Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
IDENTIFICATION
Brand Name Fiberfrax
Ship. Name (CSN) None Allocated
Name Fiberfrax Duraflex
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
PHYSICAL DATA
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
OTHER PROPERTIES
Autoignition Temp. None
Vapour Density Not applicable
pH Value Not applicable
Specific Properties or RiskSee 'Health Effects' section
Thermal Decomposition See 'Hazardous Decomposition or by-products'.
Formula Not applicable: Mixture
Molecular Weight Not applicable: Mixture
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 1 of 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
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%
Information on Chemical Family: Vitreous Aluminosilicate Fibres. Remaining components
Composition not determined to be hazardous and/or hazardous components present at
less than 1.0% (0.1% for carcinogens.)
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
HEALTH EFFECTS
Acute - Ingestion Ingestion of sufficient quantity can cause irritation, nausea, diarrhoea and
gastrointestinal disturbances.
Acute - Eye Can cause moderate physical irritation. Abrasive action may cause damage
to the outer surface of the eye.
Acute - Skin Can cause physical irritation to skin and inflammation due to reaction to
sharp, broken ends of fibres.
Acute - Inhalation Can cause irritation to the throat, nose and upper respiratory tract.
Chronic Refer to 'OTHER INFORMATION - Toxicology'.
FIRST AID
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: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 2 of 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
First Aid Facilities Eyewash station and normal washroom facilities must be provided.
Advice to Doctor Acute effects are essentially irritant in nature. Refer to 'OTHER
INFORMATION' section for chronic and long term exposures.
OTHER HEALTH HAZARDOUS INFORMATION
Medical Conditions Chronic bronchial or lung disease, or bronchial hyperactivity, can be
Generally Aggravated aggravated by exposure to these materials.
by Exposure
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
Other Exposure Info. 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).
Eng. 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 1000oc, more
extensive precautions are required as outlined below in 'Personal Protection'.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
Respiratory Type (AS1716) The toxicology data indicate that ceramic fibre should be handled
with caution. The handling practices described in this MSDS must
be strictly followed. In particular, when handling refractory ceramic
fibre in any application, precautions should be taken to avoid
unnecessary cutting and tearing of the material, and to minimize
activities that generate airborne dusts. Hand operated tools are
preferred if cutting is unavoidable. Product which has been in
service at temperatures above 1000oc, may undergo partial
conversion to cristobalite, a form of crystalline silica. This reaction
occurs at the furnace lining hot face. As a consequence, this
material becomes more friable; special caution must be taken to
minimise generation of airborne dust. The amount of cristobalite
present will depend on the temperature and length in service. IARC
has recently reviewed the animal, human and other relevant
experimental data on silica in order to critically evaluate and classify
the cancer causing potential. Based on its review, IARC classified
crystalline silica as a group 1; Established human carcinogen.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 3 of 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
The Workplace 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. (eg. 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. (eg. 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. (eg. 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 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.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 4 of 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
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).
(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. Eye protection would be provided
as an integral component of a full-face respirator.
(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.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 5 of 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
Work/Hygienic Practices See 'Handling' section.
FLAMMABILITY
Fire Hazards Non flammable
SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
Storage Precautions No special transport or storage requirements are necessary.
Transport Not defined as Dangerous Goods according to the Australian Code for the
Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.
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 prevent 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 other waste material.
(f) Upon completion of the job, all excess material 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 fibre materials the following handling procedures are
recommended:
(a) All 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 material 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.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 6 of 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
For removal of embrittled ceramic fibre 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 minimise the transfer of dust to other work areas;
(b) Separate change areas should be provided to minimise 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 fibre 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 minimises the liberation of any trapped dust.
Ship. Name (CSN) None Allocated
SPILLS AND DISPOSAL
Spills and Leaks SPILL OR RELEASE TO THE ENVIRONMENT: Where possible, use
vacuum suction to clean up spilled 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.
WASTE DISPOSAL: Waste shall be placed in containers, plastic bags or
other methods which will prevent fibre 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.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
Fire/Explosion Hazard Not flammable and not explosive.
Hazardous Reaction STABILITY/INCOMPATIBILITY: Stable under normal conditions of use.
Incompatible with hydrofluoric acid and concentrated alkali.
HAZARDOUS REACTIONS/DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Refer to
SAFE HANDLING.
Hazchem Code None Allocated
OTHER INFORMATION
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 7 of 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
Toxicology 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 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).
Risk Statement R40 (3) Possible risk of irreversible effects. R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes,
respiratory system and skin.
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 8 of 9
Unifrax Australia Pty. Ltd.
326 Settlement Road
Thomastown, VIC 3074
ACN 093 625 757
FIBERFRAX庐 DURAFLEX
Ph: (03) 9463 0000 Fax: (03) 9464 1176
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
Safety Statement S22 Do not breathe dust. S52 Avoid contact with eyes. S38 If 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
CONTACT POINT
Contact During Business Hours Telephone: Ph: (03) 9463 0000.
Emergency Contact After Hours: Alan Smith Ph: 0409 288 916;
鈥nd of Report鈥?
Authorised by: Alan Smith
Version: 1.2
Control Status: Uncontrolled Document
Revised 27/03/2007 Page 9 of 9
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