Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
1. IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIAL & SUPPLIER
Product Name: Variform
Other Names: Carbolane Variform
Carbolane Varicast
Variform A
Variform B
Variform V14
` Fiberfrax Variform
UN Number: None Allocated
DG Class None Allocated
Packaging Group None Allocated
Hazchem Code None Allocated
Poisons Schedule Not Scheduled
Product Use Refractory castable insulation
Supplier: Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
Contact: See page 9
2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Flammability
Fire Hazards: Non flammable
Explosive Hazards: Non explosive
Health Hazards: Irritating to eyes, skin, respiratory system and disturbances to
gastro intestines.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 1
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
3. COMPOSITION AND INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Chemical Name CAS Number Proportion
Calcium aluminate cement 65997-16-2 >60 %
Ceramic Fibre (alumino silicate) 65997-17-3 10-<30 %
Fumed silica 69012-64-2 0-10 %
Other non hazardous 0-1 %
Contains no detectable crystalline silica
Other Names: contains SMF, MMMF, MMMF
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water..
Eye: Flush immediately with large amount of water for at least
15 minutes. Eyelids should be held open away from the
eyeball to ensure thorough rinsing. Do not rub eyes.
Skin: If skin becomes irritated, remove contaminated clothing.
Wash areas of contact with soap and water. Do not rub or
scratch exposed skin. Using a skin cream or lotion after
washing may be helpful in reducing irritation.
Inhalation: Remove exposed person/s from source of exposure to
fresh air.
ADVICE TO DOCTOR: Acute effects are essential irritant in nature. Refer to
鈥極THER INFORMATION鈥? section for long term exposures.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 2
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES.
Fire Explosion Hazard: Not Flammable and not explosive.
Hazardous Reactions/ Refer to SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
Decomposition Products
Hazchem Code: None Allocated.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Spills or Release Pick up large pieces and place in containers. Where
To The Environment possible, use vacuum cleaner to clean up smaller spilled
material. Refer to removal procedures in Use and
Handling
7. HANDLING & STORAGE
Handling: In the installation of unbonded materials, the following
handling and installation procedures are recommended:
a) All installation practices should be designed to minimise
the liberation of any airborne fibre or dust.
b) In large installations of several days/weeks duration, the
installation area should be clearly designated and
barriers erected to limit access.
c) The Ceramic Materials should be stored in sealed
plastic bags or similar containers until installation is to
proceed. These containers should only be opened
within the designated work area when work is to start.
d) Where possible, materials should be delivered in sizes
such that a minimum of handling is required. However
when cutting or drilling is required, these should be
done with hand tools fitted with local exhaust
extraction. The exhaust from such extraction
equipment should be fitted and positioned away from
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 3
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
7. Handling & Storage cont鈥檇:
other work areas.
e) Empty storage bags should be folded and stored in a
waste container along with any waste material.
f) Upon completion of the job, all excess materials should
be sealed in bags prior to removal from the designated
work area. The work area should be vacuumed using
an industrial vacuum cleaner. Wet mopping and wiping
can be utilised if an industrial vacuum cleaner is not
available.
For removal of Ceramic Fiber materials the following
handling procedures are recommended:
a) All installation practices should be designed to minimise
the liberation of any airborne fibre or dust.
b) In large installations of several days/weeks duration, the
installation area should be clearly designated and
barriers erected to prevent access.
c) Upon completion of the job, all excess materials should
be sealed in bags prior to removal from the designated
work area. The work area should be vacuumed using
an industrial vacuum cleaner. Wet mopping and wiping
can be utilised if an industrial vacuum cleaner is not
available.
For removal of embrittled Ceramic Fiber materials the
following procedures, in particular, the selection of
respirator protection should be implemented during the
removal of such materials.
a) The removal area should be signposted and contained,
where workable, to minimize the transfer of dust to
other work areas.
b) Separate change areas should be provided to minimize
the transfer of dust to general work areas.
c) Where workable, the spent material should be wetted
to suppress dust generation.
d) Waste shall be placed in containers, plastic bags or
other methods which prevent Fiber and/or dust
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 4
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
7. Handling & Storage cont鈥檇:
emission, and disposed of in accordance with local
waste disposal authority requirements.
e) The removal area should then be cleaned using an
Industrial vacuum cleaner and:-
f) Once visible dust has been cleaned up, containment
material should be removed in a manner that
minimizes the liberation of any trapped dust.
Storage Precautions: No special storage requirements.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS & PERSONAL PROTECTION
Exposure Standards: Ceramic fibre 0.5 fibre/mL for SMF (NOHSC 1995)
3
Fumed silica 2 mg/m (NOHSC 1995)
Calcium aluminate cement 10 mg/m3 dust not
otherwise classified
(NOHSC 1995)
Engineering Controls: Where possible when using the dry product use local exhaust
ventilation.
Personal Protection Equipment: (For handling of the dry product)
The National Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Synthetic Mineral Fibres
(NOHSC 1990) advises the use of the following PPE that for installation and
removal of both bonded and unbonded ceramic fibre material.
a) Disposable coveralls or long sleeve, loose fitting clothing and gloves
(launderable clothing should be washed separately from other clothing).
b) Where overhead work is involved, goggles and head covering should be worn;
and
c) A half-face (P1 or P2) respirator should be worn during work in enclosed or
poorly ventilated spaces, or where evidence suggests that respirable fibre levels
may exceed 0.5 f/mL.
For removal of embrittled or heat effected ceramic materials the following
personal protective equipment should be used by all personnel directly involved
in the removal work.
a) Disposable coveralls or long sleeve, loose fitting clothing and gloves
(launderable clothing should be washed separately from other clothing).
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 5
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
b) Where overhead work is involved, goggles and head covering should be worn.
Eye protection would be provided as an integral component of a full-face
respirator.
c) A P2 respirator provides the necessary protection factor for this task. However,
in some circumstances where excessive levels of dust are created, the limitations
of filter loading capacity and facial seal may necessitate the use of:
a full-face P3 cartridge respirator, or
a full-face P3 powered air-purifying respirator or
a full-faced positive pressure demand airline respirator
All respiratory devices should be tested for compliance with AS/NZS
1715 & AS/NZS 1716.
9. PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance: Specific Gravity:
Tan fibrous mix 2.5 - 2.7
o
Melting Point: Flash Point:
>1800 C N/A
Boiling Point: Flammability Limits:
N/A N/A
Vapor Pressure: Solubility in Water:
N/A Insoluble
10. STABILITY & REACTIVITY
Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use.
Hazardous Reactions Refer to SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
Decomposition Products
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The potential for SMF fibres to produce health effects has been the subject of extensive
investigations over a number of decades. The Australian Refractory Ceramic Fibre Industry
Association (ARCFIA) is continuing to support the necessary investigations and will make all data
available to interested parties. Information will be updated as studies are completed and
reviewed.
The following is a review of the results to date:
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 6
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
11. Toxicological Information cont鈥檇:
EPIDEMIOLOGY: Extensive investigations of ceramic fibre production workers
have been ongoing for more than 10 years. The preliminary evidence is as
follows;
1. There is no evidence of any fibrotic lung disease (interstitial fibrosis)
whatsoever on X-ray.
2. There is no evidence of any lung disease among those employees exposed to
ceramic fibres that have never smoked.
3. A statistical 鈥渢rend鈥? was observed in smokers between slight decreases in
measures of pulmonary function and the duration of exposure to ceramic fibre
however this trend is similar to that observed in smokers who work in other
industries.
4. Pleural plaques (thickening along the chest wall) have been observed in a
small number of employees in overseas plants who have had long duration of
employment. A repeat study found inconsistencies in detecting such pleural
plaques. No pleural plaques have been found in the Australian manufacturing
workforce. There are several occupational and non-occupational causes for
pleural plaques and it is generally considered that they are not indications of 鈥減re-
cancer鈥? nor are they associated with any measurable effect on lung function.
TOXICOLOGY: A number of studies have been conducted on the health effects
of inhalation exposure of rats and hamsters. In a lifetime (6 hours per day, 5 days
a week for 24 months) nose only inhalations study, rats exposed to Maximum
3
Tolerated Dose (30 mg/M , 200 fibres/mL) developed progressive lung damage
(interstitial fibrosis) and cancer of the lung and mesothelioma. In contrast,
hamsters similarly exposed developed interstitial fibrosis and mesothelioma but
3
no lung cancers. A multiple dose study (3, 9, 16 mg/M ; 25, 75, and 150
fibres/mL) found a dose related parenchymal fibrosis however in the lowest
exposed group (25 fibres/mL) no irreversible effects were found that could be
attributed to ceramic fibre exposure. There was no statistical excess of lung
tumors at any dose. One rat developed a mesothelioma in the 75 fibre/mL
exposure group.
In 1997 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed the
epidemiological and animal toxicology data on SMF (including ceramic fibre,
glasswool, rockwool, and slagwool) and classified the group as possible human
carcinogens
(IARC Group 2B).
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 7
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Not available
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste Disposal: Waste should be placed in containers, plastic bags or other methods
which prevent fibre or dust emission, and disposed of in accordance with
the local waste disposal authority requirements. There may be specific
regulations at the Local, State or Federal level that pertain to this
material.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
No special transport requirements are necessary.
UN Number None Allocated
Shipping Name None Allocated
DG Class None Allocated
Packaging Group None Allocated
Hazchem Code None Allocated
Poisons Schedule Not Scheduled
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Risk Statement: R40 (3) Possible risk of irreversible effects. R36/37/38
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Safety Statement: S22 Do not breathe dust. S52 Avoid contact with eyes. S38
In insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
S40 To clean floor and all objects contaminated by this
Material, use AS approved HEPA fitted vacuum cleaner.
S36/37/39 Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/
face protection.
Hazard Category: Harmful, irritant.
Poisons Schedule: Not scheduled.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 8
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
16. OTHER INFORMATION
RCF DEVITRIFICATION
As produced, all RCG fibers are vitreous (glassy) materials which do not contain crystalline silica.
Continued exposure to elevated temperatures may cause these fibers to devitrify (become
crystalline). The first crystalline formation (mullite) begins to occur at approximately 985掳 C
(1805掳 F). Crystalline phase silica may begin to form at temperatures of approximately 1200掳 C
(2192掳 F). The occurrence and extent of crystalline phase formation is dependent on the duration
and temperature of exposure, fiber chemistry and/or the presence of fluxing agents. The
presence of crystalline phases can be confirmed only through laboratory analysis of the 鈥渉ot face鈥?
fiber.
IARC鈥檚 evaluation of crystalline silica states 鈥淐rystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or
cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)鈥? and additionally
notes 鈥渃arcinogenicity in humans was not detected in all industrial circumstances studied鈥? (IARC
Monograph Vol. 68, 1997). NTP lists all polymorphs of crystalline silica amongst substances
which may 鈥渞easonably be anticipated to be carcinogens鈥?.
IARC and NTP did not evaluate after-service RCF, which may contain various crystalline phases.
However, an analysis of after-service RCF samples obtained pursuant to an exposure monitoring
agreement with the USEPA, found that in the furnace conditions sampled, most did not contain
detectable levels of crystalline silica. Other relevant RCF studies found that (1) simulated after-
service RCF showed little, or no, activity where exposure was by inhalation or by intraperitoneal
injection; and (2) after-service RCF was not cytotoxic to macrophage-like cells at concentrations
up to 320 g/cm虏 - by comparison, pure quartz or cristobalite were significantly active at much
lower levels (circa 20 g/cm虏).
CONTACT DETAILS:
+61 3 9463 0000
Contact: During Business Hours Ph:
Customer Service Toll Free: Ph: 1300 797 888
Emergency / After Hours Contact: Alan Smith
Ph: 0409 288 916
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 VARIFORM
ACN 093 625 757
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
References: Replaces MSDS dated 27 March 2007.
NOTICE: The information presented herein is based on data considered to be accurate
as of the date of preparation of this Material Safety Data Sheet. However, no
warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or
completeness of the foregoing data and safety information, nor is any
authorisation given or implied to practise any patented invention without
licence. In addition, no responsibility can be assumed by the vendor for any
damage or injury resulting from abnormal use, from any failure to adhere to
recommended practices, or from any hazards inherent in the nature of the
product.
... End Of Report ...
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 10
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