicone rubber is resistant to high temperatures, but silicone is not completely non-combustible.
When exposed to sufficiently high temperatures or direct flame, silicone can decompose and burn. The products of combustion depend on the formulation, additives and conditions under which the material is burning.
Some silicone materials can produce silica-based residue, while combustion can also produce gases and vapours that may be hazardous.
For this reason, silicone sheet should not be considered safe to breathe when exposed to fire or extreme heat.
Certain specialist silicone grades are available with flame-retardant properties and can be designed to meet specific fire-performance requirements.
If fire resistance is important to your application, make sure the silicone sheet has been specifically selected and tested for the required standard rather than assuming that all silicone products have the same fire performance.
What Should You Do If Silicone Sheet Is Burning?
If silicone rubber catches fire, the correct response should be based on the site's fire risk assessment and the manufacturer's safety documentation.
Firefighters or other trained personnel should use appropriate protective equipment and breathing apparatus where required, as smoke and combustion products can be hazardous.
The choice of extinguishing medium should also follow the relevant fire safety procedures and product documentation.
Do not rely on general assumptions about silicone combustion products, particularly in an enclosed or poorly ventilated environment.
Is Silicone Sheet Safe to Cut?
Silicone sheet can generally be cut and fabricated using appropriate tools and processes.
However, cutting, drilling, grinding or machining silicone can generate particles and should be carried out with suitable workplace controls.
Depending on the process, this may include:
- Appropriate ventilation
- Local extraction
- Suitable personal protective equipment
- Eye protection
- Good housekeeping
- Following the manufacturer's safety recommendations
For industrial production, the appropriate controls should be determined through a workplace risk assessment.
Choosing the Right Silicone Sheet
The safety and performance of silicone sheet depend heavily on choosing the correct grade for the application.
Before selecting a material, consider:
- Operating temperature
- Continuous and intermittent temperature exposure
- Hardness
- Thickness
- Tensile strength
- Tear resistance
- Electrical requirements
- Flame resistance
- Food-contact requirements
- Medical or pharmaceutical requirements
- Chemical exposure
- UV and weather exposure
- Required certifications and standards
At TYM Seals & Gaskets, we supply and manufacture a wide range of silicone sheet materials for industrial and specialist applications.
Our silicone sheet is available in different thicknesses, hardnesses and grades to suit a variety of requirements.
Explore silicone sheet from TYM Seals & Gaskets.
Silicone Sheet from TYM Seals & Gaskets
TYM Seals & Gaskets is a UK manufacturer and supplier of silicone and rubber sheet, seals, gaskets and bespoke components.
We supply silicone materials for applications across manufacturing, engineering, automotive, electrical, electronics, food and other industries.
Our silicone products are available in a range of grades and specifications, allowing customers to select the material most appropriate for their particular application.
If you are unsure which silicone sheet is right for your application, contact TYM with your temperature, thickness, hardness, operating environment and any required certification, and we can help identify a suitable material.
Find out more about what silicone sheets are used for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silicone Sheet Safety
Is silicone sheet safe to handle?
Yes. Cured silicone rubber is generally considered safe to handle under normal conditions of use. Specific safety requirements can vary according to the formulation and application, so the relevant product documentation should always be checked.
Is silicone sheet toxic?
Cured silicone rubber is generally stable under normal conditions. However, silicone should not be considered safe to inhale when it is burning or being subjected to extreme temperatures, and processing operations that generate dust or particles should be appropriately controlled.
Can silicone sheet be used with food?
Some silicone sheet grades are suitable for food-contact applications, but not all silicone sheet is food-safe. A suitable food-contact grade should be specifically selected and supported by the appropriate documentation.
Can silicone sheet withstand high temperatures?
Yes. Temperature resistance is one of the key advantages of silicone rubber. The maximum operating temperature varies depending on the particular grade and whether the exposure is continuous or intermittent.
Is silicone sheet flame retardant?
Some silicone sheet grades are available with flame-retardant properties. Standard silicone sheet should not automatically be considered flame retardant, so the specific grade and relevant test standard should always be checked.
Is silicone sheet electrically insulating?
Silicone rubber generally has good electrical insulating properties and is widely used in electrical and electronics applications. Specialist applications may require a material with defined electrical performance specifications.
Is silicone sheet safe for medical applications?
Silicone is widely used in healthcare and medical applications, but not every silicone sheet is suitable for medical use. The specific grade, certification and intended application must be considered.
How should silicone sheet be stored?
Silicone sheet should generally be stored in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and contaminants. Following the manufacturer's storage recommendations will help maintain the material's performance.
Need help choosing the right silicone sheet? Contact TYM Seals & Gaskets with your application requirements and our team can help you select a suitable silicone material.
