Material Safety Data Sheets

Occupational Health & Safety Practitioner

Reading MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

January 2006

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Contents OVERVIEW .....................................................................................................................1 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................2 SECTION 2: OBTAIN CORRECT MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) ...........4 SECTION 3: COMPANY NAME AND ADDRESS..........................................................6 SECTION 4: IDENTIFICATION SECTION.....................................................................7 SECTION 5: HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION ........................................................13 SECTION 6: PRECAUTIONS FOR USE .....................................................................16 SECTION 7: SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION .........................................................20 SECTION 8: OTHER INFORMATION..........................................................................21 REFERENCES & FURTHER READING.......................................................................22 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET – RECOMMENDED FORMAT……………………23

Published by WorkSafe, Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, PO Box 294, WEST PERTH WA 6872. Tel: Toll Free 1300 307 877. Email: [email protected]

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The SafetyLine Institute material has been prepared and published as part of Western Australia’s contribution to the National Occupational Health and Safety Skills Development Action Plan.

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© 2006 State of Western Australia. All rights reserved. Details of copyright conditions are provided at the SafetyLine Institute website. Before using this publication, note should be taken of the Disclaimer, which is published at the SafetyLine Institute website.

READING – MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

OVERVIEW This reading takes you through all the sections of a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and provides you with full details to enable you to use one to obtain relevant safe use information.

Objectives After reading this information you should be able to: •

outline the general format and content of material safety data sheets (MSDS); and

•

be able to use one to obtain relevant safe use information.

Author Gary Gleeson B.A., Grad Dip Occupational Health & Safety, A.F.A.H.R.I, M.S.I.A, M.A.A.H.P.P

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Section 1: INTRODUCTION Glossary of terms When they are first used, glossary terms are indicated with an asterisk (*). Make sure that you are familiar with the Glossary of terms before going any further.

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Carcinogenicity

A carcinogen is any agent that causes cancer. Chemical carcinogens include benzpyrene, aflatoxin B1 (produced by certain moulds growing on foodstuffs), and mustard gas (sulphur mustard) used in World War 1 to gas troops. Ultra violet light and other ionising radiation (such as X-rays) are also carcinogens. Ultra violet light can cause skin cancer while high doses of X-rays can cause leukaemia and other cancers. Most, possibly all, carcinogens are also mutagens. (The McMillan Dictionary of Life Sciences (2nd ed., 1983 pp. 52-3).

Chemical Abstracts Service numbers (CAS numbers)

Unique identifiers for pure chemicals.

LC50

The lethal concentration of a substance that kills 50% of a test population, usually animals like rats or mice.

LD50

The lethal dose of a substance that kills 50% of a test population, usually animals like rats or mice.

Mutagenicity

A mutagen is any agent capable of causing a mutation or increasing the rate of mutation. Chemical mutagens cause chemical changes in DNA molecules leading to either changing of a base pair or addition or deletion of a base pair. (The McMillan Dictionary of Life Sciences 2nd ed., 1983 p.240).

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Teratogenicity

A teratogen is an agent that damages or interferes with the normal development of unborn young. An example is thalidomide, a drug formerly prescribed to prevent nausea during pregnancy. It was found to prevent development of the limbs of the foetus. X-rays, which cause chromosome damage, are also teratogenic (The McMillan Dictionary of Life Sciences (2nd ed., 1983 p. 364).

Toxicity

Is a property of matter. It is a biological property, as mass is a physical property. It is also an extrinsic property, as it is a function of the amount of material. Toxicity is the ability of a material to injure an organism by other than mechanical means.

Type I ingredients

A Type I ingredient is an ingredient which is present in a quantity which exceeds the lowest relevant concentration cut-off level specified for the hazards classification in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC] and is described in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances as carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, a skin or respiratory sensitiser, corrosive or very corrosive, toxic or very toxic, a harmful substance which can cause irreversible effects after acute exposure, or a harmful substance which can cause serious damage to health after repeated or prolonged exposure; or has an exposure standard listed in the National Exposure Standards [NOHSC].

Type II ingredients

A Type II ingredient is an ingredient that: is present in a quantity which exceeds the lowest relevant concentration cut-off level specified for the hazard classification in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC]; and is described in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances as a harmful substance but which does not meet the criteria for a type I ingredient.

Type III ingredients

A Type III ingredient is an ingredient which does not meet the criteria for either a Type I ingredient or a Type II ingredient.

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Section 2: OBTAIN CORRECT MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) Introduction Many people are exposed to all sorts of chemicals in their work. But what tells you what risk, if any, these substances represent? The answer is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). An MSDS contains information on a particular substance, including its uses, physical and chemical properties, health effects, precautions for use, safe handling requirements, and first aid and emergency procedures. The information in an MSDS helps users of the substance to:

KEY POINT The information in an MSDS is used to help determine the risk and the controls necessary when using the substance.

•

know how dangerous the product is;

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assess the risk associated with the handling of the product; and

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develop the controls needed to minimise that risk.

Anyone who manufactures or imports a hazardous substance for use at a workplace must prepare and keep up to date its MSDS and ensure it is available before the hazardous substance is supplied to the workplace. MSDSs must be compiled in accordance with the National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets [NOHSC]. Users should obtain the MSDS from the manufacturer or supplier before the substance is brought into the workplace, so that they can use the information about the hazardous substance to assess the risk and so be fully prepared. The MSDS details should be checked against the label on the container of the substance to make sure the correct MSDS has been obtained. The supplier is required by law to have the container properly labelled. For further information on correct labelling see the National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances [NOHSC]

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2.1 Reading a material safety data sheet The MSDS includes the following, in accordance with the National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets, and the rest of this reading will explain the key information using these headings. •

Identification of the material and supplier

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Hazards identification

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Composition/information on ingredients

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First aid measures

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Fire fighting measures

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Accidental release measures

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Handling and storage

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Exposure controls/personal protection

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Physical and chemical properties

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Stability and reactivity

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Toxicological information

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Ecological information

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Disposal considerations

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Transport information

At the end of the reading a checklist outlines the necessary information to prepare the 16-header MSDS format required under workplace hazardous substances and Dangerous Goods legislation. A copy of the checklist can be downloaded from www.nohsc.gov.au

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Section 3: COMPANY NAME AND ADDRESS The MSDS should clearly identify the Australian organisation that manufactured or imported the substance. There should also be an emergency telephone number to call in case of an incident such as a spill, fire or exposed person, for example: In 1996 two sea containers full of 25 kg bags of acrylamide spontaneously caught fire. The by-products of the fire created a toxic plume that threatened neighbouring workplaces and residences. The MSDS allowed immediate contact with the importer who could provide additional information to the emergency services direct from the manufacturer in the USA. A strategy to combat the fires was formulated based on relevant information from the experts working for the manufacturer. Without the emergency contact on the MSDS the emergency services might not have received the combat information and expert advice as quickly and the incident may not have been handled as well as it was.

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Section 4: IDENTIFICATION SECTION The name of the product should appear here exactly as that on the product's container label. The MSDS should also list alternative names that the product is known by and any manufacturing codes. This helps you ensure that the MSDS matches the substance you intend to use.

4.1 Look for hazard statement There should be a statement as to whether the product is hazardous according to the criteria of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council.

KEY POINT If the product is hazardous, the identification section will have a clear statement saying so.

4.2 Recommended uses The major recommended use(s) and method(s) of application should also be listed in descending order of KEY POINT importance. A statement of the manufacturer's Always look for the intended uses of a product is important. This is because inappropriate use or application can lead manufacturer's intended uses of the product and to increased risk to health or a disaster. The make sure you only use it in those ways because if precautions for use and recommended personal protective equipment and clothing that are found in not used in the right way there could be high risks to later sections of an MSDS are based on the safety and health. intended uses and methods of application.

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4.3 Hazchem codes You will also find a series of codes from different classification systems. They provide a quick means of identification of the hazard presented by the substance and the response required in an emergency involving that substance. Of particular importance is the Hazchem Code. This provides information to emergency personnel about the steps they need to take immediately on arrival at the scene of an incident involving a hazardous substance. An example of a Hazchem Code is: 2WE •

the number (1, 2, 3 or 4) indicates what fire fighting medium should be used (water, fog, foam, dry powder);

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the first letter indicates what personal protective equipment and in particular what type of respirator the firefighters should wear; and

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the "E" indicates evacuation of surrounding areas might be necessary.

4.4 Dangerous goods codes & U.N numbers Dangerous Goods Classes and Subsidiary Risk as shown in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods KEY POINT by Road and Rail are included in the MSDS. Pay Some hazardous particular attention to these if you are involved in substances are not transporting the substance. Dangerous Goods, and The Dangerous Goods Class identifies the public vice versa. Dangerous Goods are those safety hazard presented by the substance. Please note that there are some hazardous substances that are not Dangerous Goods, and vice versa.

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substances that present a public safety hazard during transportation.

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Dangerous Goods Classes (Classes 1 to 9) are associated with coloured diamonds as shown below:

United Nation numbers (UN numbers) are listed in this section for the benefit of emergency services. These are internationally recognised numbers that identify the type of product. These numbers link the product to Dangerous Goods Classes and Hazchem Codes.

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4.5 Physical description and properties The Physical Description and Properties subsection tells you what the product looks and smells like. This information can be used to double-check the identity of the product. If the colour, smell or appearance does not match the description, then the product may not be what the label says. This subsection also provides information on various properties of the substance, including: KEY POINT

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Boiling/melting point

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Vapour pressure

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Flashpoint

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Flammability limits

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Water solubility

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Specific gravity

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pH (acidity, alkalinity or neutrality)

Check the colour, smell or appearance of the substance, to see if it matches the description in the Physical Description and Properties section. If it does not, then the product may not be what the label says.

Experts use these properties to estimate exposure levels and design controls for normal use and emergency situations.

4.6 Ingredients Under the sub heading of Ingredients you may find the chemical names of any hazardous ingredients and the proportion of the product it constitutes.

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Type I ingredients A Type I* ingredient is an ingredient which is present in a quantity which exceeds the lowest relevant concentration cut-off level specified for the hazards classification in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC] and: •

is described in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances as carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, a skin or respiratory sensitiser, corrosive or very corrosive, toxic or very toxic, a harmful substance which can cause irreversible effects after acute exposure, or a harmful substance which can cause serious damage to health after repeated or prolonged exposure; or

•

has an exposure standard listed in the National Exposure Standards [NOHSC].

Type II ingredients A Type II* ingredient is an ingredient that: •

is present in a quantity which exceeds the lowest relevant concentration cut-off level specified for the hazard classification in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC]; and

•

is described in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances as a harmful substance but which does not meet the criteria for a Type I ingredient.

Type III ingredients A Type III* ingredient is an ingredient which does not meet the criteria for either a type I ingredient or a type II ingredient. Type I ingredients must have their names stated, Chemical Abstracts Service numbers (CAS numbers) and concentration. The exact chemical name of some Type II hazardous substances might not have to be shown. Type III ingredients may be listed in generic terms.

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Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers CAS numbers are the unique identifiers for pure chemicals. The Chemical Abstracts Service numbers (CAS numbers) should be listed against the relevant ingredients. For example: Ingredient

CAS no.

Content (%)

Toluene

[108-88-3]

25

Methylethylketone (MEK)

[78-93-3]

25

[110-80-5]

25

Glycol ether

25

Non-hazardous ingredients

"Glycol ether" is a generic name and represents a "family" of chemicals. However, the CAS number of 110-80-5 identifies it as ethylene glycol monoethyl ether. The generic name with no CAS number can be used for chemicals if they are classified as no worse than harmful (Type II hazardous substance) and the manufacturer is claiming commercial confidentiality. If the exact amount of each ingredient cannot be specified then approximations may be used. These are: <10%, 10 - <30%, 30 - 60%, >60% The quantity of each hazardous ingredient in a product provides valuable information on the risks involved when the product is used or handled. For example, exposure to >50% hydrofluoric acid is considered to be immediately life threatening, whereas exposure to <50% hydrofluoric acid is not.

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Section 5: HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 5.1 Health effects The MSDS outlines any short (acute) or long-term (chronic) health effects that may result from exposure to the product. It should state the symptoms associated with varying degrees of exposure, from least to most severe.

Routes of Exposure The MSDS will also give the routes of exposure for harmful effects. How does the substance get into the body in a way that is harmful? In the workplace, the most likely routes of entry are: •

inhalation (breathing the substance into the lungs);

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skin absorption; and

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direct ingestion (swallowing).

Physical contact with a substance may also have harmful effects. Examples include dermatitis, corrosion, chemical sensitisation and eye damage. The health effects and symptoms should be detailed for each route of exposure. Some chemicals can get into the body by more than one route as well as possibly having a contact effect, and products containing one or more hazardous ingredients might exert health effects by more than one route of exposure. Further information on routes of exposure and toxicology can be found in the reading titled Introduction to Toxicology.

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Precautions for Use Once you have determined the possible routes of exposure that may result in harm to people, consider the controls that are needed to prevent exposure by these routes. See the Precautions for Use section of the MSDS for full details. For example: •

If a product has hazardous ingredients that can be absorbed through the skin, then the precautions for use will recommend to avoid skin contact and may recommend gloves, an apron, long sleeves, trousers, boots and even head covering.

•

If a product has hazardous ingredients that can be absorbed through the lungs, then the precautions for use will recommend avoiding inhalation of the airborne product and may recommend controls such as natural ventilation, forced ventilation, no spraying to eliminate misting, and various degrees of respiratory protection.

Chronic exposure to some substances can lead to carcinogenicity*, mutagenicity*, teratogenicity*, effects on the brain and diseases of the liver and kidneys.

5.2 First aid Under the First Aid section of the MSDS you will find details of immediate action to be taken to minimise harm and stabilise the victim until treatment from qualified persons can be obtained. This subsection should be read carefully and first aid officers at the workplace should be familiar with what it says. Look for the phrase "Urgently seek medical assistance" which indicates exposure by the route indicated is extremely serious and requires emergency action. KEY POINT This section will normally be divided into subheadings based on the routes of The First Aid section of the exposure: MSDS provides important

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•

Eyes

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Skin

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Inhalation

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Ingestion

information for workplace first aid officers. Circumstances requiring emergency action are indicated by key phrases such as "urgently seek medical assistance" and are vital to know.

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5.3 Advice to doctor The Advice to Doctor subsection is extremely useful in the event that a person is exposed to the substance. It is worded in medical terminology that you may not be able to KEY POINT understand but a doctor will. It will enable the doctor to In emergencies, send the commence the correct treatment MSDS with the victim so the doctor knows exactly immediately the patient presents. It is what treatment to give. therefore critical that the MSDS is sent to the doctor with the victim. It is important that any special materials required (eg. antidotes) are obtained and kept current. A good example of this is calcium gluconate gel which is the common neutralising agent for skin exposure to hydrofluoric acid. There have been many cases of hydrofluoric acid burns where the victim has recovered quickly and suffered no long-term effects because of prompt treatment with calcium gluconate gel. However, there was one instance where a laboratory worker spilt half a cup of concentrated hydrofluoric acid on his leg and the workplace had no calcium gluconate gel. The worker suffered severe burns and died twelve days later due to fluoride poisoning (for more detail, see the case study on this incident).

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Section 6: PRECAUTIONS FOR USE 6.1 Exposure standards In the MSDS you will find an Exposure Standard for the substance or Exposure Standards for relevant ingredients. Exposure Standards are largely based upon the TLVs® determined by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). They represent airborne concentrations of individual chemical substances which, according to current knowledge, should neither impair health nor cause undue discomfort to nearly all workers. Additionally, the exposure standards are believed to guard against narcosis or irritation, which could precipitate an industrial accident. Exposure Standards should not be used as cut off concentrations to determine what is and is not a safe atmosphere. Exposure Standards are to be used to indicate when exposure is getting out of control and a new assessment of the process should be performed. There are three types of Exposure Standards: •

Time weighted average (TWA) - the measurements are averaged over an eight hour shift.

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Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) - the measurements are averaged over a short period, typically 15 minutes.

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Peak - this is a maximum concentration to which workers may be exposed at any time.

Not all substances have been assigned an Exposure Standard and therefore many hazardous substances do not have one, so the existence or non-existence of an Exposure Standard does not necessarily indicate that a substance is hazardous or not. For further information on Exposure Standards please see the National Occupational Safety and Health Commission Guidance Note on the Interpretation of Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC:3008 (1995)].

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6.2 Engineering controls

KEY POINT

It is important to understand that any engineering controls, Before handling or opening any especially exhaust container, ensure any specified ventilation, are only engineering controls (especially exhaust effective when the substance is used in a ventilation systems) are in place and particular way.

operating. The requirement for engineering controls will vary according to the process and potential exposure.

It is important to note that the recommended engineering controls will only be valid for the recommended uses and/or methods of application.

6.3 Personal protection Before handling or opening any container, obtain and use any necessary personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE/C). Ensure that the PPE/C used is exactly as specified and is constructed to the relevant Australian or Australian/New Zealand standard. For example, if the MSDS specifies gloves made of a specific material (eg. nitrile) no other sort of glove should be used. The PPE/C required would depend on how the product is used.

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Different methods of application could mean different levels of PPE/C. For example, the application of solvent based paint can be done in different ways and in different circumstances. If the KEY POINT paint is applied by brush to a wall in the open air, The specific personal then a respirator might not be necessary. On the protective equipment and other hand, if the paint is applied to the wall by clothing required depend on how the substance is spraying, then a half-face mask with combination particulate and organics filters will be necessary. In used and in what environment. the extreme, if the paint is applied in a poorly ventilated area then a full face or even air-supplied respirator may be necessary. A man had to be rescued after collapsing inside the tank shown below. The only opening was a hatch in the top. He was applying a solvent-based paint by brush to the inside wall. He was wearing a full-face mask with an organics filters. The atmospheric concentration of solvents inside the tank became high enough to cause breakthrough of the filters and he inhaled excessive quantities of solvent vapours. He did not have any information, including the MSDS, to tell him that greater protection was required against the solvent vapour build up inside the enclosed space.

Tank in which a man collapsed while applying a solvent-based paint by brush to the inside wall, even though he was wearing a full-face mask with an organics filters.

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Full face mask without filter attached.

6.4 Flammability Study the subsection on flammability carefully. This will state what steps are needed to prevent the risk of fire or explosion when using the substance. Ensure that it is followed carefully.

An investigator inspects a pallet of hydrofluoric acid after a factory fire.

Determine the upper and lower "explosive" or "flammability" limits. These indicate the range of concentrations of a flammable vapour in air at which a flame can be propagated or an explosion will occur, if a source of ignition is present. Information is given on the requirements for:

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Ventilation of storage areas to avoid the build up of flammable concentrations.

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Separating the product from ignition sources.

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Earthing of containers especially when transferring liquids from one container to another. The flow of some liquids can generate static electricity. This electricity can discharge with an electric spark. Earthing eliminates a possible ignition source by preventing the build up of a static electric charge.

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Section 7: SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION 7.1 Storage and transport In the MSDS you will find the requirements for safe Storage and Transport of the product, including details of: •

siting and construction of the store;

•

fire separation distances;

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type of building; and

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security required.

Subjects such as ventilation, temperature, protection from weather and storage incompatibilities are also covered here. Storage incompatibilities are especially important and can be found in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail. If incompatibles mix, for example, flammables and oxidising agents, there could be a fire or explosion. The case involving acrylamide is an example where the information from the MSDS might have prevented the emergency. The MSDS recommended that the product be stored out of the sun as it can auto-ignite if extremely hot (approximately 75°C). The containers of acrylamide were actually stored in the sun when the daytime temperature reached in excess of 40°C and the internal temperature of the containers became much higher causing a fire.

7.2 Spills and disposal You will also find emergency handling information under the subheading of Spills and Disposal. There should be separate recommendations for large and small spills. Disposal method, containers and special precautions are also in this section. The MSDS often refers you to a local KEY POINT authority for disposal of a waste product. It is also important to be This is because disposal sites and familiar with the emergency methods may procedures put in place by your local shire or state so differ between jurisdictions. It is you know what to do in the sometimes a good idea to seek this event of a spill. advice before an emergency situation occurs so you can be prepared for disposal in advance.

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Many local and state areas have processes in place to deal with emergencies that place people, property or the environment at risk. You should familiarise yourself with your local scheme so that prompt action can be taken should a spill of hazardous substances get out of control.

7.3 Fire/explosion hazard Check the Fire/Explosion Hazard subsection. Ensure any emergency equipment specified (eg. appropriate fire extinguishers and/or fire fighting agents) are available and ready for immediate use before using the product. This subsection can provide information that will assist in the design of emergency procedures and emergency evacuation.

Section 8: OTHER INFORMATION Animal Toxicity Data Here you may find detailed information on the product, for example, animal toxicity* data and biodegradability.

KEY POINT The larger the LD or LC number, the less toxic is the substance.

The animal toxicity data can include measures such as *LD50, and *LC50 which relate to acute toxicity. In these cases the larger the number, the less toxic is the substance.

Date of MSDS Check the issue date you will find in this section. The MSDS should not be more than 5 years old. If it is, contact the manufacturer or supplier and obtain an up to date MSDS.

On-Line MSDSs Many manufacturers have on-line Material Safety Data Sheets. Some of these can be accessed through WorkSafe's homepage.

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Your feedback WorkSafe is committed to continuous improvement. If you take the time to complete the online Feedback Form at the SafetyLine Institute website you will assist us to maintain and improve our high standards.

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. For more information go to their web site at http://www.acgih.org/. ACTU, 1986. Chemicals at Work, Australian Council of Trade Unions Occupational Health and Safety Unit manual D89-87. Federal Office of Road Safety, September 1992. Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, 5th edition, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra. Hammer W, 1985. Occupational Safety Management and Engineering. 3rd edition, Prentice Hall International, Inc., New Jersey, United States of America. Martin E A (Ed), 1983. The McMillan Dictionary of Life Sciences. 2nd Edition, The McMillan Press, London. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC), Guidance Note on the Interpretation of Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment. NOHSC, Guidance Note for the Assessment of Health Risks Arising from the Use of Hazardous Substances in the Workplace. NOHSC, National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets.

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET – RECOMMENDED FORMAT This Checklist outlines the necessary information to prepare the 16-header MSDS format required under workplace hazardous substances and Dangerous Goods legislation. A copy of this checklist can be downloaded from <www.nohsc.gov.au>.

SECTION 1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE MATERIAL AND SUPPLIER □ Product (material) name □ Other names □ Recommended use □ Supplier name/address/telephone no./Emergency phone number

SECTION 2 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION □ Hazard classification, including a statement of overall hazardous or dangerous nature □ Risk phrase(s) □ Safety phrase(s)

SECTION 3 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS SUBSTANCE □ Chemical identity of the pure substance □ Common name(s), synonym(s) □ CAS Number(s) MIXTURE □ Chemical identity of ingredients □ Proportion of ingredients □ CAS Number(s) for ingredients

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SECTION 4 FIRST AID MEASURES □ Description of necessary measures according to routes of exposure □ Indication of medical attention and special treatment needed including description of most important symptoms, acute and delayed

Additional information □ Aggravated medical conditions caused by exposure

SECTION 5 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES □ Suitable extinguishing media □ Hazards from combustion products □ Special protective precautions and equipment for fire fighters Additional information □ Hazchem Code

SECTION 6 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES □ Emergency procedures □ Methods and materials for containment and clean up

SECTION 7 HANDLING AND STORAGE □ Precautions for safe handling □ Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities

SECTION 8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION □ National exposure standards □ Biological limit values □ Engineering controls □ Personal protective equipment

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SECTION 9 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES □ Appearance (colour, physical form, shape). □ Odour. □ pH. □ Vapour pressure. □ Vapour density. □ Boiling point/range. □ Freezing/melting point (specify which). □ Solubility (specify solvent, e.g. water). □ Specific gravity or density. Information for flammable materials, including: □ flash point and method of detecting flash point; □ upper and lower flammable (explosive) limits in air; and □ ignition temperature. Additional information □ Specific heat value. □ Particle size. □ Volatile organic compounds (VOC) content. □ Evaporation rate. □ Viscosity. □ Percent volatile. □ Octanol/water partition coefficient. □ Saturated vapour concentration (include reference temperatures). □ Additional characteristics not noted above may also be provided if applicable to the material. □ Flame propagation or burning rate of solid materials. □ Properties of both flammable and non-flammable materials that may initiate or uniquely contribute to the intensity of a fire (e.g. Class 4 or Class 5). □ Potential for dust explosion. □ Reactions that release flammable gases or vapours. □ Fast or intensely burning characteristics.

□ Non-flammables that could contribute unusual hazards to a fire, such as strong oxidizing and reducing agents or peroxide formers. □ Release of invisible flammable vapours and gases. □ Decomposition temperature.

SECTION 10 STABILITY AND REACTIVITY □ Chemical stability □ Conditions to avoid □ Incompatible materials □ Hazardous decomposition products □ Hazardous reactions

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SECTION 11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION □ Health effects from the likely routes of exposure

SECTION 12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION □ Ecotoxicity □ Persistence and degradability □ Mobility Additional information □ Environmental fate (exposure) □ Bioaccumulative potential

SECTION 13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS □ Disposal methods and containers

□ Special precautions for landfill or incineration

SECTION 14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION □ UN Number □ UN Proper Shipping Name □ Class and subsidiary risk □ Packing Group □ Special precautions for user □ Hazchem Code

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SAFETYLINE INSTITUTE

JANUARY 2006