Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIFRAX INSULFRAX S BLANKET

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used according to manufacturer' s directions.

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material has NOT been classified 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 (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, unintentional ingestion is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects, however the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds, lesions or abrasions.  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin on contact in some persons.  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. Itching and possible inflammation are mechanical reactions to coarse fibres greater than 5 micron in diameter These symptoms occur particularly in folds of skin around wrists, collars and waistbands. Perspiration aggravates the condition. Irritation is accentuated by fibre adhering to sweaty skin at elevated temperatures. Symptoms generally abate within a short time after exposure ceases. When products are handled continually, the skin itching often diminishes.  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.  The material is mildly abrasive and may produce discomfort which results in a temporary skin rash. Discomfort is accentuated by fiber adhering to sweaty skin at higher temperatures.  

INHALED

  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.  Loose and granular forms produce more dust than preforms (batts) but handling of batts results in fibre dislodgement and dusting. Nose and throat irritation may be transitory. Material may be dampened with a dedusting oil to mitigate problems.  There is little evidence for acute toxicity after inhalation of mineral fibres. Rockwool/ glasswool administered by inhalation produce little fibrosis in experimental animals [IARC Monograph 43].  The dust may produce upper respiratory tract discomfort. Nose and throat discomfort may be transitory. Cutting and trimming may result in fiber dislodgment 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.  There has been some concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  · The use of ceramic fibers in the work place should be reviewed in the context of frequency of use and potential for exposure.  · 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 utilized, where possible. This is especially true for all overhead work involving ceramic fibres.  · Employees not engaged in the ceramic fiber work should not be allowed within 3 meters of the work unless wearing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).  · 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 minimize the liberation of  dusts or fibers.  For Installation:  · The ceramic fiber material should be kept in it's storage container until installation is ready to proceed.  · Containers/ bags should only be opened within the designated work areas.  · Empty storage bags should be stored in waste containers along with waste material.  For Removal:  · Waste material should be wetted to prevent generation of dusts and placed in sealed containers to prevent dust/ fiber emissions.  Upon completion of installation/ removal:  · All excess material should be sealed in bags/ containers prior to removal from designated work area.  · Area should then be cleaned using an industrial vacuum cleaner.  · Any remaining contaminant material should be removed with minimum liberation of dusts/fibers.  · Wet mopping and wiping may be utilized in some instances when an industrial vacuum is not available.