DISTRIBUTED BY FREEMAN MFG & SUPPLY CO. 800-321-8511
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
In compliance with EEC Directives 93/112/CE dated 12/10/93 and 2001/58/CE dated 07/27/2001
updating Directive 91/155 dated 03/05/1991
and in compliance with ISO standards 11014-1 dated 03/15/94 and ANSI Z400.1 dated 1998
1 - COMPANY � PRODUCTS IDENTIFICATION
MANUFACTURER:
Head Quarters: Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929
73009 Chambéry Cedex
( : +33 4 79 75 53 00 - Fax : +33 4 79 75 53 99
Production plants:
Saint-Gobain Syncoglas Saint-Gobain Vidros S.A. Saint-Gobain Technical
Industriepark, Drukkerijstraat 9 Divisao Vetrotex Fabrics Ltd
B-9240 Zele (Belgique) Rodovia Campinas-TietĂŞ km 40.5 201 Hugel Avenue
( : +32 52 45 76 11 Bairro Corte Preto CDN-Midland, Ontario L4R 4G1
( : +1 705 526 7867
Fax : +32 52 44 95 02 BR- Capivari, SP –CEP 13360-000
( : +55 19 3492 9000 Fax : +1 705 526 2801
Fax : +55 19 3491 5919
Beijing Saint-Gobain Hangzhou Saint-Gobain Vetrotex Saint-Gobain Vetrotex Korea Ltd
Vetrotex Glassfiber Co Ltd 343, Shenban Road 40 Soryong Dong
Mailbox 293, Fangshan District RC-Hangzhou 310022 ROK-Gunsan, Jeonbuk 573-400
( : + 86 571 88 14 4501 ( : +82 63 469 1201
RC- Beijing 102402
( : +86 10 8033 2785 Fax : + 86 571 88 14 4753 Fax : +82 63 467 3691
Fax : +86 10 8033 1164
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex España S.A. Saint-Gobain Vetrotex America Inc Saint-Gobain BTI Inc
Carretera Madrid-Barcelona, Km 34,5 4515 Allendale Road P.O. Box CT 211 Randy Drive, Ind. Park
E-28800 Alcala de henares (Madrid) USA-Wichita Falls, TX 76310 USA-Wichita Falls, TX 76307
( : + 34 91 885 57 00 ( : +1 940 691 0020 ( : +1 940 723 5998
Fax : +34 91 885 58 14 Fax : +1 940 691 6826 Fax : +1 940 322 3520
Saint-Gobain Lorcet S.A. Saint-Gobain Vetrotex France S.A. Saint-Gobain Vetrotex India Ltd
57, rue du Mal de Rochambeau, BP 74 130, avenue des Follaz, BP 928 Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway,
F-41100 Vendôme Cedex F-73009 Chambéry Cedex IND-Thimmapur 509 325 � AP
( : +33 2 54 73 40 00 ( : + 33 4 79 96 82 00 ( : +91 8548 57714/56073
Fax : +33 2 54 72 28 92 Fax : + 33 4 79 96 84 00 Fax : +91 8548 57713
Saint-Gobain Revetex S.r.l . Saint-Gobain Vetrotex Italia SpA Saint-Gobain Vetrotex Italia SpA
Corso Rigola 89 Via Parini 10 Via Piave 29
I-13100 Vercelli (Italie) I-20045 Besana Brianza I-17047 Vado Ligure
( : +39 0161 215810 ( : +39 0 362 98 5208 ( : +39 0 19 28 921
Fax :+39 0161 257121 Fax : +39 0 362 994830 Fax : +39 0 19 88 50 70
Nippon Sheet Glass Vetrotex KK Saint-Gobain Vertex Fabrics, s.r.o Saint-Gobain Vertex, a.s, - Plant 1
4902 Komori-Cho Sokolovska 106 Sokolovska 106
J-Takachaya, Tsu, MIE 514-0817 CZ-57021 Litomysl CZ-57021 Litomysl
( : + 81 59 238 1101 ( : + 420 464 651 111 ( : + 420 464 651 140
Fax : + 81 59 238 1188 Fax : + 420 464 612 769 Fax : + 420 464 651 141
Saint-Gobain Vertex, a.s - Plant 3 Saint-Gobain Vertex, a.s - Plant 4 Saint-Gobain Vetrotex Thailand Co Lt
Zahradni 256 Pod Hradbami 176 79-24 Moo 2 Srinakarin Road
CZ-67125 Hodo nice CZ-672 01 Moravasky Krumlov T-Nongbon, Praves Bangkok 10260
( : + 420 624 207 111 ( : +420 621 301 115 ( : +66 2 366 0240
Fax : + 420 624 207 275 Fax : +420 621 322 577 Fax : +66 2 366 0425
Revision 4/Aug 2003
1/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION:
"Continuous filaments glass fibres for plastic reinforcement"
Contact in an emergency:
� Environment, Industrial Hygiene and Safety Director of the Reinforcement Branch
of Saint-Gobain
� Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
Phone +33 4 79 75 53 00 Fax +33 4 79 75 54 03
� sgvx_webmaster@saint-gobain.com
2 - COMPOSITION � INFORMATION CONSTITUANT PARTS
Glass fibres for reinforcement are basically sold as:
DIRECT ROVINGS RO99®
ASSEMBLED ROVINGS CAKES E FABRICS
WOVEN ROVINGS COMBINATION MATS ARAVER
MILLED FIBRES SPUN ROVINGS CHOPPED STRANDS
RESTREND FIOCCO BITUME FIOCCO PP-PA BOROSIL
UNIFILO®CONTINUOUS STRAND MATS
CHOPPED STRAND MATS PERLEX
On Saint-Gobain Vetrotex product packing, these general names are followed by a code
number.
This Material Safety Data Sheet is valid for all these products.
Glass fibres can be considered as ARTICLES, as fibres are defined as articles in the manual of
decisions for implementation of the sixth and seventh ame ndments to directive 67/548/eec on
dangerous substances (EU Directives 79/831/eec and 92/32/eec) or in the USA by the
American TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) or EPA 40 CFR 710.2 and also some other
national regulations (DSL in Canada for instance).
These articles are mixtures of E GLASS in the form of continuous strands and a SIZE with, in
addition, a BINDER in the case of mats.
The CAS number of glass fibre is 65997-17-3 (corresponding to the oxides used for
production).
E GLASS is a glass with a ve ry low alkaline content. Its composition (expressed in oxides) is
within the following percentages:
SiO 2 52-62%
Alkaline Oxides (Na2 O, K2 O) < 2%
Alkaline terrous oxides (CaO, MgO....) 16-30%
B2 O3 0-10%
Al2 O3 11-16%
TiO 2 0-3%
Fe2O3 0-1%
F2 0-2%
Revision 4/Aug 2003
2/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
SIZE is a mixture of chemicals applied to the glass strands in a maximum quantity of 2.5% -
more generally less than 1.5%.
Most of this mixture is made up of basically non reactive high molecular weight polymers not
listed as substances in the 1981 European Inventory of Existing Commercial Substances
(EINECS) nor in the ELINCS appendices (European List of Notified Chemical Substances)
and are generally exempt from registration on the American TSCA lists.
In some cases, sizes are prepared from polymers with reactive sites or containing reactive
monomers included in these lists. Most of the reactive sites are polymerised during the
manufacturing process. However a very small reactivity may remain which justifies the
precautionary measures listed in Chapter 8 below.
A second type of ingredient present in almost all sizes is a member of the organo-silane
family. These products account for less than 0.05% of the final weight of sized E glass. These
products are included in lists of products requiring 'hazardous product' labelling in a pure state
for example in Europe R23/25 toxic if swallowed or inhaled, R21 'harmful in contact with the
skin', R36 'irritant for the eyes'. The manufacturer considers this risk as negligible as, although
listed as dangerous products, the concentration is extremely low and they are polymerised
during the production of E glass fibres.
Other products can be used in sizes. Usually the content is extremely low (under 0.1% of total
weight) and as a general rule such products are not on the dangerous product lists or, as they
have reacted, any possible risk has been reduced.
BINDERS FOR MATS are high molecular weight polymers deposited in quantities under
10% and polymerised on chopped or continuous glass strand mats. They are not on dangerous
products lists.
If so requested by medical authorities, the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) reference
numbers for the ingredients used for a given size or binder can be communicated but must
remain for the confidential use of medical authorities.
FINISH FOR FABRICS : in some cases a small amount of finish (less than 5%), made of
high molecular weight polymer is deposited on some E glass fabrics. They are not on
dangerous products lists.
3 - HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Continuous strand glass reinforcing fibres are not significantly hazardous .
Details about chemical hazards are given in paragraph 2. Toxicological aspects are developed
in detail in chapter 11. The essential points to remember are that glass filaments are not
Revision 4/Aug 2003
3/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
“respirable� as their nominal diameters are over 9 µm, far over the diameter of 3µm defined
by the World Health Organisation for “respirable� fibres, and that they have been shown not
to cause lung cancer.
Hazards identified are:
� mechanical irritation (itching)
� the formation of non fibrous dusts (broken pieces of different sizes) and non
respirable filaments
� extremely rare possibilities of allergy.
4 - FIRST AID
INHALATION: remove from the scene of exposure to fresh air
SKIN CONTACT: wash copiously with lukewarm soapy water without rubbing
excessively
EYE CONTACT: flush in running water (for at least 10 minutes) and consult if
necessary a doctor
5 - FIRE FIGHTING
In case of fire, glass fibres are not flammable, are incombustible and don’t support
combustion.
Only the packaging (plastic film, paper, cardboard, wood) and the small amounts of size or
binder are likely to burn. Combustion gases are basically carbon dioxide and water vapour.
There may be small quantities of carbon monoxide and other unidentified substances which
make it necessary to use protective devices in the event of a major fire.
RECOMMENDED EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: water or chemical powder
6 - ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE
PERSONAL PROTECTION: See Chapter 8.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
In leaching tests glass fibre wastes did not emit any significant quantities of dangerous
products and they can therefore be considered as Inert Industrial Wastes, or even Common
Industrial Wastes, as defined by national and local regulations. All waste and scrap material
Revision 4/Aug 2003
4/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
should be disposed of in accordance with applicable national, federal, state and local
regulations (see paragraph 13).
CLEANING:
Vacuum clean, sweep or shovel into containers normally used for glass fibre waste (selective
collection).
7 - HANDLING & STORAGE
HANDLING (Technical measures / Precautions / Safe handling advice):
It is preferable to avoid prolonged contact with the skin: wear gloves, garments with sleeves
and long leggings or protective overalls, goggles, and dust masks.
Glass filaments and dusts must be removed from work garments with a vacuum cleaner and
not blown off with compressed air jets. Wash work garments separately from other clothes.
STORAGE:
Technical measures: respect the stacking procedure recommended for each type of
product.
Storage conditions: store away from excessive humidity to prevent damage to the
product and to the packing materials which could lead to storage
safety problems.
Incompatible material: not relevant.
8 - EXPOSURE CONTROL � PERSONAL PROTECTION
TECHNICAL MEASURES
Use every appropriate means (suction, modification of manufacturing methods to reduce fibre
dust�) to try to reduce the concentration of fibres likely to cause irritation.
TEST PARAMETERS
Test ambient atmospheres in which glass fibre is used regularly to determine levels of
� “non respirable ”and “respirable� filaments
� “non-respirable� and “respirable� dusts.
Revision 4/Aug 2003
5/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
Legal requirements for respirable and non-respirable dusts and fibres vary from country to
country (or do not even exist). The table below (prepared using the knowledge we currently
possess) shows the limits applicable in different countries for Time-Weighted Average (TWA)
exposure.
It is recommended to identify the chemical nature of the fibres found in working atmospheres
correctly, in particular in insulation wools and mineral fibres like asbestos which are
sometimes present and can be confused with continuous glass strands.
TWA (Time- TWA (Time-
Weighted Average Weighted Average
Country Dusts Fibres
concentration) concentration)
(mg/cu.m. for 8 (Fibres/ml for 8
hours work) hours work)
Austria fine 6 total 0.5
Belgium total 10 No regulation
Denmark respirable 5 total 1
total 10
Finland total 10 total 1
France total 10 respirable 1
Germany respirable 3 respirable 0.25
Great Britain respirable 5 respirable 2
total 10
The respirable 2 total 1
Netherlands total 10
Ireland respirable 5 respirable 2
Italy respirable 3 total 1
total 10
Norway respirable 5 total 1
total 10
Portugal total 4 total 1
Spain total 10 total 1
Sweden respirable 5 total 1
total 10
Switzerland total 6 respirable 0.5
USA respirable 5 (OSHA)* total 1 (ACGIH)**
total 15 (OSHA)*
* OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration
* * ACGIH = American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
Revision 4/Aug 2003
6/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT:
Respiratory protection: during occasional operations releasing high quantities of dust, wear
minimum FP1 or preferably FP2 EEC approved dust masks. Type 3M 8710 or 3M 9900
respirators approved according to American National Institute For Occupational Safety And
Health (NIOSH) directives, can be used, for example.
Protection of hands and other exposed parts of the body:
gloves for the hands, long-sleeved garments and long leggings to prevent irritation.
People with delicate skin should apply barrier cream to exposed skin areas.
Eye protection: safety goggles (or masks) or safety glasses.
9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL STATE: solid
FORM: continuous or chopped or mats of fibre made up of continuous,
parallel filaments glued together.
COLOUR: white or yellowish white
ODOUR: none, except for some products from which a slightly basic or
acid odour is sometimes released when a pallet or carton is
opened. This odour never indicates that an eventual toxic
product has been released in a dangerous amount.
pH: not applicable
SPECIFIC TEMPERATURE AT WHICH CHANGES IN PHYSICAL STATE OCCUR:
Softening point: Littleton point (defined as the temperature for which the viscosity of glass is
107.65 Poises): approximately 850°C
Melting point: Not applicable. Glass does not melt, but the viscosity decreases by elevation of
temperature and is 103 for E glass in a range of temperature between 1150°C and 1250°C
(fiberizing temperature).
DECOMPOSITION TEMPERATURE: Sizes and mat binders start to decompose at
200°C
FLASH POINT: none
EXPLOSIVE PROPERTIES: none
DENSITY (molten glass): 2.6 g / cu. cm.
Revision 4/Aug 2003
7/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
very low solubility in water. Sizes and binders
SOLUBILITY:
can be partially (and even totally) dissolved in
most organic solvents
10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
STABILITY
Stable in normal use and storage conditions, and in normally foreseeable usage conditions.
HAZARDOUS REACTIONS
Glass reinforcement strands are stable and never generate hazardous chemical reactions.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS
In continuous combustion conditions, in addition to water vapour and CO2 , small quantities of
CO and NOx may be released from the combustion of the size and/or the binder. Other
products may be released in limited quantities, depending on combustion conditions. This is
why it is recommended to use high-performance gas masks, when fighting intense fires. (see
paragraph 5).
11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
ACUTE TOXICITY: not relevant
LOCALISED EFFECTS: possible temporary irritations
This irritation is of a purely mechanical and temporary nature. It disappears when exposure is
ended. It can affect the skin, the eyes and the upper respiratory tracts. In Europe, mechanical
irritation is not considered to be a health hazard within the terms of European directives
67/548/EEC for hazardous products. This is confirmed by the fact that EC Directive 97/69/EC
for mineral fibres does not stipulate the need to use an Xi (irritant) label nor a classification
for continuous strand glass fibres (which in this Directive only apply to insulation glass wools
in some circumstances).
SENSITISATION: some allergies to continuous strand glass fibres have
been declared. All sizing mixtures are tested for their wet state sensitising properties when
developed by Saint-Gobain Vetrotex and are only adopted if they have no or a very low
sensitisation level. In case of the allergy is confirmed, remove the person from the scene of the
exposure.
LONG TERM TOXICITY: CARCINOGENIC RISKS
Continuous strand glass fibres are not respirable (i.e. do not penetrate the lung alveoli).
This is because fibres are over 3µm in diameter (and, mostly, over 9µm). Even after handling,
the length of the finest dusts is also well over 5µm and the length / diameter ratio is greater
than 3 : 1. These are the values determined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the
definition of respirable fibres.
Revision 4/Aug 2003
8/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
Regulatory situation:
None of the following official organisations have attributed any risks of cancer during the
productio n and use of continuous filament glass fibres:
During its congress in June, 1987, World Health Organisation (WHO) through the IARC
(International Agency of Research on Cancer) examined all laboratory studies using animals
and epidemiological studies carried out on continuous strand glass reinforcement fibres.
The conclusion was that glass filaments are not classified as to their carcinogenicity.
They belong to the Group 3 of IARC. This classification has been confirmed by the IARC
Working Group during his meeting of October 2001 and in the latest issue of the IARC
monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans volume 81 on Man- made
vitreous fibres, published in 2002.
The International Labour Office (ILO) and the CSIP (Chemical Safety International Program)
came to the same conclusions in a congress held in 1987.
European Commission Directive 97/69/EC dated 5/12/97, the 23rd amendment to Directive
67/548/EEC which concerns classification, packing and labelling of hazardous substances did
not think it necessary to include glass fibres as having carcinogenic risks.
Most European Union member nations have transposed this Directive into their national law
and adopted the same conclusions :
Country Reference of transposition documents of Directive 97/69/EC
Austria Chemikalienverordnung 1999
Belgium French implementation by « Koninklijk Besluit » of 15/1/99
published on 24/2/99
Denmark BEK N°11/1999.01.09 (Ministery of Environment)
Finland Landskapforordning 23/04/98 and 24/02/98 and List of
Hazardous Chemicals 16.12.98
France Arrêté ministériel du 28/08/98, Circulaire DRT 99/10 du 13/8/99
Germany 4th adaptation of the German Gefahrstoffverordnung 1999
Great Britain The chemicals (Hazard Information and packaging for supply)
(amendment) Re gulations 1998. 6/1/99
Greece Not available
The Wijzigingsbesluit (Stb. 217,2001)
Netherlands
Ireland Statuary Instruments S.I. N°513 of 1998. European Communities
(Classification, Packaging, Labelling and Notification of
Dangerous Substances) Amendment N°2 Regulation 1998. Effect
on 22 December 1998.
Revision 4/Aug 2003
9/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
Country Reference of transposition documents of Directive 97/69/EC
Italy Decreto ministeriale del 01/09/98, Gazzetta Ufficiale-Serie
generale-del 19/11/98 n271 pag. 16, decretto del 2 feb 1999 ,
circolare n°4 del 15/03/1999
Luxembourg Règlement Grand Ducal du 31/10/98
Portugal Non disponible
Spain Bulletin Oficial del Estada (11/09/98)
Sweden KIFS 1998 : 7
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and NTP (U.S. National Toxicology
Program), official American organisations, have not listed continuous strand glass fibres as
hazardous substances and the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists) has classified them as A4 (not classified as carcinogenic for Man). They are not
concerned by the Canadian Controlled Products regulations (CPR).
No new studies have led the organisations to revise their position on this subject.
Most laws and studies concerning respirable fibres do not apply to continuous filaments
reinforcement fibres.
For example,
� The concentration of respirable fibres in the atmosphere (1.5 fibres / cm3 ,
changed to 1 fibre / cu.m in 1997.) fixed by French circular 95/04 dated
12/01/1995 (in addition to that dated 19/07/1982) from the French Ministry for
Work does not apply to glass reinforcement fibres (which are not respirable).
� Cancer risk index KI defined in German TRGS 905 does not apply to non-
respirable continuous filament glass fibres.
Epidemiological and laboratory studies
No epidemiological and laboratory studies carried out up until now demonstrate in a
scientifically significant way any risk of cancer related to reinforcement fibres.
Several recent epidemiological studies (Chiazze 1997, Boffeta 1997) confirmed the absence of
excessive mortality due to cancer in people working in glass fibre manufacturing facilities vs.
control populations.
A recent study published in 2000 by the IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine in
Edinburgh) addressed the inhalation of E -glass microfibres by animals at concentrations at
least 1000 times higher than those encountered when using glass fibres demonstrated
carcinogenic risk. These microfibres are not part of the product range produced and sold by
Revision 4/Aug 2003
10/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex and these findings are not likely to change current opinions for the
glass fibres described in this MSDS.
Handling glass fibres
When glass fibres are chopped, milled or sanded they are cut perpendicular to strand length
and no smaller diameters filaments are generated. Conversely, significant quantities of dust
can be generated which is why it is recommended to use personal protection. In dusts, also
present in some products (chopped strands, crushed fibres) some studies have shown very low
quantities of particles with fibrous aspects (l/d>3), short (but nevertheless longer than 5µm)
and with an apparent diameter of under 3µm. Quantities measured in work atmospheres are 50
to 100 times lower than all the limits fixed for respirable fibres, but when there is a high risk
of dust generation it is strongly recommended to wear masks.
MUTAGENIC RISKS, TERATOGENIC RISKS, RISKS FOR REPRODUCTION: continuous
strand glass reinforcement fibres have no known risks.
12 - ECOTOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
E glass is not biodegradable.
Sizes or binders are organic materials slowly and only partial dissolved by natural agents like
water. As the concentration of the ingredients in the mixture and ingredient solubility are low
and as they have not been classified as hazardous, glass reinforcement strands are considered
to have no adverse eco-toxicological effects.
Glass fibres and sizing products were not listed as products likely to destroy the ozone layer
by the 1987 Montreal Protocol (Class 1 or Class 2). These lists are included in EC Regulation
n° 3093/94 and in section VI of amendments to the "Clean Air Act " by the American
Environmental Agency (EPA).
Glass fibre sizes and binders do not contain PCB (Polychlorinated biphenyl) or and other
polyaromatic products of the same type.
13 � WASTE DISPOSAL
Depending on local regulations, glass fibre wastes can either be considered as inert waste or
as common industrial waste. As such they can be buried in landfills approved for these
categories.
Glass fibres waste cannot be destroyed by incineration � and can damage incinerators by the
formation of a vitrified mass.
Revision 4/Aug 2003
11/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
Clean cardboard, wood, plastic (film or bags) and packaging can be eliminated in units
specific to these products (i.e. for recycling or use as fuels).
14 - TRANSPORT
INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS:
Glass reinforcement fibres are not considered as hazardous goods by transport regulations.
They are not part of one of the hazardous classes listed in international regulations.
They do not need special procedures under any regulations. For international transport in
Europe by land (new restructured version of ADR applicable as from July 1st 2001, RID,
ADNR), sea (OMI) or air (OAC/IATA or to the USA (DOT) or Canada (TDG), they are not
shown as a risk category nor qualified by a UNO number or a packing group.
15 � REGULATORY INFORMATION
Continuous filaments glass reinforcements do not require hazardous product labelling (see
Chapter 11).
General hygiene and work safety regulations apply (see Chapter 8).
Continuous filament s glass reinforcement for plastics are articles and for this reason they have
not to be listed in most of the countries, for instance in the list EINECS in Europe, ELINCS,
TSCA for the USA, DSL and NDSL for Canada �
16 - OTHER INFORMATION
FOOD ENVIRONMENTS: Appendix III of European Directive 90/128/CEE and its most
recent amendment 96/11/CE dated 5/03/96 defines the compatibility of pure glass fibres with
food environments as additives to plastics. However the fact that sizing products should be
shown on the current list of European Commission approved products, the BGVV LII list in
Germany or the Food and Drugs Administration lists (FDA) in the USA means that a case by
case study must be made if a Saint-Gobain Vetrotex range product is used to reinforce a
plastic material in contact with food. Consult the Saint-Gobain Vetrotex Service for further
information.
CONTACT WITH POTABLE WATER: As differ from country to country, every question
must be examined individually with the relevant Saint-Gobain Vetrotex Services.
Revision 4/Aug 2003
12/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
This Material Safety Data Sheet is in addition to the Product
Specification file and other technical documents issued by SAINT-
GOBAIN VETROTEX, but does not replace them.
The information given by this document is based on the best knowledge
at the date shown. It is given in good faith.
Furthermore, users attention is drawn to the possible risks run when the
product is used for any purpose other than the one for which it was
designed.
This MSDS does not exempt users from knowing and applying the rules
regulating their activities. Users assume full responsibility for applying
the appropriate safety measures when the product is used.
For all additional information, users should contact their local Saint-Gobain Vetrotex agent or
the Saint- Gobain Vetrotex International Environment Health and Safety Director.
Revision 4/Aug 2003
13/13
Saint-Gobain Vetrotex International
767, quai des Allobroges, BP 929 � 73009 Chambéry cedex � France � Tel : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 00 � Fax : +33 (0)4 79 75 53 99
S.A. au capital de 99 707 550 � � 324 420 785 R.C.S. Chambéry
|