MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RESPIRATORY TRACT (nose & throat) IRRITATION: If inhaled in sufficient quantity, may cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation to respiratory tract. Symptoms may include scratchiness of the nose or throat, cough or chest discomfort. EYE IRRITATION: May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Fibers may be abrasive; prolonged contact may cause damage to the outer surface of the eye. SKIN IRRITATION: May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Exposure may also result in inflammation, rash or itching. GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION: Unlikely route of exposure. MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: Pre-existing medical conditions, including dermatitis, asthma or chronic lung disease may be aggravated by exposure; individuals who have a history of allergies may experience greater amounts of skin and respiratory irritation. HAZARD CLASSIFICATION The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) –
FIRST AID PROCEDURES RESPIRATORY TRACT (nose & throat) IRRITATION: If respiratory tract irritation develops, move the person to a dust free location. Get medical attention if the irritation continues. See Section 8 for additional measures to reduce or eliminate exposure. EYE IRRITATION: If eyes become irritated, flush immediately with large amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Eyelids should be held away from the eyeball to ensure thorough rinsing. Do not rub eyes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. SKIN IRRITATION: If skin becomes irritated, remove soiled clothing. Do not rub or scratch exposed skin. Wash area of contact thoroughly with soap and water. Using a skin cream or lotion after washing may be helpful. GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION: If gastrointestinal tract irritation develops, move the person to a dust free environment. NOTES TO PHYSICIANS: Skin and respiratory effects are the result of temporary, mild mechanical irritation; fiber exposure does not result in allergic manifestations.
NFPA Unusual Hazards: None Flammable Properties: None Flash Point: None Hazardous Decomposition Products: None Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: None Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for type of surrounding fire
SPILL PROCEDURES Avoid creating airborne dust. Dust suppressing cleaning methods such as wet sweeping or vacuuming should be used to clean the work area. If vacuuming, the vacuum must be equipped with a HEPA filter. Compressed air or dry sweeping should not be used for cleaning.
STORAGE Store in original container in a dry area. Keep container closed when not in use. HANDLING Handle fiber carefully. Limit use of power tools unless in conjunction with local exhaust. Use hand tools whenever possible. Frequently clean the work area with HEPA filtered vacuum or wet sweeping to minimize the accumulation of debris. Do not use compressed air for clean-up. EMPTY CONTAINERS Product packaging may contain residue. Do not reuse.
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE STANDARDS AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS Components OSHA MANUFACTURER Calcium-magnesium-silicate fiber None established See below** There is no specific regulatory standard for INSULFRAX® in the U.S. OSHA's “Particulate Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR)” standard [29 CFR 1910.1000, Subpart Z, Air Contaminants] applies generally; Total Dust 15 mg/m ³ ; Respirable Fraction 5 mg/m ³ . OTHER OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LEVELS (OEL) ACGIH TLV's : Calcium-magnesium-silicate fiber -- Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC): Inhalable particulate -- 10 mg/m³. Respirable particulate -- 3 mg/m³. ** As with most industrial materials, it is prudent to minimize unnecessary exposure to respirable dusts. Note that Industrial hygiene standards and occupational exposure limits differ between countries and local jurisdictions. Check with your employer to identify any "respirable dust", "total dust" or "fiber" exposure standards to follow in your area. If no regulatory dust or fiber control standard apply, a qualified industrial hygiene professional can assist with a specific evaluation of workplace conditions and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection practices. In the absence of other guidance, the supplier has found that it is generally feasible to control occupational fiber exposure to 1 f/cc or less. ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Dust suppressing control technologies such as local exhaust ventilation, point of generation dust collection, down draft work stations, emission controlling tool designs, and materials handling equipment are effective means of minimizing airborne fiber emissions. For additional information, contact the Unifrax Corporation Product Stewardship Information Line at 1-800-322-2293 (See Section 16). PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT Skin Protection: Wear gloves, head coverings and full body clothing as necessary to prevent skin irritation. Washable or disposable clothing may be used. If possible, do not take unwashed clothing home. If soiled work clothing must be taken home, employers should ensure employees are thoroughly trained on the best practices to minimize or avoid non-work dust exposure (e.g., vacuum clothes before leaving the work area, wash work clothing separately, rinse washer before washing other household clothes, etc.). Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields or other forms of eye protection in compliance with appropriate OSHA standards to prevent eye irritation. The use of contact lenses is not recommended, unless used in conjunction with appropriate eye protection. Do not touch eyes with soiled body parts or materials. If possible, have eye-washing facilities readily available where eye irritation can occur. Respiratory Protection: When effective engineering and/or administrative controls are insufficient, the use of appropriate respiratory protection, pursuant to the requirements of OSHA 1910.134, is recommended. For dust concentrations below the applicable exposure limit value, PPE is not required. The evaluation of workplace hazards and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection is best performed on a case by case basis, by a qualified Industrial Hygienist.
EPIDEMIOLOGY This product has not been the subject of epidemiological study. Epidemiological studies related to other fiber chemistries of similar solubility have not identified a statistically significant incidence of exposure-related respiratory disease. TOXICOLOGY This product has been the subject of limited testing. A review of available scientific literature suggests an inverse relationship between dissolution rate and potential health effects; i.e. the higher the dissolution rate of a fiber the lower its potential to produce health effects. The dissolution rate of INSULFRAX® fiber has been determined through standardized in vitro testing. The dissolution rate of INSULFRAX® fibers is higher than that of other fiber types that have been tested in chronic animal studies and did not produce respiratory disease. This product possesses a fiber chemistry within the regulatory (European Commission Directive 97/69/EC) definition as a "man-made vitreous (silicate) fiber with random orientation with alkaline oxide and alkaline earth oxide (Na2O + K2O + CaO + MgO + BaO) content greater than 18% by weight". INSULFRAX® fibers have been tested pursuant to EU protocol ECB/TM/26, rev. 7, Nota Q, Directive 97/69/EC. The results for the short term biopersistence test by inhalation (IH test) was 7 days; well below the regulatory threshold of 10 days cited in Directive 97/69/EC. Based on testing results, INSULFRAX® based products are not regarded as potential carcinogens and they ARE EXEMPT from European classification as such. By virtue of these test results, these products ARE EXEMPT from European regulatory guidelines that require hazard warning labels with specific risk phrases citing respiratory disease potential. The definition of "irritant" contained in the hazard communication standard, 29 CFR 1900.1200, Appendix A, is "...a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action...". INSULFRAX® fiber is an inert material which doesn't interact chemically with exposed skin. However, there is a possibility that exposure to this product may cause temporary mechanical irritation to the eyes, skin or respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). This temporary irritation can be mitigated with proper handling practices designed to limit exposure and the use of protective clothing (glasses, gloves, clothing). This product has not been specifically evaluated by any regulatory authority or other classification entity, such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) or the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Other types of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) have been evaluated and subsequently classified as potential carcinogens. Various classifications, such as "possible carcinogen", "probable carcinogen", and "reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen" have been given to other MMVF's.
No ecological concerns have been identified.
To prevent waste materials from becoming airborne during waste storage, transportation and disposal, a covered container or plastic bagging is recommended. DISPOSAL INSULFRAX® fiber, as manufactured, is not classified as a hazardous waste according to Federal regulations (40 CFR 261). Any processing, use, alteration or chemical additions to the product, as purchased, may alter the disposal requirements. Under Federal regulations, it is the waste generator's responsibility to properly characterize a waste material, to determine if it is a "hazardous" waste. Check local, regional, state or provincial regulations to identify all applicable disposal requirements. EUROPEAN UNION Waste from this product is not classified as “hazardous” or “special” under European Union regulations. Disposal is permitted at landfills licensed for industrial waste.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)
INTERNATIONAL Canadian TDG Hazard Class & PIN: Not regulated Not classified as dangerous goods under ADR (road), RID (train) or IMDG (ship).
NTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS
After-Service
Insulfrax ® Thermal Insulation: Removal
Revision Summary: Substantial rewrite on 03/01/01 to make MSDS easier to read. MSDS Prepared By: UNIFRAX RISK MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT DISCLAIMER The information presented herein is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate as of the effective date of this Material Safety Data Sheet. Employers may use this MSDS to supplement other information gathered by them in their efforts to assure the health and safety of their employees and the proper use of the product. This summary of the relevant data reflects professional judgment; employers should note that information perceived to be less relevant has not been included in this MSDS. Therefore, given the summary nature of this document, Unifrax Corporation does not extend any warranty (expressed or implied), assume any responsibility, or make any representation regarding the completeness of this information or its suitability for the purposes envisioned by the user. |