Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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
庐
Brand Name: FIBERFRAX
Fiberfrax庐 Duraflex
Product Names:
Ship. Name (CSN): None Allocated
Other Names: Fiberfrax Duraflex 1400
Carbolane Flexiform
Duraboard FX
Ceramic Fibre
Refractory Fibre
MMVF
SMF
UN Number None Allocated
DG Class None Allocated
Packaging Group None Allocated
Hazchem Code None Allocated
Poisons Schedule Not Scheduled
Product Use Thermal insulation
Manufacturer/Supplier: Unifrax UK Ltd Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
Mill Lane, Rainford 326 Settlement Rd
St. Helens Thomastown
Merseyside. 20 WA118L Victoria 3074
UK Australia
Contact Details: See page 12
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 1
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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
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.
3. COMPOSITION AND INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Ingredients: Name CAS Proportion
Ceramic Fibre 65997-17-3 50 - 90%
Carboxylated Styrene-Butadiene PROPRIETARY 2-25%
copolymer
Aluminium sulfate 10043-01-3 .30-1%
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Ingestion Ingestion is unlikely, but if it does occur DO NOT induce vomiting;
drink plenty of water. Material should be excreted naturally, but if
effects persists seek medical attention.
Eye Flush immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, after removing any contact lenses. Eyelids should be held
away from the eyeball to ensure thorough rinsing. Do not rub eyes.
Seek medical advice as good work hygiene practice in all cases of
eye contamination.
Skin If skin becomes irritated, remove contaminated clothing. Wash area
of contact thoroughly with soap and water. Do not rub or scratch
exposed skin. Using a skin cream or lotion after washing may be
helpful. If effects persist seek medical advice.
Inhalation Remove exposed person/s from source of exposure, to fresh air.
Keep exposed person/s comfortable, warm and rested. Recovery
should be rapid after removal from exposure, but if effects persist
seek medical advice.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 2
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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
4. First Aid Measures cont鈥檇:
First Aid Facilities Eyewash station and normal washroom facilities must be provided.
Advice to Doctor Acute effects are essential irritant in nature. Refer to 'OTHER
INFORMATION' section for chronic and long-term exposures.
Chronic bronchial or lung disease, or bronchial hyperactivity, can be
aggravated by exposure to these materials.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES.
Fire Explosion Hazard: Not Flammable and not explosive.
Hazardous Reactions/ STABILITY/INCOMPATIBILITY: Stable under normal conditions
Decomposition Products of use. Incompatible with hydrofluoric acid and concentrated
alkali.
Hazchem Code: None Allocated.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Spills or Release Where possible, use vacuum suction to clean up spilled
To the Environment material. Use dust suppressant where sweeping is necessary.
Avoid clean up procedures that may result in water pollution.
Personal safety and exposure recommendations described
elsewhere in this data sheet apply to exposure during clean up
of spilled material.
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
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 3
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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:
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 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
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 4
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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:
to suppress dust generation.
d) Waste shall be placed in containers, plastic bags or
other methods which prevent Fiber and/or dust
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 No exposure standard has been established by Worksafe Australia
(WSA), for this product. WSA however has set exposure standards
for the ingredient/s listed above, and 0.5 fibre/ml for synthetic
mineral fibre. For situations where most of the airborne material is of
non-respirable fibre, a secondary and complementary standard of 2
mg/m3, is applicable to minimise upper respiratory tract irritation, but
is NOT to take place over the respirable fibre standard. As
established by the National Occupational Health and Safety
Commission (Worksafe Australia).
Engineering Controls Where possible use engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation
and dust collection devices to reduce airborne fibre levels. Where
these are not feasible, or do not reduce airborne concentrations of
fibres to below 0.5 fibre/ml, or material has been exposed to greater
than 1000掳 where more extensive precautions are required as
C,
outlined below in 'Personal Protection'.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 5
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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
Personal Protection
The Worksafe Australia TWA exposure standard for cristobalite is
0.1mg/m3; OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for cristobalite is
0.05mg/m3 (respirable dust). The ACGIH threshold limit value (TLV)
for cristobalite 0.05 1mg/m3 (respirable dust) (ACGIH 1991-1992).
Use AS, NIOSH or MSHA approved equipment when airborne limits
may be exceeded. Minimal acceptable respirators recommended for
given airborne cristobalite concentrations are as follows:
CONCENTRATION: Up to 5 fibres/ml or up to 10 times the OSHA
PEL for cristobalite.
RESPIRATOR TYPE: P2 Type, Half-face cartridge respirator with
high-efficiency filters. (E.g. 3M 6000 with 2040
filter or equivalent).
CONCENTRATION: Up to 25 fibres/ml or 50 times the OSHA PEL
for cristobalite (2.5mg/m3).
RESPIRATOR TYPE: P3 Type, Full-face cartridge respirator with
high-efficiency filters. (E.g. 3M 7800S with
7255 filter or equivalent).
CONCENTRATION: Greater than 25 fibres/ml or 50 times the
OSHA PEL for cristobalite (2.5mg/m3).
RESPIRATOR TYPE: P3 Type, Full-face cartridge respirator with
high-efficiency filters. (E.g. 3M 7800S with
W9435 hose and W2806 regulator or
equivalent).
If airborne filters or cristobalite concentrations are not known, as
minimum protection, use AS, NIOSH or MSHA approved half face,
air-purifying respirator with HEPA filter cartridges. Insulation
surfaces should be lightly sprayed with water before removal to
suppress airborne dust. As water evaporates during removal,
additional water should be sprayed on the surfaces as needed. Only
enough water should be sprayed to suppress dust so that water
does not run onto the floor of the work area. To aid the wetting
process, a surfactant may be used. After RCF removal is
completed, dust suppressing cleaning methods, such as wet
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 6
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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
8. Exposure Controls & Personal Protection cont鈥檇:
sweeping or vacuuming, should be used to clean the work area. If
dry vacuuming is used, the vacuum must be equipped with a HEPA
filter. Air blowing or dry sweeping should not be used. Dust
suppressing components can be used to clean up light dust.
Eye Protection Safety glasses with side shields, or chemical goggles must be worn
when handling this material. Wear safety glasses or chemical
goggles to prevent eye contact. Contact lenses should not be worn
unless chemical goggles are also worn and care is taken not to
touch the eye with contaminated parts of the body. Have eye-
washing facilities readily available where eye contact can occur.
Clothing Wear gloves, hats or full body clothing to prevent skin as necessary.
Use separate lockers for work clothes to prevent fibre transfer to
street clothes. Avoid taking unwashed work clothes home or provide
disposable work clothing. Wash work clothes separately from other
clothing. Rinse washing machine thoroughly after use. If clothing is
to be laundered by someone else, inform launderer of proper
procedure.
Protective Equipment The National Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Synthetic Mineral
Fibres (NOHSC May 1990) advises that for installation and removal
of both bonded and unbonded ceramic fibre material the following
personal protective equipment should be used.
(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 respirator (Class P1 or P2) respirator should be
worn during work in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, for
example, in ceiling spaces, or where evidence suggests that
respirable fibre levels may exceed 0.5 f/ml.
For ceramic fibre removal work the following personal protective
equipment should be used.
(a) Disposable coveralls or long sleeves, loose fitting clothing and
gloves be worn during installation (launderable clothing should
be washed separately from other clothing).
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 7
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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
8. Exposure Control & Personal Protection cont鈥檇:
(b) Where overhead work is involved, goggles and head covering
should be worn; and
(c) A half-face respirator (Class P1 or P2) respirator.
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).
(b) Where overhead work is involved, goggles or suitable eye
protection and head covering should be worn.
(c) A Class 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:
鈥? a full (P3) cartridge respirator, or
鈥? a full (P3) powered air-purifying respirator or
鈥? a full faced, positive pressure demand airline respirator.
All respiratory protective devices should comply with AS/NZS1715
and AS/NZS1716.
9. PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance Cream coloured board, with no odour.
Melting Point Not available
Boiling Point Not applicable
Vapour Pressure Not applicable
Specific Gravity Not available
Flash Point None
Flamm. Limit LEL Not applicable
Flamm. Limit UEL Not applicable
Volatile Component Not applicable
Solubility in Water Not available
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 8
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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
OTHER PROPERTIES
Autoignition Temp. None
Vapour Density Not applicable
pH Value Not applicable
Specific Properties or Risk See 'Health Effects' section
Thermal Decomposition See 'Hazardous Decomposition or by-products'.
Formula Not applicable: Mixture
Molecular Weight Not applicable: Mixture
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. Unifrax is continuing to support the necessary
investigations and will make all data available to all interested parties. Information will be
updated as studies are completed and reviewed. The following is a review of the results to date:
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 fibre that have never smoked.
3. A statistical 'trend' was observed 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. These observations are
clinically insignificant and individual results are within the range
of values obtained from the normal population.
4. Pleural plagues (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
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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:
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 'pre-cancer' 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 inhalation study, rats exposed to the Maximum Tolerated Dose (30mg/m3, 200 fibres/ml)
developed progressive lung damage (interstitial fibrosis) and cancer of the lung and
mesothelioma but no lung cancers. A multiple dose study (3, 9, 16mg/m3; 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 tumours at any dose. One rat developed a mesothelioma
in the 75 fibre/ml exposure group.
In 1987 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).
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Not available.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste Disposal: Waste shall be placed in containers, plastic bags or other
methods which will prevent Fiber and/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.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 10
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
No special transport requirements are necessary. Not defined as Dangerous Goods according to
the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.
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: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 11
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 12
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
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 30 June 2006.
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.
鈥︹??.End of Report鈥︹??
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.3
Control Status: Controlled Document
Created on: 01/08/07 13
|