MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Distributed by World Search Phone: (07)3876 2200
P O Box 1255 Fax (07)3876 3380
Milton, Qld 4064
Not classified as hazardous according to the criteria of NOHSC Australia.
l IDENTIFICATION
Product Name: Borax Decahydrate
Other Names: Sodium tetraborate decahydrate
Product Code: None.
UN No: None allocated Hazchem Code: None allocated
Dangerous Goods Class: None allocated
Sub Risk Class: None allocated
Packaging Group: None allocated
Poison Schedule: S5
Chemical Family: Inorganic salt.
Uses: Chemical intermediate
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Physical Appearance & Properties
Appearance & Odour: White crystalline solid. No odour.
Melting/softening point: 61掳C
Boiling point and vapour pressure: Decomposes about 1575掳C without melting.
Volatile materials: No specific data. Expected to be low at 100掳C.
Flashpoint: Does not burn.
Specific gravity: 1.7
Solubility in water: Soluble.
Corrosiveness: Not corrosive.
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Ingredients Worksafe Exposure Limits
TWA, mg/m3 STEL, mg/m3
Chemical Entity CAS No Proportion, %
Sodium tetraborate decahydrate 1303-96-4 pure * 1 not set
* Commercially pure.
This is a commercial product whose exact ratio of components may vary. Trace quantities of impurities are also likely.
ll HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Health Effects:
Note: Sodium tetraborate and its hydrates are chemically and toxicologically related to boric acid. The majority of the
borate chronic toxicity studies were conducted using boric acid. Sodium tetraborate is converted to boric acid in
biological systems. The boric acid data discussed in this section can be converted to sodium tetraborate pentahydrate
equivalent by dividing by a factor of 0.849. Other factors apply to different levels of hydration.
A human study of occupationally exposed borate workers showed no adverse reproductive effects. Animal studies
indicate that boric acid reduces or inhibits sperm production, causes testicular atrophy and when given to pregnant
animals during gestation, may cause developmental changes. These feed studies were conducted under chronic
exposure conditions leading to doses many times in excess of those that could occur through inhalation of dust in the
occupational setting.
Dietary levels of boric acid of 8,700ppm (0.87%) in chronic feeding studies in rats and dogs produced testicular
changes (Weir, Fisher, 1972). In chronic feeding studies in mice on diets containing 5,000ppm (0.5%) boric acid,
testicular atrophy was present while mice fed 2,500ppm showed no significant testicular atrophy. In another chronic
boric acid study, degeneration of seminiferous tubules was present together with a reduction in germ cells in mice fed
4,500ppm boric acid. In a reproduction study on rats, 2,000ppm of dietary boric acid had no adverse effect on lactation,
litter size, weight or appearance (Weir, Fisher, 1972). In a continuous breeding study in mice there was a reduction in
fertility rates in males receiving 4,500ppm boric acid but not in females receiving 4,500ppm boric acid (Fail et al, 1992).
The product is not listed as carcinogenic in Worksafe鈥檚 document 鈥淓xposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants
in the Occupational Environment鈥? (May 1995) and studies indicate that the product is not carcinogenic or mutagenic.
Acute Effects:
Swallowed: Data suggests that the product should not be considered as not harmful by ingestion.
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Eye: Data suggests that this product should be classified as a transient eye irritant. However, permanent eye damage
should not be expected.
Skin: Data suggests that product presents low hazard via skin contact.
Inhalation: Inhalation may cause irritation of the nose and throat and cause coughing and chest discomfort.
Primary route of exposure is inhalation and skin and eye contact.
LD50 Oral (Rat) 4500-6000mg/kg
First Aid:
Swallowed: If swallowed, more than 15 minutes from a hospital, and victim is conscious, induce vomiting, preferably
using Ipecac syrup APF. Give a glass of water and transport to hospital. If swallowed and victim is unconscious or
convulsing, keep victim warm, and transport to hospital or doctor.
Eye: If this product comes into contact with eyes, hold eyes open and wash continuously for 15 minutes with running
water. Ensure irrigation under eyelids by occasionally lifting eyelids. Do not attempt to remove contact lenses unless
trained. Transport to hospital or doctor immediately.
Skin: If this product comes into contact with skin, wash skin with soap and water for 15 minutes. Remove contaminated
clothing and footware. Ensure contaminated clothing is thoroughly washed before using again. Transport to hospital or
doctor immediately.
Inhalation: If fumes or combustion products are inhaled, remove to fresh air. Lay victim down & keep warm and rested.
If breathing is shallow, or has stopped, ensure clear airway and apply resuscitation or oxygen if available. Transport to
hospital or doctor immediately.
Eye wash stations or baths and deluge showers should be available where product is being used.
Advice to doctor: Treat symptomatically. Note the nature of this product.
III PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
Exposure Standards:
3
This material has a TWA value of 5 and STEL value not set. Value expressed as mg/m . Exposure values at the STEL
(Short Term Exposure Limit) is an exposure value that should not be exceeded for more than 15 minutes and should
not be repeated for more than 4 times per day. There should be at least 60 minutes between successive exposures at
the STEL. Exposure values at the TWA (Time Weighted Average) means the average airborne concentration of a
particular substance when calculated over a normal 8 hour working day for a 5 day working week. See ingredients
section on page 1 of this data sheet.
Engineering Controls:
Ventilation must be adequate to ensure that the working environment is below the TWA value. Otherwise, use
respiratory protection. Some materials should only be used when respiratory protection is being worn. For information
on respiratory protection, consult AS1716. See below for further information.
Personal Protection:
Respiratory Protection: A face mask or respirator should be used when this material is being used. For help in
selecting suitable equipment consult AS/NZS 1715.
Protective Gloves: Rubber or PVC gloves are advised. For help in selecting suitable gloves consult AS 2161.
Eye Protection: Full face mask, safety glasses or goggles are advised. Consult AS 1336 and AS/NZS 1337 for
information about eye protection.
Clothing: Clean overalls should to be worn, preferably with an apron. All skin areas should be covered. Consult AS
2919 for advice on Industrial Clothing.
Safety Boots: Wearing safety boots would be advisory. Consult AS/NZS 2210 for advice on Occupational Protective
Footwear.
Flammability Limits: Does not burn.
Always wash hands before smoking, eating, drinking or using the toilet. Wash contaminated clothing and other
protective equipment before storing or re-using.
lV SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
Storage & Transport:
This product does not have a UN classification. Being a scheduled poison, the product must be stored, maintained and
used in accord with relevant state poisons act. Containers should be kept closed in order to minimise contamination.
Keep from extreme heat and open flames, and make sure the material does not come into contact with water or acids.
Spills and disposals:
In event of a major spill, clear area of personnel. Alert fire brigade and advise of nature & location of spill. Wear
protective clothing. Prevent spillage from entering drains or water courses. Stop leak if safe to do so, and contain spill.
Issued by: World Search Product: Borax Decahydrate
Phone: (07)3876 2200 Page 2 of 3 Issued: March 2005
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Sweep up and shovel or collect recoverable product into labelled containers for recycling or salvage. Recycle
containers wherever possible. After spills, wash area, preventing runoff from entering drains. If material enters drains,
advise emergency services. This material may be suitable for approved incineration or landfill. Dispose of only in
compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Launder all contaminated clothing before re-use.
Fire/Explosion Hazard:
There is no explosion hazard from this material under normal circumstances.
Flashpoint: Does not burn.
Extinguishing Media: Use media suited to burning material.
Special Fire fighting procedures: Wear full protective clothing including face mask, face shield and gauntlets.
Unusual fire & Explosion hazards: Decomposition products not known to be hazardous. There is little or no chance of
an explosion from this product if involved in a fire.
Stability: Stable.
Polymerisation: Will not polymerise.
Decomposition Products: water.
Materials to avoid: Reactions with strong reducing agents such as metal hydrides or alkali metals will generate
hydrogen gas which could create an explosion hazard.
V OTHER INFORMATION
This MSDS is prepared in accord with the Worksafe Australia document 鈥淣ational Code of Practice for the Preparation
of Material Safety Data Sheets鈥?.
Contact Points: AUSTRALIA
Police and Fire Brigade: Dial 000
If ineffective: Dial 1100 (Exchange)
National Poisons Information Centre: Dial 13 1126 (from anywhere in Australia)
THIS MSDS SUMMARISES OUR BEST KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARD INFORMATION OF THE
PRODUCT AND HOW TO SAFELY HANDLE AND USE THE PRODUCT IN THE WORKPLACE. EACH USER SHOULD READ
THIS MSDS AND CONSIDER THE INFORMATION IN THE CONTEXT OF HOW THE PRODUCT WILL BE HANDLED AND USED
IN THE WORKPLACE INCLUDING IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS. IF CLARIFICATION OR FURTHER
INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT AN APPROPRIATE RISK ASSESSMENT CAN BE MADE, THE USER SHOULD
CONTACT THIS COMPANY. THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCTS SOLD IS SUBJECT TO OUR STANDARD TERMS AND
CONDITIONS, A COPY OF WHICH IS SENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
Please read all labels carefully before using product.
Issued by: World Search Product: Borax Decahydrate
Phone: (07)3876 2200 Page 3 of 3 Issued: March 2005
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