Product Safety, Usage, and Legal Disclosure Document

Applicable to: Aluminum Honeycomb Cabinetry Products For use in indoor/outdoor residential kitchens, closets, vanity units, Murphy beds, and similar residential installations.

Please read this document entirely before handling, installing, or using the product.

1. Safety Warnings

A. General Cabinetry Safety Warnings

• Sharp Edges: During handling, installation, modification, or even reaching into installed units, cabinet panels and edges may have sharp or unfinished surfaces. Always wear heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling or working near edges. Exercise caution when reaching into installed cabinetry.

• Weight Load Limits: Do not overload cabinets or shelves. Each unit and shelf has a recommended weight-bearing capacity. Refer to the product's technical specifications sheet or installation guide for specific weight-bearing capacities per shelf and cabinet unit. Exceeding these limits may cause structural failure, detachment, and poses a serious risk of injury or property damage.

• Wall Mounting & Stability: Improper, inadequate, or incomplete wall mounting can lead to the cabinet detaching from the wall, posing a severe risk of injury or property damage. Ensure secure anchoring appropriate for the wall type (e.g., drywall, concrete, tile) and substrate, and always follow local building codes and recommended installation methods. Using qualified professionals for wall-mounted installations is strongly recommended.

• Fire Safety: These cabinetry units are not fire-resistant or fire-rated. Keep cabinetry away from open flames, high-heat-emitting appliances (unless properly insulated and maintaining recommended clearances), or ignition sources.

• Children & Pets: Cabinets with accessible drawers or swing doors should not be used as climbing support by children. Tip-over hazards exist, especially with tall or improperly anchored units. Always supervise children around cabinetry and keep sharp tools, chemicals, fragile items, or hazardous contents stored securely and out of reach.

• Electrical/Plumbing Interference: When installing cabinetry, particularly near existing walls, carefully verify the location of hidden utility lines (electric wires, water pipes, gas lines). Consult a licensed professional (electrician, plumber) before drilling or cutting into walls or cabinetry if utility lines are suspected to be present. Drilling into utility lines may result in severe injury, electric shock, gas leaks, fire, or property damage.

B. Aluminum & Aluminum Honeycomb Material-Specific Warnings

• Cut Risk from Edges: Unfinished, freshly cut, or damaged aluminum edges are extremely sharp. Wear cut-resistant gloves and eye protection during all handling, installation, or modification activities involving exposed aluminum edges.

• Heat Conductivity: Aluminum is a highly conductive metal. Avoid installing cabinetry too close to high-heat sources such as ovens, ranges, grills, heating vents, or radiators. Refer to appliance manufacturer's specifications for required clearances. If minimum safe distances are not specified, maintain a minimum clearance of [Insert Recommended Minimum Distance, e.g., 12 inches or specify based on heat source]. Prolonged exposure to high heat may damage the finish or affect the material's integrity.

• Corrosion Considerations: While aluminum resists rust (iron oxide), it is susceptible to other forms of corrosion, especially in high-humidity, salty coastal environments, or when exposed to certain chemicals. The standard finish provides a level of protection, but in harsh environments, additional protective sealants, coatings, or specific maintenance may be necessary. Inspect cabinetry periodically for signs of corrosion, particularly near the coast or in areas with high chemical use.

• Dust from Cutting Aluminum: Cutting or grinding aluminum or aluminum honeycomb materials will produce fine metal dust and particles. Inhaling or ingesting these particles should be avoided. Always:

  • Use protective eyewear, heavy-duty gloves, and a NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator suitable for fine metal particles.

  • Ensure proper ventilation or use localized dust collection systems at the point of cutting.

  • Clean up dust immediately using a vacuum with a HEPA filter; do not sweep as this disperses particles into the air.

• Handling Aluminum Panels: Aluminum honeycomb panels are lightweight but structurally rigid. However, mishandling can cause dents, scratches, or warping of the aluminum skin. Transport and lift panels using appropriate support, carry them on edge when possible, and avoid dropping or impacting surfaces.

2. Product Usage Guidelines

• Installation Guidelines:

  • Always use qualified professionals for installation, especially for wall-mounted, complex, or customized units, and particularly in areas requiring adherence to strict building codes (e.g., seismic zones).

  • Use proper mounting brackets, fasteners, and hardware compatible with both the cabinetry system and the specific type of wall or substrate (e.g., drywall with studs, concrete block, tile over backer board). Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions precisely.

  • Confirm squareness and alignment of cabinets and supporting structures before final fixing.

  • Avoid modifying the internal honeycomb structure unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer for designated purposes; doing so may compromise the panel's structural integrity and strength.

• Modifications & Customization:

  • If modifications such as cutting, drilling, or resizing are necessary, use appropriate metalworking tools, observe all safety warnings (Section 1.B), and wear necessary personal protective equipment.

  • Do not attempt integration of electrical components (e.g., internal lighting, outlets) or plumbing without consulting and employing a licensed electrician or plumber. Incorrect installation poses significant safety hazards.

  • Unauthorized alterations or modifications to the product may void any applicable warranties.

  • When attaching hardware or accessories (like internal organizers, specific handles, drawer slides) directly to aluminum honeycomb panels, use fasteners and methods specifically recommended for thin-skin composite panels or aluminum. Avoid using standard wood screws which can strip out the core. Consider using blind fasteners (like rivnuts) or appropriate adhesives as required.

• Environment Suitability:

  • Indoor Use: These products are perfectly suited for standard indoor residential environments such as kitchens, closets, bathrooms, utility areas, and living spaces.

  • Outdoor Use: While aluminum honeycomb offers excellent performance, for use in outdoor kitchens or exterior applications, the product must be adequately protected from prolonged, direct exposure to environmental elements, including direct rain, standing water, high humidity, intense UV sunlight, and salt spray (in coastal areas). Consider using a suitable overhead structure (roof, pergola), protective covers, and potentially specifying a more durable finish suitable for exterior applications if available from the manufacturer. Temperature extremes should also be considered as large fluctuations can cause expansion/contraction. Use in fully exposed, unprotected outdoor environments is not recommended and may lead to premature degradation of the finish and materials.

• Cleaning & Maintenance:

  • Clean cabinet surfaces regularly using a soft cloth or sponge and a mild, non-abrasive household detergent diluted with water.

  • Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh chemical cleaners, including strong acids, strong alkaline solutions (like ammonia-based cleaners), or solvents, as these can damage, etch, or degrade the aluminum finish or coatings.

  • Promptly wipe up spills of food, beverages, or household chemicals.

  • Periodically inspect cabinets for loose fittings, hinges, or drawer slides. Check for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion, particularly in areas exposed to moisture or potential impact.

• Transportation and Handling: Handle cabinet components with care during transportation from the point of purchase to the installation site. Protect edges and surfaces from impacts and scratches. Use appropriate packing materials and support when moving panels to prevent bending or warping. Damage incurred during transportation or improper handling prior to installation may not be covered by warranty.

3. Limitations of Liability

By using, installing, or modifying this product, the customer acknowledges and agrees to the following:

• The manufacturer and/or distributor shall not be held liable for any injury, death, property damage, direct loss, indirect loss, or product failure resulting from improper installation, inadequate or incorrect wall mounting, overloading, unauthorized modifications or repairs, misuse, negligence, or the failure to follow the warnings and guidelines provided in this document or the product's installation instructions.

• Any use of the product outside the intended residential scope (such as commercial kitchens, industrial applications, public spaces, or extreme environmental conditions beyond those outlined) is done entirely at the user’s own risk, and all warranties and liabilities are voided.

• Product warranties, if applicable, cover defects in materials and workmanship as defined in the separate Written Warranty document. Warranties do not cover damages caused by environmental exposure (beyond intended use), physical misuse, accidental impact, scratching, improper cleaning agents, improper maintenance, or normal wear and tear.

• The user is solely responsible for ensuring that the selection, installation, and use of this product comply with all applicable local building codes, safety standards, and regulations.

4. Legal and Regulatory Disclaimers

• These products are manufactured using standard industry practices for quality and safety. However, they are not certified or regulated under specific federal product safety mandates such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards unless explicitly stated otherwise for a specific product line or component.

• The safety warnings and usage guidelines provided in this document are intended for general awareness and guidance. They are not exhaustive and do not cover every possible scenario or potential hazard. Users should exercise caution, apply common sense, and seek professional advice where necessary.

• All statements and information provided in this document are believed to be accurate and provided in good faith based on the nature and intended application of the cabinetry at the time of publication.

• For full details regarding product warranty, including coverage, exclusions, conditions, and claim procedures, please refer to the separate Written Warranty document provided with the product. This document is a disclosure and guideline and does not constitute the product warranty.

• The manufacturer reserves the right to update or revise this documentation based on material improvements, regulatory updates, product redesigns, or accumulated experience without prior notice. The most current version of this document may be available on the manufacturer's website.