POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 1 of 10
Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME
POTASSIUM SORBATE
SYNONYMS
C6-H7-O2-K, "sorbic acid, potassium salt", Sorbistat-K, Sorbistat-Potassium, "BB powder"
PRODUCT USE
A preservative inhibiting the growth of yeasts, moulds and some bacteria in a wide range
of food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
SUPPLIER
Company: Quantum Chemicals Pty Ltd
Address:
70 Quantum Close
Dandenong South
Victoria 3175
Telephone: 03 8795 8000
Emergency Tel: 1300 131 001
Fax: 03 8795 8099
HAZARD RATINGS
Flammability
Toxicity
Body Contact
Reactivity
Chronic
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
NON-HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. NON-DANGEROUS GOODS. According to the Criteria of
NOHSC, and the ADG Code.
POISONS SCHEDULE
None
RISK SAFETY
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 2 of 10
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Ingestion may produce health damage*. Do not breathe dust.
Possible skin sensitiser*. Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
* (limited evidence).
Section 3 - COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
NAME CAS RN %
potassium sorbate 24634-61-5 100
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
SWALLOWED
路 If swallowed do NOT induce vomiting.
路 If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if
possible) to maintain open airway and prevent aspiration.
路 Observe the patient carefully.
路 Never give liquid to a person showing signs of being sleepy or with reduced awareness;
i.e. becoming unconscious.
路 Give water to rinse out mouth, then provide liquid slowly and as much as casualty can
comfortably drink.
路 Seek medical advice.
EYE
If this product comes in contact with the eyes:
路 Wash out immediately with fresh running water.
路 Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and
moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
路 If pain persists or recurs seek medical attention.
路 Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by skilled
personnel.
SKIN
If skin contact occurs:
路 Immediately remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear.
路 Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
路 Seek medical attention in event of irritation.
INHALED
路 If dust is inhaled, remove from contaminated area.
路 Encourage patient to blow nose to ensure clear passage of breathing.
路 If irritation or discomfort persists seek medical attention.
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN
Treat symptomatically.
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
路 Water spray or fog.
路 Foam.
路 Dry chemical powder.
路 BCF (where regulations permit).
路 Carbon dioxide.
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 3 of 10
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FIRE FIGHTING
路 Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
路 Use water delivered as a fine spray to control fire and cool adjacent area.
路 DO NOT approach containers suspected to be hot.
路 Cool fire exposed containers with water spray from a protected location.
路 If safe to do so, remove containers from path of fire.
路 Equipment should be thoroughly decontaminated after use.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
路 Combustible solid which burns but propagates flame with difficulty.
路 Avoid generating dust, particularly clouds of dust in a confined or unventilated space
as dusts may form an explosive mixture with air, and any source of ignition, i.e.
flame or spark, will cause fire or explosion. Dust clouds generated by the fine
grinding of the solid are a particular hazard; accumulations of fine dust may burn
rapidly and fiercely if ignited.
路 Dry dust can be charged electrostatically by turbulence, pneumatic transport, pouring,
in exhaust ducts and during transport.
路 Build-up of electrostatic charge may be prevented by bonding and grounding.
路 Powder handling equipment such as dust collectors, dryers and mills may require
additional protection measures such as explosion venting.
路 All movable parts coming in contact with this material should have a speed of less than
1-meter/sec.
Combustion products include: carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), other
pyrolysis products typical of burning organic material.
May emit poisonous fumes.
May emit corrosive fumes.
FIRE INCOMPATIBILITY
Avoid contamination with oxidising agents i.e. nitrates, oxidising acids, chlorine
bleaches, pool chlorine etc. as ignition may result.
HAZCHEM: None
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
MINOR SPILLS
路 Remove all ignition sources.
路 Clean up all spills immediately.
路 Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
路 Control personal contact by using protective equipment.
路 Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust.
路 Place in a suitable labelled container for waste disposal.
MAJOR SPILLS
Moderate hazard.
路 CAUTION: Advise personnel in area.
路 Alert Emergency Services and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Control personal contact by wearing protective clothing.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
路 Recover product wherever possible.
路 IF DRY: Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust. Collect residues and
place in sealed plastic bags or other containers for disposal. IF WET: Vacuum/shovel up
and place in labelled containers for disposal.
路 ALWAYS: Wash area down with large amounts of water and prevent runoff into drains.
路 If contamination of drains or waterways occurs, advise Emergency Services.
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 4 of 10
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal Protective Equipment advice is contained in Section 8 of the MSDS.
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING
路 Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation.
路 Wear protective clothing when risk of exposure occurs.
路 Use in a well-ventilated area.
路 Prevent concentration in hollows and sumps.
路 DO NOT enter confined spaces until atmosphere has been checked.
路 DO NOT allow material to contact humans, exposed food or food utensils.
路 Avoid contact with incompatible materials.
路 When handling, DO NOT eat, drink or smoke.
路 Keep containers securely sealed when not in use.
路 Avoid physical damage to containers.
路 Always wash hands with soap and water after handling.
路 Work clothes should be laundered separately. Launder contaminated clothing before re
-use.
路 Use good occupational work practice.
路 Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
路 Atmosphere should be regularly checked against established exposure standards to ensure
safe working conditions are maintained.
SUITABLE CONTAINER
路 Polyethylene or polypropylene container.
路 Check all containers are clearly labelled and free from leaks.
STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY
Avoid reaction with oxidising agents.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
路 Store in original containers.
路 Keep containers securely sealed.
路 Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
路 Store away from incompatible materials and foodstuff containers.
路 Protect containers against physical damage and check regularly for leaks.
路 Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
_____________________________________________________
SAFE STORAGE WITH OTHER CLASSIFIED CHEMICALS
+ + + + + +
_____________________________________________________
+: May be stored together
O: May be stored together with specific preventions
X: Must not be stored together
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
EXPOSURE CONTROLS
Source Material TWA mg/m鲁
_________ _________ _____
Australia Exposure Standards potassium sorbate (Inspirable 10
dust (Not specified))
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 5 of 10
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Source Material TWA mg/m鲁
_________ _________ _____
MATERIAL DATA
It is the goal of the ACGIH (and other Agencies) to recommend TLVs (or their equivalent)
for all substances for which there is evidence of health effects at airborne
concentrations encountered in the workplace.
At this time no TLV has been established, even though this material may produce adverse
health effects (as evidenced in animal experiments or clinical experience). Airborne
concentrations must be maintained as low as is practically possible and occupational
exposure must be kept to a minimum.
NOTE: The ACGIH occupational exposure standard for Particles Not Otherwise Specified
(P.N.O.S) does NOT apply.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
EYE
路 Safety glasses with side shields.
路 Chemical goggles.
路 Contact lenses may pose a special hazard; soft contact lenses may absorb and
concentrate irritants. A written policy document, describing the wearing of lens or
restrictions on use, should be created for each workplace or task. This should include a
review of lens absorption and adsorption for the class of chemicals in use and an account
of injury experience. Medical and first-aid personnel should be trained in their removal
and suitable equipment should be readily available. In the event of chemical exposure,
begin eye irrigation immediately and remove contact lens as soon as practicable. Lens
should be removed at the first signs of eye redness or irritation - lens should be
removed in a clean environment only after workers have washed hands thoroughly. [CDC
NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 59].
HANDS/FEET
NOTE: The material may produce skin sensitisation in predisposed individuals. Care must
be taken, when removing gloves and other protective equipment, to avoid all possible skin
contact.
Suitability and durability of glove type is dependent on usage. Factors such as:
路 frequency and duration of contact,
路 chemical resistance of glove material,
路 glove thickness and
路 dexterity,
are important in the selection of gloves.
Experience indicates that the following polymers are suitable as glove materials for
protection against undissolved, dry solids.
路 polychloroprene
路 nitrile rubber
路 butyl rubber
路 fluorocaoutchouc
路 polyvinyl chloride
Gloves should be examined for wear and/ or degradation constantly.
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 6 of 10
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
OTHER
路 Overalls.
路 P.V.C. apron.
路 Barrier cream.
路 Skin cleansing cream.
路 Eye wash unit.
RESPIRATOR
Protection Factor Half- Face Respirator Full- Face Respirator Powered Air Respirator
10 x ES P1 Air- line* -- PAPR- P1 -
50 x ES Air- line** P2 PAPR- P2
100 x ES - P3 -
Air- line* -
100+ x ES - Air- line** PAPR- P3
* - Negative pressure demand ** - Continuous flow.
The local concentration of material, quantity and conditions of use determine the type of
personal protective equipment required.
For further information consult site specific
CHEMWATCH data (if available), or your
Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
路 Local exhaust ventilation is required where solids are handled as powders or crystals;
even when particulates are relatively large, a certain proportion will be powdered by
mutual friction.
路 Exhaust ventilation should be designed to prevent accumulation and recirculation of
particulates in the workplace.
路 If in spite of local exhaust an adverse concentration of the substance in air could
occur, respiratory protection should be considered. Such protection might consist of:
(a): particle dust respirators, if necessary, combined with an absorption cartridge;
(b): filter respirators with absorption cartridge or canister of the right type;
(c): fresh-air hoods or masks
路 Build-up of electrostatic charge on the dust particle, may be prevented by bonding and
grounding.
路 Powder handling equipment such as dust collectors, dryers and mills may require
additional protection measures such as explosion venting.
Air contaminants generated in the workplace possess varying "escape" velocities which, in
turn, determine the "capture velocities" of fresh circulating air required to efficiently
remove the contaminant.
Type of Contaminant: Air Speed:
direct spray, spray painting in shallow booths, 1- 2.5 m/s (200- 500 f/min.)
drum filling, conveyer loading, crusher dusts,
gas discharge (active generation into zone of
rapid air motion)
grinding, abrasive blasting, tumbling, high 2.5- 10 m/s (500- 2000 f/min.)
speed wheel generated dusts (released at high
initial velocity into zone of very high rapid
air motion).
Within each range the appropriate value depends on:
Lower end of the range Upper end of the range
1: Room air currents minimal or favourable to 1: Disturbing room air currents
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 7 of 10
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
capture
2: Contaminants of low toxicity or of nuisance 2: Contaminants of high toxicity
value only
3: Intermittent, low production. 3: High production, heavy use
4: Large hood or large air mass in motion 4: Small hood- local control only
Simple theory shows that air velocity falls rapidly with distance away from the opening
of a simple extraction pipe. Velocity generally decreases with the square of distance
from the extraction point (in simple cases). Therefore the air speed at the extraction
point should be adjusted, accordingly, after reference to distance from the contaminating
source. The air velocity at the extraction fan, for example, should be a minimum of 4-10
m/s (800-2000 f/min) for extraction of crusher dusts generated 2 metres distant from the
extraction point. Other mechanical considerations, producing performance deficits within
the extraction apparatus, make it essential that theoretical air velocities are
multiplied by factors of 10 or more when extraction systems are installed or used.
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE
White, fluffy powder. Mild acrid odour. Soluble up to 58.2 g/L in water.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Solid.
Mixes with water.
Molecular Weight: 150.22 pure Boiling Range (掳C): Not available
Melting Range (掳C): 270 (dec.) Specific Gravity (water=1): 1.363
Solubility in water (g/L): Miscible pH (as supplied): Not available
pH (1% solution): Not available Vapour Pressure (kPa): Negligible
Volatile Component (%vol): Negligible Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Relative Vapour Density (air=1): Not applicable Flash Point (掳C): Not Available
Lower Explosive Limit (%): Not Available Upper Explosive Limit (%): Not Available
Autoignition Temp (掳C): Not available Decomposition Temp (掳C): Not available
State: Divided solid Viscosity: Not Applicable
Section 10 - CHEMICAL STABILITY AND REACTIVITY INFORMATION
CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO INSTABILITY
路 Presence of incompatible materials.
路 Product is considered stable.
路 Hazardous polymerisation will not occur.
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
SWALLOWED
Accidental ingestion of the material may be damaging to the health of the individual.
Acute potassium poisoning after swallowing is rare, because vomiting usually occurs and
renal excretion is fast. Potassium causes a slow, weak pulse, irregularities in heart
rhythm, heart block and an eventual fall in blood pressure. Breathing initially becomes
faster but the muscles of breathing eventually become paralysed. There can be loss of
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 8 of 10
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
appetite, extreme thirst, increased volumes of urine, fever, convulsions and gastric
disturbances; death may then occur due to failure of breathing and inflammation of the
stomach and bowel.
EYE
Although the material is not thought to be an irritant (as classified by EC Directives),
direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterised by tearing or
conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The
material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.
SKIN
The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation
following contact (as classified by EC Directives using animal models). Nevertheless,
good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable
gloves be used in an occupational setting.
Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.
Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may
produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the
material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.
INHALED
The material is not thought to produce either adverse health effects or irritation of the
respiratory tract following inhalation (as classified by EC Directives using animal
models). Nevertheless, adverse systemic effects have been produced following exposure of
animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice requires that exposure be
kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a
sensitisation reaction in some persons compared to the general population.
Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e.
pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the
lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.
Sorbic acid and its salts are weak sensitisers and have, occasionally, been implicated in
causing contact urticaria.
TOXICITY AND IRRITATION
unless otherwise specified data extracted from RTECS - Register of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances.
TOXICITY IRRITATION
Oral (rat) LD50: >6650 mg/kg Skin (rabbit) (- ) Irritant
Eyes (rabbit) (-) Irritant
[Manufacturer]
Substance has been investigated as a mutagen by cytogenetis analysis
in rodents.
Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
DO NOT discharge into sewer or waterways.
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Legislation addressing waste disposal requirements may differ by country, state and/ or
territory. Each user must refer to laws operating in their area. In some areas, certain
wastes must be tracked.
A Hierarchy of Controls seems to be common - the user should investigate:
路 Reduction,
路 Reuse
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 9 of 10
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
路 Recycling
路 Disposal (if all else fails)
This material may be recycled if unused, or if it has not been contaminated so as to make
it unsuitable for its intended use. Shelf life considerations should also be applied in
making decisions of this type. Note that properties of a material may change in use, and
recycling or reuse may not always be appropriate.
DO NOT allow wash water from cleaning or process equipment to enter drains.
It may be necessary to collect all wash water for treatment before disposal.
In all cases disposal to sewer may be subject to local laws and regulations and these
should be considered first. Where in doubt contact the responsible authority.
路 Recycle wherever possible.
路 Consult manufacturer for recycling options or consult local or regional waste
management authority for disposal if no suitable treatment or disposal facility can be
identified.
路 Dispose of by: Burial in a licenced land-fill or Incineration in a licenced apparatus
(after admixture with suitable combustible material)
路 Decontaminate empty containers. Observe all label safeguards until containers are
cleaned and destroyed.
Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
HAZCHEM: None
NOT REGULATED FOR TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS:UN, IATA,
IMDG
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
POISONS SCHEDULE: None
REGULATIONS
potassium sorbate (CAS: 24634-61-5) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia Exposure Standards
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) - High Production Volume List
OECD Representative List of High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
Denmark Advisory list for selfclassification of dangerous substances
Substance CAS Suggested codes
potassium sorbate 24634- 61- R43
5
MSDS SECTION CHANGES
The following table displays the version number of and date on which each section was last changed.
Section Name Version Date Section Name Version Date Section Name Version Date
First Aid (eye) 4 25- Jun- 2007 Spills (minor) 4 25- Jun- 2007 Physical 4 25- Jun- 2007
Properties
First Aid (skin) 4 25- Jun- 2007 Handling Procedure 4 25- Jun- 2007 Acute Health (eye) 4 25- Jun- 2007
First Aid 4 25- Jun- 2007 Storage (suitable 4 25- Jun- 2007 Acute Health 4 25- Jun- 2007
(swallowed) container) (inhaled)
Fire Fighter 4 25- Jun- 2007 Engineering 4 25- Jun- 2007 Acute Health 4 25- Jun- 2007
(extinguishing Control (skin)
media)
Fire Fighter (fire 4 25- Jun- 2007 Exposure Standard 4 25- Jun- 2007 Acute Health 4 25- Jun- 2007
fighting) (swallowed)
Fire Fighter (fire 4 25- Jun- 2007 Personal 4 25- Jun- 2007 Chronic Health 4 25- Jun- 2007
incompatibility) Protection (eye)
Fire Fighter 4 25- Jun- 2007 Personal 4 25- Jun- 2007 Environmental 4 25- Jun- 2007
POTASSIUM SORBATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007 CHEMWATCH 25839
NC317TCP Version No:4
CD 2007/3 Page 10 of 10
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
(fire/explosion Protection
hazard) (hands/feet)
Spills (major) 4 25- Jun- 2007 Personal 4 25- Jun- 2007 Disposal 4 25- Jun- 2007
Protection (other)
Classification of the preparation and its individual components has drawn on official and
authoritative sources as well as independent review by the Chemwatch Classification
committee using available literature references.
This document is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, review or
criticism, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission
from CHEMWATCH. TEL (+61 3) 9572 4700.
Issue Date: 25-Jun-2007
Print Date: 4-Jan-2008
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