GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 1 of 13
Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME
GLASS FIBRES
SYNONYMS
"SMF glass fibres", "man-made mineral fibers glass fibres", "MMMF glass fibres",
"synthetic mineral fibers glass fibres", "mineral fibres glass", "mineral fibers glass",
"man-made mineral fibres", 15637, "thermal insulation glass fibres", "acoustic insulation
glass fibres", fibreglass, "fibre glass", "fiber glass", fiberglass, "fibrous glass",
"glass fibers", glass-fibrous, "glass fibrous", monofilament, "mono filament",
"Microglass Milled fiber - 7000 series"
PRODUCT USE
Thermal and acoustic insulation in internal lining for commercial buildings, air
conditioning duct work, process gas ducts and sound absorbent lining. Used in domestic
commercial and public buildings, industrial plants, vehicles, white goods appliances and
in fire protection.
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
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 2 of 13
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. NON-DANGEROUS GOODS. According to the Criteria of
NOHSC, and the ADG Code.
POISONS SCHEDULE
None
RISK SAFETY
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. Do not breathe dust.
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by Avoid contact with eyes.
prolonged exposure through inhalation.
Inhalation may produce health damage*. Wear suitable protective clothing.
Cumulative effects may result following Use only in well ventilated areas.
exposure*.
May produce discomfort of the eyes and Keep container in a well ventilated place.
respiratory tract*.
* (limited evidence). To clean the floor and all objects contaminated
by this material use water and detergent.
Keep away from food drink and animal feeding
stuffs.
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
In case of contact with eyes rinse with plenty
of water and contact Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
If swallowed IMMEDIATELY contact Doctor or
Poisons Information Centre (show this container
or label).
Section 3 - COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
NAME CAS RN %
glass fibres 65997-17-3 100
derived from borosilicate glass
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
SWALLOWED
路 Immediately give a glass of water.
路 First aid is not generally required. If in doubt, contact a Poisons Information Centre
or a doctor.
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.
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 3 of 13
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
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
路 Gently brush or vacuum off adherent fibres.
路 Wash affected areas thoroughly with water (and soap if available).
路 Seek medical attention if irritation exists and persists.
INHALED
路 If fumes or combustion products are inhaled remove from contaminated area.
路 Lay patient down. Keep warm and rested.
路 Prostheses such as false teeth, which may block airway, should be removed, where
possible, prior to initiating first aid procedures.
路 Apply artificial respiration if not breathing, preferably with a demand valve
resuscitator, bag-valve mask device, or pocket mask as trained. Perform CPR if necessary.
路 Transport to hospital, or doctor.
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN
Treat symptomatically.
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
路 There is no restriction on the type of extinguisher which may be used.
路 Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding area.
FIRE FIGHTING
路 Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves for fire only.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
路 Use fire fighting procedures suitable for surrounding 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 Non combustible.
路 Not considered a significant fire risk, however containers may burn.
FIRE INCOMPATIBILITY
None known.
HAZCHEM: None
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
MINOR SPILLS
路 Clean up all spills immediately.
路 Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation.
路 Access to area should be restricted by the use of ropes or other similar barriers and
appropriate signs be utilised.
路 Employees not engaged in the clean up should not be allowed within 3 metres of the work
unless wearing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 4 of 13
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
路 Wear protective clothing, gloves, safety glasses and dust respirator.
路 Wet with water to prevent dusting.
路 Avoid generating dust/ fibres.
路 Vacuum up or sweep up. NOTE: Vacuum cleaner must be fitted with an exhaust micro filter
(HEPA type) (consider explosion-proof machines designed to be grounded during storage and
use).
路 Dampen with water to prevent dusting before sweeping
路 Wet mopping and wiping may be utilised in some instances.
路 Place in sealed containers, to prevent dust/ fibre emissions, ready for disposal.
MAJOR SPILLS
路 Clear area of personnel and move upwind.
路 Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Control personal contact by using protective equipment and dust respirator.
路 Access to area should be restricted by the use of ropes or other similar barriers and
appropriate signs be utilised.
路 Personnel not engaged in the cleanup should not be allowed in the vicinity of the
spillage unless wearing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
路 Prevent spillage from entering drains, sewers or water courses.
路 Recover product wherever possible.
路 Avoid generating dust. Sweep / shovel up.
路 If required, wet with water to prevent dusting.
路 Put residues in labeled plastic bags or other containers for disposal.
路 Wash area down with a large quantity of water and prevent runoff into drains.
路 If contamination of drains or waterways occurs, advise emergency services.
路 After clean up operations, decontaminate and launder all protective clothing and
equipment before storing and re-using.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING GUIDELINES (ERPG)
The maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be exposed
for up to one hour WITHOUT experiencing or developing
life-threatening health effects is:
glass fibres 500 mg/m鲁
irreversible or other serious effects or symptoms which could impair an individual's ability to take
protective action is:
glass fibres 25 mg/m鲁
other than mild, transient adverse effects without perceiving a clearly defined odour is:
glass fibres 15 mg/m鲁
The threshold concentration below which most people will experience no appreciable risk of health effects:
glass fibres 5 mg/m鲁
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Ingredients considered according to the following cutoffs
Very Toxic (T+) >= 0.1% Toxic (T) >= 3.0%
R50 >= 0.25% Corrosive (C) >= 5.0%
R51 >= 2.5%
else >= 10%
where percentage is percentage of ingredient found in the mixture
Personal Protective Equipment advice is contained in Section 8 of the MSDS.
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 5 of 13
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING
路 The use of ceramic fibres in the work place should be reviewed in the context of
frequency of use and potential for exposure.
路 In circumstances where the respiratory standards or excursion limits are approached,
work areas should be designated by the use of ropes or other similar barriers and
appropriate signs be utilised, where possible. This is especially true for all overhead
work involving ceramic fibres.
路 Employees not engaged in the ceramic fibre work should not be allowed within 3 metres
of the work unless wearing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
路 An example of the appropriate signage for the restricted area is:
CERAMIC FIBRE WORK AREA; FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
All installation and/ or removal practices should be designed to minimise the liberation
of
dusts or fibres.
For Installation:
路 The ceramic fibre material should be kept in its storage container until installation
is ready to proceed.
路 Containers/ bags should only be opened within the designated work areas.
路 Empty storage bags should be stored in waste containers along with waste material.
For Removal:
路 Waste material should be wetted to prevent generation of dusts and placed in sealed
containers to prevent dust/ fibre emissions.
Upon completion of installation/ removal:
路 All excess material should be sealed in bags/ containers prior to removal from
designated work area.
路 Area should then be cleaned using an industrial vacuum cleaner.
路 Any remaining contaminant material should be removed with minimum liberation of
dusts/fibres.
路 Wet mopping and wiping may be utilised in some instances when an industrial
路 vacuum is not available.
SUITABLE CONTAINER
路 Polyethylene or polypropylene container.
路 Check all containers are clearly labelled and free from leaks.
STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY
Avoid storage and reaction with hydrofluoric or phosphoric acids and concentrated
alkalis.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Plastic bag
NOTE: Bags should be stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so that they
are stable and secure against sliding or collapse.
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
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 6 of 13
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
+ X + X 0 +
_____________________________________________________
+: 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 glass fibres (Inspirable dust 10
(Not specified))
MATERIAL DATA
Synthetic vitreous fibres are composed largely of aluminium and calcium silicates derived
from rock, clay, slag or glass. For the purpose of classification they are divided into
two broad classes: filaments and wools. Filaments contain continuous glass filaments,
while wools contain glass wool, rock (stone) wool, slag wool, refractory ceramic fibres
and other newly engineered biosoluble fibres. Generally wool fibres tend to be shorted
and finer than continuous filament fibres and their diameters more variable.
All fibrous glass products consist of silicon and aluminium oxides. The final properties
of the glass are dictated by the percent composition of other oxides including alkali
metal oxides (e.g. Na2O, K2O), alkaline earth oxides (e.g. CaO, MgO) and metal oxides
(e.g. ZrO2 Fe2O3). The term" mineral wool" is used to describe rock wool and slag wool
and occasionally glass wool. Refractory ceramic fibres (RCFs) are a specialised type of
synthetic vitreous fibre that are highly heat resistant and contain a much higher
concentration of alumina (Al2O3) than other fibres. Although RCFs are amorphous at low
temperatures, they undergo partial crystallisation (devitrification) to quartz,
cristobolite, or tridymite at the elevated temperatures for which they were designed.
The diameter of airborne fibres are an important physical property from a biological
standpoint because thin fibres are considered respirable and may be deposited in the
peripheral lung airway. Airborne fibres with diameters < 3 碌m are generally considered
respirable in humans. There is a strong correlation between fibre diameter and airborne
fibre levels found in the work place. Generally the smaller the fibre diameter, the lower
the airborne fibre concentration. Rock wool and slag wool typically possess fibre
diameters in the range of about 3-7 碌m . Glass wool possesses fibre diameters typically
of 3-15 碌m. The smaller diameters of these fibres in comparison to continuous filament
fibres allows for the possibility that a small fraction of these fibres may become
respirable when they become airborne. Special purpose glass fibres typically have fibre
diameters of <3 碌m and often < 1 碌m. RCFs typically have fibre diameters of 1-5 um
Exposure standards for man-made vitreous (silicate) fibres (also known as MMMF, SMF or
MMVF) are currently based on a combination of chemical and physical properties.
In general they fall into one of two groups:
Those with random orientation with alkaline oxide and alkaline earth oxide (Na2O+K2O
+CaO+MgO+BaO) content:
路 greater than 18% by weight (generally the mineral wools)
路 less than 18% weight: this group ( Refractory Ceramic Fibres (RCF) and special purpose
fibres).
Members of both groups may produce cancer but certain fibre properties must be considered
before assigning this classification These are described in Notes Q, and R of Annex 1 of
the European Directive 67/548/EEC.
Note Q - this applies to the first group (the mineral wools) only:
The classification as a carcinogen need not apply if it can be shown that the substance
fulfils one of the following conditions:
路 a short term biopersistence test by inhalation has shown that the fibres longer than 20
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 7 of 13
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
µm have a weighted half-life less than 10 days (the so-called biosoluble fibres) ,
or
路 a short term biopersistence test by intratracheal instillation has shown that the
fibres longer than 20 µm have a weighted half-life less than 40 days (biosoluble
fibres), or
路 an appropriate intra-peritoneal test has shown no evidence of excess carcinogenicity,
or
路 absence of relevant pathogenicity or neoplastic changes in a suitable long term
inhalation test.
Note R- this applies to both groups (the mineral wools and RCFs)
The classification as a carcinogen need not apply to fibres with a length weighted
geometric mean diameter less two standard geometric errors greater than 6 µm.
The ACGIH has created exposure standards for each group:
For mineral wools (glass wool, rock wool and slag wool) a TWA of 1 f/cc pertains
For RCFs (and special purpose fibres) a TWA of 0.2 f/cc pertains
For biosoluble fibres no exposure standards have been proposed
Biosoluble fibres(described in Note Q) have not yet been assigned a value - because they
may create irritation, however, a" Nuisance Particulate" value cannot apply. Although not
actually soluble in water the term dissolution is often used to describe the durability
of synthetic vitreous fibres, especially as it pertains to biological fluid.Dissolution
produces degradation. Under alkaline and acidic conditions, the silicate network of
synthetic vitreous fibres can be attacked, resulting in leaching of individual ions and
the eventual disruption of the entire fibre network.
TLV TWA: 1 fibre/cc, A3 (respirable fibres, length >5 碌m, aspect ratio >= 3:1 as
determined by the membrane filter method at 400-450X magnification
(4 mm objective) phase contrast illumination).
CAUTION: This substance has been classified by the ACGIH as A3
Animal Carcinogen (at relatively high doses).
ES TWA: 0.5 fibres/ml [NOHSC,
Australia]
Exposure Levels to be determined in accordance with NOHSC: 3006
Guidance Note on Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne SMF
Earlier FARIMA/ACTU action plan recommends the following:
Action level 0.2 fibre/ml (respirable dust)
<0.2 fibres/ml: Basic OH&S hygiene procedures
0.2-0.5 fibres/ml: Control strategies implemented and personal protection provided.
>0.5 fibres/ml: Immediate steps should be taken to reduce this level.
ES TWA: 2 mg/m3 inspirable dust (WORKSAFE proposal as a second level standard)
mineral wool fibre, containing no asbestos and < 1% free silica
TLV TWA: 10 mg/m3, total dust [ACGIH]
In a criteria document on fibrous glass NIOSH established a REL-TWA of 3 million
fibres/m3 (fibres less than or equal to 3.5 碌m in diameter and greater than or equal to
10 碌m in length) and 5 mg/m3 (total mineral wool). It also stated that an exposure limit
of 10 mg/m3 is highly unlikely to be protective for exposed employees.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
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CD 2007/3 Page 8 of 13
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / 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
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.
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.
OTHER
路 Personnel involved in the installation of unbonded ceramic materials should wear
disposable coveralls, or long-sleeve loose fitting clothing, gloves and suitable
respirator. Such equipment should also be used by personnel employed in removing
materials which have not become embrittled.
路 Personnel involved in the removal of embrittled material should in addition, use a full
-face cartridge respirator, or full-face powered air purifying respirator, each with
suitable particulate filter, or a full-face pressure demand airline respirator.
路 Disposable coveralls or long sleeve, loose fitting protective clothing, e.g. overalls
(launder clothing separately from other clothing).
路 When working above head height, use head covering.
路 Minimise dust generation by using sharp hand cutting tools if possible.
路 Powered tools (e.g. saws etc.) should only be used if fitted with dust extraction and
containment equipment.
路 Vacuum cleaners should be available for fibre/dust removal.
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* -
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 9 of 13
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
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 Where possible, enclose sources of dust and provide dust extraction at the source.
路 Restrict access to work areas involved in handling man-made mineral fibres and ensure
that adequate training, in the handling of such materials, has been provided.
路 Use operating procedures which limit the generation of dusts.
路 When working with unbonded fibres, local exhaust ventilation is generally a
requirement.
路 Exhaust ventilation should be designed to prevent accumulation and recirculation of
dusts and to remove dusts from the workplace.
路 Keep the work place clean. Use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter; avoid using
brooms and compressed air.
路 Where possible use products specially tailored to the application; some products can be
delivered, ready for use, without further cutting or machining. Some can be treated or
packaged to minimise or avoid dust emission during handling.
路 When removing embrittled materials, the removal area should be contained to minimise
the transfer of dust to other work areas and should include an intermediate changing and
cleaning area. Local exhaust ventilation should be provided.
Provide good ventilation (either forced or natural).
路 If measured respirable fibre is less than ten times the recommended level, wear
approved dust respirator Class P1 (half-face).
路 Use a Class P2 or P3 respirator (full-face), where exposure is above ten times the
recommended limit or above 0.5 fibres/ml.
路 Correct respirator fit is essential to obtain adequate protection.
路 Even though the recommended level for respirable fibre is not exceeded in normal
conditions, respiratory protection is advisable in dusty areas. In very dusty conditions
and confined spaces greater comfort may be afforded by a full-face powered air-purifying
respirator.
路 Use an approved respirator if power tools without dust extraction or containment are
used.
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE
Non crystalline, glass fibres (referred to as glasswool by IARC to differentiate from
glass filaments) may be as batts, or as granules. May be in rigid or flexible form.
Generally refers to borosilicate variety of low alkalinity; consists of calcia- alumina-
silicate Color may be light- yellow or pink. Manufactured with typical fibre diameter 8.0
micron, and an average Length/Diameter Ratio, > 3:1. NOTE: Fibres are usually dampened
with mineral oil to prevent dusting and often bound with resin.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Solid.
Does not mix with water.
Sinks in water.
Molecular Weight: Not applicable. Boiling Range (掳C): Not applicable.
Melting Range (掳C): > 600 Specific Gravity (water=1): 2.5 approx.
Solubility in water (g/L): Immiscible pH (as supplied): Not applicable
pH (1% solution): Not applicable. Vapour Pressure (kPa): Not applicable.
GLASS FIBRES
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Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Volatile Component (%vol): Not applicable. Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Relative Vapour Density (air=1): Not applicable. Flash Point (掳C): Not applicable
Lower Explosive Limit (%): Not applicable Upper Explosive Limit (%): Not applicable
Autoignition Temp (掳C): Not applicable Decomposition Temp (掳C): > 600
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
Not normally a hazard due to the physical form of product. The material is a physical
irritant to the gastro-intestinal tract.
The material has NOT been classified by EC Directives or other classification systems as
"harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human
evidence. The material may still be damaging to the health of the individual, following
ingestion, especially where pre-existing organ (eg. liver, kidney) damage is evident.
Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing
mortality rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal
tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however,
ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.
EYE
There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause eye irritation and damage
in some persons.
SKIN
All man-made mineral fibres, in common with their natural counterparts, may produce mild
irritation and inflammation which results in itching or, in the case of certain sensitive
individuals, a slight reddening of the skin. This is due to entirely to a mechanical
reaction to the sharp, broken fibre ends and does not involve chemical or allergic
effects.
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.
Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects (as classified under EC
Directives); the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds,
lesions or abrasions.
The material is mildly abrasive and may produce discomfort which results in a temporary
skin rash. Discomfort is accentuated by fibre adhering to sweaty skin at higher
temperatures.
This material can cause inflammation of the skin on
contact in some persons.
INHALED
Loose and granular forms produce more dust than preforms (batts) but handling of batts
results in fibre dislodgement and dusting. There is little evidence for acute toxicity
after inhalation of mineral fibres. Rockwool/ glasswool administered by inhalation
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Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
produce little fibrosis in experimental animals [IARC Monograph 43].
Inhalation of dusts, generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may
be damaging to the health of the individual.
There is some evidence to suggest that the material can cause respiratory irritation in
some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.
Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirable
particles.
The dust may produce upper respiratory tract discomfort. Nose and throat discomfort may
be transitory. Cutting and trimming may result in fibre dislodgement and dust production.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation.
This material can cause serious damage if one is exposed to it for long periods. It can
be assumed that it contains a substance which can produce severe defects. This has been
demonstrated via both short- and long-term experimentation.
Loose and granular forms produce more dust than batts, but handling of batts results in
fibre dislodgement and production of dusts. MMMF is unlikely to be acutely toxic if
inhaled. In animal tests, inhalation of rockwool/glasswool does not produce significant
lung scarring.
Inhaled synthetic mineral fibres (SMFs) generally show some level of biopersistence,
resisting changes in number, dimension, surface chemistry, chemical composition, surface
area and other characteristics, depending on their composition. Altering any of the above
changes a fibre's residence time in the lung and the lung's response to it. Shorter
fibres may be cleared by white blood cells; longer fibres may move to other parts of the
thorax, dissolve, or break into shorter segments. Fibres which show a rapid rate of
leaching and breakage in the lung tend to persist less, even though they may not dissolve
completely. Animal testing has shown that inhalation of high concentrations of certain
particular types of synthetic mineral fibres may cause scarring of the lung and the
development of malignant tumours, hence this causes concern for humans exposed to this
group of fibres.
TOXICITY AND IRRITATION
There is little evidence for acute toxicity after inhalation of rockwool/ slagwool/
glasswool mineral fibres (MMMF). Rockwool/glasswool administered by inhalation produced
little pulmonary fibrosis in experimental animals. [IARC Monograph 43]
Rockwool/slagwool consists of amorphous silicates and contains < 1% quartz. [RTECS]
Animal studies with amorphous silica show that surviving rats rapidly recovered on
removal from dust, the silica was largely eliminated and cellular nodules, perivascular
infiltrations and emphysema were almost completely resolved [Patty's].
The dust has been associated with skin irritation due to the mechanical action of the
fibres [CHEMINFO, Sax, ILO ENCYCLOPEDIA].
MMMF are manufactured to definite diameters and cannot split along their length rather
they break across and form small particles not needles [FARIMA].
The substance is classified by IARC as Group 3: NOT classifiable as to its
carcinogenicity to humans.
Evidence of carcinogenicity may be inadequate or limited in animal testing.
WARNING: This substance has been classified by the IARC as Group 2B: Possibly
Carcinogenic to Humans.
The dust has been associated with skin irritation due to the mechanical
action of the fibres [CHEMINFO, Sax, ILO ENCYCLOPAEDIA].
MMMF are manufactured to definite fibre diameters and cannot split along
their length rather they break across and form small particles not needles
[FARIMA].
NOTE: Carcinogenic by RTECS criteria (rat inhalation studies)
Equivocal carcinogen or neoplastic agent by RTECS criteria (rat
implantation studies)
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Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
DO NOT discharge into sewer or waterways.
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
路 Recycle wherever possible or consult manufacturer for recycling options.
路 Consult State Land Waste Management Authority for disposal.
路 Bury residue in an authorised landfill.
路 Recycle containers if possible, or dispose of in an authorised landfill.
Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
HAZCHEM: None
NOT REGULATED FOR TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS:UN, IATA,
IMDG
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
POISONS SCHEDULE: None
REGULATIONS
glass fibres (CAS: 65997-17-3) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia Exposure Standards
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
Australia Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) - Appendix A
OECD Representative List of High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
No data available for glass fibres as CAS: 94551-77-6.
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
INGREDIENTS WITH MULTIPLE CAS NUMBERS
Ingredient Name CAS
glass fibres 65997- 17- 3, 94551- 77- 6
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
Fire Fighter 3 30- Mar- 2007 Personal 3 30- Mar- 2007 Acute Health 3 30- Mar- 2007
(fire/explosion Protection (other) (skin)
hazard)
Spills (major) 3 30- Mar- 2007 Acute Health (eye) 3 30- Mar- 2007 Chronic Health 3 30- Mar- 2007
Exposure Standard 3 30- Mar- 2007 Acute Health 3 30- Mar- 2007 Toxicity and 3 30- Mar- 2007
(inhaled) Irritation (Other)
Personal 3 30- Mar- 2007
Protection
(hands/feet)
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.
GLASS FIBRES
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007 CHEMWATCH 16139
NC317TCP Version No:2
CD 2007/3 Page 13 of 13
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
Issue Date: 3-Apr-2007
Print Date: 20-Dec-2007
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