LS5122 Alkyd
File No: PLC/114
August 1999
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS NOTIFICATION
AND ASSESSMENT SCHEME
FULL PUBLIC REPORT
LS5122 Alkyd/Acrylic Resin
This Assessment has been compiled in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial
Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 (the Act) and Regulations. This legislation
is an Act of the Commonwealth of Australia. The National Industrial Chemicals Notification
and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) is administered by the National Occupational Health and
Safety Commission which also conducts the occupational health & safety assessment. The
assessment of environmental hazard is conducted by the Department of the Environment and
the assessment of public health is conducted by the Department of Health and Family
Services.
F o r the purposes of subsection 78(1) of the Act, copies of this full public report may be
inspected by the public at the Library, National Occupational Health and Safety Commission,
92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, between the following hours:
Monday ?Wednesday 8.30 am - 5.00 pm
Thursday 8.30 am - 8.00 pm
Friday 8.30 am - 5.00 pm
Copies of the full public report may also be requested, free of charge, by contacting the
Administration Coordinator.
Please direct enquiries or requests for full public reports to the Administration Coordinator
at:
Street Address: 92 Parramatta Road, CAMPERDOWN NSW 2050, AUSTRALIA
Postal Address: GPO Box 58, SYDNEY NSW 2001, AUSTRALIA
Telephone: (61) (02) 9577 9514
Facsimile: (61) (02) 9577 9465
Director
Chemicals Notification and Assessment
PLC/114
FULL PUBLIC REPORT
LS5122 Alkyd/Acrylic Resin
1. APPLICANT
Akzo Nobel Pty Ltd of 115 Hyde Rd YERONGA QLD 4104 has submitted a polymer of
low concern notification statement in support of their application for an assessment
certificate for LS5122 Alkyd/Acrylic Resin.
2. IDENTITY OF THE CHEMICAL
The chemical name, CAS number, molecular and structural formulae, molecular weight,
spectral data, details of the polymer composition and the identities of residual monomers,
which are present at well below the concentration cutoff levels for classification of the
polymer as hazardous, have been exempted from publication in the Full Public Report.
Trade Name: LS5122 Alkyd/Acrylic Resin
Characterisation as a Synthetic Polymer of Low Concern
Number-Average >1000
Molecular Weight (NAMW):
Maximum Percentage of Low
Molecular Weight Species
Molecular Weight < 500: <5%
Molecular Weight < 1 000: < 10 %
Polymer Stability The polymer is expected to be stable
Reactivity The polymer does not contain any reactive functional
groups
Particle Size The polymer will not be isolated in solid form
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Charge Density The polymer will not be charged under normal
environmental conditions
Water Solubility The polymer is stated to have a solubility of <1 ppm
Method of Detection The polymer is characterised by GPC and identified by
and Determination: IR spectroscopy. A reference spectrum has been
provided.
The polymer meets the criteria for assessment as a synthetic polymer of low concern under
Regulation 4A of the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act (1989).
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance at 20癈 amber coloured liquid
and 101.3 kPa:
Melting Point: 28.5癈
Specific Gravity: 1.0117 ?.031 at 25癈
Vapour Pressure: not determined ?see below
Water Solubility: < 1 mg/L at 25癈
Partition Co-efficient not determined ?see below
(n-octanol/water):
Hydrolysis as a Function not determined ?see below
of pH:
Adsorption/Desorption: not determined ?see below
Dissociation Constant: not determined ?see below
Flammability Limits: Upper Explosive Limit = 7.0 %
Lower Explosive Limit = 1.0 %
(for the solvent, xylene)
Autoignition Temperature: > 317癈 (for the solvent, xylene)
Explosive Properties: not expected to be explosive
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Reactivity/Stability: expected to be stable under normal environmental
conditions
Comments on Physico-Chemical Properties
Water solubility was not determined. The notifier claims that the notified polymer is
estimated to have a low solubility in water based on the knowledge of similar polymers. Also,
the polymer has been designed to be hydrophobic, with hydrophobic ingredients used in both
the alkyd and the acrylic components. Thus, the polymer is not expected to have significant
water solubility.
The notifier claims that the polymer will be chemically and environmentally inert when
present as a constituent of industrial coatings. While the notified substance contains ester
linkages which are inherently susceptible to hydrolytic cleavage, it is noted that:
? the polymer contains no charged groups and functionality capable of being readily ionised;
? the polymer is hydrophobic and the ester groups are not expected to hydrolyse under
environmental conditions due to the expected low solubility in water;
? once the polymer, which forms part A of a blended product, is blended it is cured within
the resin matrix of the paint film rendering it inert; and
? this will preclude contact of any potentially reactive functionality of the polymer with
water, or other reactants in the environment, therefore the possibility of hydrolysis in the
environmental pH range (4 - 9) or other reactions would be extremely small.
4. PURITY OF THE CHEMICAL
Degree of Purity: 60 - 88 % in industrial coating
Toxic or Hazardous Hazardous adjuvants and residual monomers are
Impurities: detailed below.
Non-hazardous Impurities none
(> 1% by weight):
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Maximum Content The following residual monomers have not been
of Residual Monomers: exempted from publication in the Full Public Report
owing to the sensitising potential of the monomers and
the close approach of the additive concentrations to the
cutoff level for the polymer to be classified as
hazardous under the NOHSC Approved Criteria for
Classifying Hazardous Substances (Approved Criteria)
(National Occupational Health and Safety Commission,
1999).
Chemical Name CAS No. Weight %
2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester 80-62-6 0.86
2-propenoic acid, butyl ester 141-32-2 0.12
Additives/Adjuvants:
Chemical name: xylene
CAS No.: 1330-20-7
Weight percentage: up to 30 % in polymer resin solution
Toxic properties: R20/21Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin
R38 Irritating to skin
NOHSC exposure standard 80 ppm TWA, 150 ppm
STEL
Chemical name: ethylbenzene
CAS No.: 100-41-4
Weight percentage: up to 10 % in polymer resin solution
Toxic properties: R20 Harmful by inhalation
N O H S C exposure standard 100 ppm TWA, 125 ppm
STEL
5. USE, VOLUME AND FORMULATION
The notified polymer will be used as one part of a polyurethane industrial coating which will
be used in severe industrial environments, such as oil storage tanks, pipelines and structural
steel works.
The polymer will be manufactured in Australia. The polyester will initially be produced and
solvent will be added to form an 80 % (w/w) intermediate solution. The intermediate
polyester will be transferred to drums, then charged to a sealed reactor with second stage
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monomers to produce the notified polymer. The end product will be a 70 % (w/w) solution of
the notified polymer. This will be transferred to 205 L drums for transfer to another site for
reformulation.
The polymer solution will be reformulated into paints by the addition of solvents, fillers,
colourants and binders, to a final concentration of notified polymer of 30 %. The
reformulation will occur in 1000 L open floor pots. The paints containing the notified
polymer will be packed into 4 L and 10 L epoxy lined steel cans.
Prior to paint application, Part A, containing the notified polymer, will be mixed with Part B
in the proportion of 4:1. The final mix applied to the industrial structures will contain 24 %
notified polymer. The polyurethane coatings will be applied via brushes, rollers or airless
spraying.
It is estimated that 10 tonnes per annum will be manufactured during each of the first five
years.
6. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
Polymer Manufacture
The polymer manufacture, when commenced, will involve 10 reactor operators for up to 8
hours per day, 10 - 15 days per year. The reactants for the first stage polymer (polyester
intermediate) will be added to an enclosed 1000 L reactor, and solvent added when the end
point is reached; the resultant polymer solution will be filled into 205 L steel drums by
gravity feed and pumps. The first stage polymer will then be added to a second enclosed 1000
L reactor, where second stage monomers are added to produce the notified polymer, and the
filling process will be repeated. During the filling process, there is potential for dermal
exposure to the polymer solution in the form of drips and spills. As the polymer solution will
be viscous, the formation of aerosols is unlikely.
Maintenance personnel, QC operators and development personnel will also be exposed to the
notified polymer in the manufacture stage, along with transport and storage workers. An
estimated 2 maintenance workers may be exposed dermally to the polymer in repairing
breakdowns of equipment. Up to 6 scientific staff may be exposed to the notified polymer in
small quantities during QC procedures and development.
Paint Manufacture
The solution of the notified polymer in 205 L drums will be transferred to 1000 L open floor
pots for reformulation into paints. The drum bung will be removed, and the solution poured
i n t o the pot using drum lifts. Dermal exposure to drips and spills of the solution of the
notified polymer is possible at this stage.
Solvents and other paint additives are then added to the floor pot and the components are
mixed by high speed stirring. During this process the pot is covered. Local exhaust ventilation
is supplied at the floor pot. Before and after dispersion, samples are taken from the floor pot
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b y cup and poured into sealable 500 mL steel containers for laboratory testing. Dermal
exposure to drips and spills is also possible at this stage, and during the laboratory testing.
Between 2 and 4 factory operators will carry out these processes, for 1.5 hours per day, 30
days per year. The laboratory testing will involve 2 laboratory staff for 15 minutes per day,
30 days per year.
The formulated product (30 % notified polymer) is filled from the floor pots via funnels
(hoppers) into 4 L or 10 L epoxy lined steel cans manually. A ventilation extraction system is
present on each filling line. Dermal exposure to the 30 % solution of notified polymer is
possible during filling.
Warehouse workers will handle the drums of polymer solution and also the filled cans of
finished paint, but no exposure is expected unless the packaging is ruptured.
Workers in the paint formulation area, and especially the filling line staff, are stated to have
access to disposable latex gloves, safety glasses, uniforms and safety shoes.
Paint Application
The paints containing the notified polymer will only be available to industrial customers. The
paint application to oil storage tanks, pipelines and structural steel works will be done as
required by brushes, rollers or airless spraying. Only qualified industrial spray painters will
apply the paints, in accordance with the NOHSC Draft National Code of Practice for Spray
Painting (National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 1991). Applicators will be
required to wear respiratory protection in accordance with Australia/New Zealand Standard
AS/NZS 1715 (Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, 1994a), chemical goggles or face
shield, impermeable gloves and protective overalls.
After application of the paint, it will cure and crosslink, and the notified polymer will no
longer be separately available for exposure.
Worker Education and Training
The notifier states that all operators involved in the handling of the notified polymer and
paints containing the notified polymer will have received training in and are familiar with the
correct handling of similar coating materials. Material Safety Data Sheets will be available to
all workers.
7. PUBLIC EXPOSURE
Public exposure is only likely to arise from accidental dermal or inhalation exposure from a
spill or during application of the paint, or from touching the inert cross-linked paint film. As
the use of the paints is generally to be in industrial environments, the potential for public
exposure to the notified polymer during all phases of its life cycle is considered to be low.
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8. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
Release
Release to the environment may occur at a number of places along the production and
distribution line. The notifier estimates that 300 kg annually of the notified polymer will be
lost due to spills and residues at the manufacturing plant.
The notifier estimates that 1 % of the notified polymer is lost through spillage (100 kg
annually) at the formulation site. Approximately 0.5 % of the notified polymer remains as
residue in the steel drums (50 kg annually). No estimate about the amount of residue obtained
from cleaning equipment is given by the notifier.
Except in the case of accident, it is not expected that either the polymer or the paint
formulation containing the polymer would be released to the environment during storage and
transportation. The MSDS contains adequate instructions for handling a spill should one
occur.
The major release to the environment is likely to occur during paint application through
overspray and residual material left in the paint containers and spray equipment. It is
estimated that up to 2.5 % of the paint may remain in the tins after use, equating to
approximately 230 - 240 L of notified polymer annually. No estimate for the amount that
may be left in spraying equipment was given by the notifier. However, the major release of
the notified polymer to the environment will be as a consequence of overspray during
application. This may be as high as 15 % of total paint used under moderately windy outdoor
conditions. Assuming maximum annual paint application of 30 tonnes, around 1100 kg of the
new polymer could be released during spray paint application in one year for all sites. It is
expected that this release would be on a nationwide basis, with the amount released not
significant at any one site. Where possible, overspray should be collected through the use of
protective sheeting on surrounding surfaces; these could be collected and disposed of via
approved methods.
Material left in cans may be mixed with residual hardener and disposed of with the empty
containers into landfill.
Fate
All spills and washings from cleaning of equipment in the manufacturing and the formulation
plants are collected and removed by a licensed waste disposal company. The 205 L drums
which contain approximately 0.5 % of the notified polymer as residue at the formulation
plant are also sent to a licensed waste disposal company and are not recycled.
The uncured formulation containing the new polymer is predominantly hydrophobic and any
spilt material would be expected to associate with the organic component of soils and
sediments and become assimilated. Biological membranes are not permeable to polymers of
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very large molecular size, therefore bioaccumulation of the notified polymer would not be
expected if quantities of uncured polymer were to be released into the water compartment.
Any notified polymer released to the sewer would be entrained within particles and flakes of
a cured polymer matrix (paint). These would be quite insoluble, and would associate with the
sewer plant sludge, and be deposited into landfill or incinerated.
Once applied to the surfaces of steel structures such as oil storage tanks and pipelines, the
notified polymer will be incorporated in a hardened paint matrix and bound to those surfaces.
Any fragments, chips and flakes of the dried paint will be of little concern as they are
expected to be inert. The steel structures coated with the polymer are likely to be either
recycled for steel reclamation or be placed into landfill at the end of their useful life. When
recycled, the polymer would be destroyed in the blast furnaces and converted to water
vapour and oxides of carbon. When deposited into landfill either with used paint tins or on
discarded panels, the organic components of the cured paint including the new polymer would
be inert and immobile, but could nevertheless be expected to be very slowly degraded through
the biological and abiotic processes operative in these facilities.
9. EVALUATION OF TOXICOLOGICAL DATA
No toxicology data were submitted, which is acceptable for a synthetic polymer of low
concern with a NAMW > 1000 according to the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and
Assessment) Act. The polymer is stable with low volatility. Polymers of high molecular
weight do not readily cross biological membranes. The notifier states that no injuries or
diseases related to occupational exposure to the notified polymer have been reported from
overseas experience.
10. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
No ecotoxicological data were submitted, which is acceptable for a synthetic polymer of low
concern with a NAMW > 1000 according to the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and
Assessment) Act.
11. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD
It is possible that up to 15 % (ie a maximum of 1100 kg per annum) of the notified polymer
could be released as a consequence of paint application. This is expected to be nationwide;
therefore not significant at any one site. The majority of the material would be encapsulated
in a cured polymer matrix and is expected to be insoluble and inert. Most of this solid waste
would be deposited into landfill.
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However, some of the cured waste paint generated during the cleaning of spray equipment
may be released into sewers. It would become incorporated into sewerage treatment plant
sludge, and eventually incinerated or placed into landfill.
The polymer is unlikely to present a hazard to the environment when it is incorporated into
the paint, applied to steel structures and cured. Such painted objects will be consigned to
either metal reclamation plants or landfill at the end of their useful lives and the paint
containing the notified substance will share their fate.
The main environmental hazard would arise through spillage in transport accidents, where
small quantities of the polymer may be released to drains and waterways. However, the
polymer should quickly become immobile on association with the soil/sediment layer.
The low environmental exposure of the polymer as a result of the proposed use indicates the
overall environmental hazard should be low.
12. ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
EFFECTS
No toxicological information has been provided for the notified polymer and therefore the
substance cannot be assessed against the Approved Criteria. However, the polymer solution,
as manufactured, is a hazardous substance and also a Class 3 dangerous good (flammable
liquid) because of the solvent content (ethylbenzene and xylene). The MSDS for the polymer
solution identified as HP-16-3471 lists a number of potential health effects, namely lung
damage if aspirated, stomach lining, skin, eye and respiratory irritation and central nervous
system effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness. These relate
mainly to the solvents, xylene and ethylbenzene, rather than the notified polymer.
The MSDS also mentions the possibility of skin sensitisation. The polymer solution would
be expected to be a potential skin sensitiser as the combined concentration of residual methyl
methacrylate and butyl acrylate is close to the cutoff for the polymer itself to be classified as
a skin sensitiser according to the Approved Criteria. Care should be taken to protect against
dermal contact with the concentrated solutions of the notified polymer to avoid skin
sensitisation.
Occupational Health and Safety
There is little potential for significant occupational exposure to the notified polymer in the
transport and storage of the polymer solution or the paint component containing this
polymer. There will be exposure during the manufacture and reformulation of the polymer
and during production of the paint component, and in the use and disposal of the paints.
During the manufacture and reformulation processes, the main exposure route for the notified
polymer will be dermal. The paints and polymer solutions will be viscous, and ready
formation of aerosols is not expected. The polymer is not expected to be hazardous by dermal
exposure as the high molecular weight will preclude absorption through the skin. The notified
polymer does, however, contain a combination of hazardous residual monomers which
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approach the concentration cutoff for skin sensitisation. Protective measures used to prevent
exposure to the hazardous solvents should provide sufficient protection against the notified
polymer. In addition, the polymer solutions and paints will be handled by workers with
knowledge of the processes and trained in procedures to control exposure to hazardous
substances.
The notification indicates that disposable latex gloves will be available as protection in
occupational environments where the notified polymer is used. These are very unlikely to
give adequate protection against the solvents in LS5122 or the paint, and are prone to tearing
when worn during manual labour, and should not be used in place of the impermeable gloves
recommended in the MSDS.
The final polyurethane paint mix, including the pre-prepared paint containing the notified
polymer, could contain a wide variety of additional ingredients once fully mixed. This is likely
to introduce additional human health hazards because, apart from a range of potentially toxic
solvents, there may be components containing resins with pendant isocyanate groups. If the
p a i n t is applied by spraying, the spraying procedure produces a dense aerosol of paint
particles which would adversely affect human health even in the absence of additional
hazardous components.
The use of the paint containing the notified polymer should therefore be in accordance with
the NOHSC Draft National Code of Practice for Spray Painting (National Occupational
Health and Safety Commission, 1991). The level of protection from exposure afforded by the
standard protective measures will provide adequate protection from the notified polymer and
other hazardous components of the final paint mix.
Once the applied final paint mix has hardened, the polymer will not be separately available
for exposure or absorption.
There are NOHSC exposure standards for xylene and ethylbenzene, identified as ingredients
in the polymer solution. The employer is responsible for ensuring that these exposure
standards, and exposure standards pertaining to other final paint mix additives, are not
exceeded in the workplace.
Public Health
There is negligible potential for public exposure to the notified polymer arising from use in
industrial paints. Therefore, based on its use pattern and physico-chemical characteristics, the
notified polymer will not pose a significant hazard to public health.
13. RECOMMENDATIONS
To minimise occupational exposure to LS5122 Alkyd/Acrylic Resin the following guidelines
and precautions should be observed:
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Employers should ensure that NOHSC exposure standards for all of the components
?br>
of the final paint mix are not exceeded in the workplace;
Use of the paint containing the notified polymer should be in accordance with the
?br>
NOHSC Draft National Code of Practice for Spray Painting (National Occupational
Health and Safety Commission, 1991);
Safety goggles should be selected and fitted in accordance with Australian Standard
?br>
(AS) 1336 (Standards Australia, 1994) to comply with Australian/New Zealand
Standard (AS/NZS) 1337 (Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, 1992);
Industrial clothing should conform to the specifications detailed in AS 2919
?br>
(Standards Australia, 1987) and AS 3765.2 (Standards Australia, 1990);
Impermeable gloves or mittens should conform to AS 2161 (Standards Australia/
?br>
Standards New Zealand, 1998). Disposable latex gloves should not be used;
All occupational footwear should conform to AS/NZS 2210 (Standards Australia/
?br>
Standards New Zealand, 1994b);
Spillage of the notified chemical should be avoided. Spillages should be cleaned up
?br>
promptly with absorbents which should then be put into containers for disposal;
Good personal hygiene should be practised to minimise the potential for ingestion;
?br>
A copy of the MSDS should be easily accessible to employees.
?br>
14. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
The MSDS for the notified chemical was provided in accordance with the National Code of
Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets (National Occupational Health and
Safety Commission, 1994).
This MSDS was provided by the applicant as part of the notification statement. It is
reproduced here as a matter of public record. The accuracy of this information remains the
responsibility of the applicant.
15. REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY NOTIFICATION
Under the Act, secondary notification of the notified chemical shall be required if any of the
circumstances stipulated under subsection 64(2) of the Act arise. No other specific conditions
are prescribed.
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16. REFERENCES
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (1991) Draft National Code of Practice
for Spray Painting. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (1994) National Code of Practice for
the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets [NOHSC:2011(1994)]. Australian
Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (1999) Approved Criteria for
Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(1999)]. Australian Government Publishing
Service, Canberra.
Standards Australia (1987) Australian Standard 2919-1987, Industrial Clothing. Standards
Association of Australia, Sydney.
Standards Australia (1990) Australian Standard 3765.2-1990, Clothing for Protection against
Hazardous Chemicals Part 2 Limited protection against specific chemicals. Standards
Association of Australia, Sydney.
Standards Australia (1994) Australian Standard 1336-1994, Eye protection in the Industrial
Environment. Standards Association of Australia, Sydney.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand (1992) Australian/New Zealand Standard 1337-
1992, Eye Protectors for Industrial Applications. Standards Association of Australia/
Standards Association of New Zealand, Sydney/Wellington.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand (1994a) Australian/New Zealand Standard 1715-
1994, Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective devices. Standards Association
of Australia/Standards Association of New Zealand, Sydney/Wellington.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand (1994b) Australian/New Zealand Standard 2210-
1994, Occupational Protective Footwear. Standards Association of Australia/Standards
Association of New Zealand, Sydney/Wellington.
Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand (1998) Australian/New Zealand Standard 2161.2-
1998, Occupational protective gloves, Part 2: General requirements. Standards Association of
Australia/Standards Association of New Zealand, Sydney/Wellington.
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