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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
MSDS No. M0082

Effective Date: 04/06/2001



1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

Product Group: CONTINUOUS FILAMENT FIBERGLASS FABRIC PRODUCT
Chemical Name: CONTINUOUS FILAMENT FIBERGLASS
Synonym(s): Synthetic vitreous fiber (SVF), man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF), man-made mineral fiber (MMMF)
Trade Names: FLEXWEAVE™ 1000 TEXTILES
Manufacturer/Supplier: Unifrax Corporation
2351 Whirlpool St.
Niagara Falls, NY 14305-2413
Product Stewardship Information Hotline
1-800-322-2293 (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST)
For additional MSDSs, visit our web page, http: //www.unifrax.com, or call Unifrax Customer Service at (716) 278-3872
CHEMTREC Assist: CHEMTREC will provide assistance for chemical emergencies. Call 1-800-424-9300




2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

COMPONENTS CAS NUMBER

% BY WEIGHT

Fiberglass continuous filament fabric
Acrylic latex
65997-17-3
MIXTURE

95-100
1-5

(See Section 8 "Exposure Controls / Personal Protection" for exposure guidelines)



3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION


CHRONIC EFFECT
No chronic health effects are known to be associated with exposure to continuous filament fiber glass. Results from epidemiologic studies have not shown any increases in respiratory disease or cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified continuous filament fiber glass as a Group 3 substance, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. Because of their large diameter, the continuous filament fibers in this product are not considered respirable.





OTHER POTENTIAL EFFECTS

TARGET ORGANS:
Respiratory Tract (nose & throat), Eyes, Skin

RESPIRATORY TRACT (nose & throat) IRRITATION:
Irritation of the upper respiratory tract (scratchy throat), coughing, and congestion may occur in extreme exposures.

EYE IRRITATION:
May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Fibers may be abrasive; prolonged contact may cause damage to the outer surface of the eye.

SKIN IRRITATION:
May cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation. Exposure may also result in inflammation, rash or itching.

GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION:
Unlikely route of exposure.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE:
Pre-existing medical conditions, including dermatitis, asthma or chronic lung disease may be aggravated by exposure; individuals who have a history of allergies may experience greater amounts of skin and respiratory irritation.


HAZARD CLASSIFICATION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified continuous filament fiber glass as a Group 3 substance, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)

Health 1 Flammability 0 Reactivity 0 Personal Protection Index: X (Employer Determined)










4. FIRST AID MEASURES


FIRST AID PROCEDURES

RESPIRATORY TRACT (nose & throat) IRRITATION:
If respiratory tract irritation develops, move the person to a dust free location. Get medical attention if the irritation continues. See Section 8 for additional measures to reduce or eliminate exposure.

EYE IRRITATION:
If eyes become irritated, flush immediately with large amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Eyelids should be held away from the eyeball to ensure thorough rinsing. Do not rub eyes. Get medical attention if irritation persists.

SKIN IRRITATION:
If skin becomes irritated, remove soiled clothing. Do not rub or scratch exposed skin. Wash area of contact thoroughly with soap and water. Using a skin cream or lotion after washing may be helpful.

GASTROINTESTINAL IRRITATION:
If gastrointestinal tract irritation develops, move the person to a dust free environment.

NOTES TO PHYSICIANS:
Skin and respiratory effects are the result of temporary, mild mechanical irritation; fiber exposure does not result in allergic manifestations.


5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

NFPA Codes: Flammability: 0 Health: 1 Reactivity: 0 Special: 0



NFPA Unusual Hazards: None
Flammable Properties: None
Flash Point: None
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition of binder from fires or from first heat of product may release smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and small amounts of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Use adequate ventilation or other precautions to eliminate exposure to vapors resulting from thermal decomposition of binder. Exposure to thermal decomposition fumes may cause respiratory tract irritation, bronchial hyper-reactivity or an asthmatic-type response.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: None
Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for type of surrounding fire.

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES


SPILL PROCEDURES

Avoid creating airborne dust. Dust suppressing cleaning methods such as wet sweeping or vacuuming should be used to clean the work area. If vacuuming, the vacuum must be equipped with a HEPA filter. Compressed air or dry sweeping should not be used for cleaning.

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE


STORAGE

Store in original container in a dry area. Keep container closed when not in use.

HANDLING

Handle fiber carefully. Limit use of power tools unless in conjunction with local exhaust. Use hand tools whenever possible. Frequently clean the work area with HEPA filtered vacuum or wet sweeping to minimize the accumulation of debris. Do not use compressed air for clean-up.

EMPTY CONTAINERS

Product packaging may contain residue. Do not reuse.


8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION

EXPOSURE GUIDELINES


COMPONENTS OSHA PEL MANUFACTURER REG
Fiberglass continuous filament fabric
Acrylic latex
1 fiber/cc
None established
None established
None established


OTHER OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LEVELS (OEL)

Non-regulatory OEL examples include: ACGIH TLVs: Fiberglass continuous filament fabric -- 1 fiber/cc. Acrylic latex -- None established.



ENGINEERING CONTROLS

Use engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation, point of generation dust collection, down draft work stations, emission controlling tool designs, and materials handling equipment designed to minimize airborne fiber emissions.


PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection:

When engineering and/or administrative controls are insufficient, the use of appropriate respiratory protection, pursuant to the requirements of OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1926.103, is recommended. The following information is provided as an example of appropriate respiratory protection for continuous filament fibers. The evaluation of workplace hazards and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection is best performed, on a case by case basis, by a qualified Industrial Hygienist.

MANUFACTURER'S RESPIRATORY PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS

Respirable Airborne Fiber Concentration Respirator Recommendation
Less than 1 f/cc No specific recommendation. User preference based upon conditions present
1 f/cc to 10 f/cc Half-face, air purifying respirator equipped with a NIOSH approved P100 particulate filter cartridge
50 f/cc to 100 f/cc Full-facepiece, air purifying respirator equipped with a NIOSH approved P100 particulate filter cartridge


The P100 recommendation is a conservative default choice; in some case, solid arguments can be made that other respirator types (e.g., N95, R99, etc.) may be suitable for some tasks or work environments. The P100 recommendation is not designed to limit informed choices, provided that respiratory protection decisions comply with 29 CFR 1910.134.

Other Information:


Skin Protection:

Wear gloves, head coverings and full body clothing as necessary to prevent skin irritation. Washable or disposable clothing may be used. If possible, do not take unwashed clothing home. If soiled work clothing must be taken home, employers should ensure employees are thoroughly trained on the best practices to minimize or avoid non-work dust exposure (e.g., vacuum clothes before leaving the work area, wash work clothing separately, rinse washer before washing other household clothes, etc.).

Eye Protection:

Wear safety glasses with side shields or other forms of eye protection in compliance with appropriate OSHA standards to prevent eye irritation. The use of contact lenses is not recommended, unless used in conjunction with appropriate eye protection. Do not touch eyes with soiled body parts or materials. If possible, have eye-washing facilities readily available where eye irritation can occur.





9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES


ODOR AND APPEARANCE: White, odorless, fibrous material
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Continuous filament fiberglass
BOILING POINT: Not Applicable
WATER SOLUBILITY (%): Not Soluble in Water
MELTING POINT: Not Applicable
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Not Applicable
VAPOR PRESSURE: Not Applicable
pH: Not Applicable
VAPOR DENSITY (Air = 1): Not Applicable
% VOLATILE: Not Applicable
MOLECULAR FORMULA: Not Applicable

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

CHEMICAL STABILITY: Stable under conditions of normal use.
INCOMPATIBILITY: Soluble in hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, and concentrated alkali.
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: None.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Thermal decomposition of binder from fires or from first heat of product may release smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and small amounts of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Use adequate ventilation or other precautions to eliminate exposure to vapors resulting from thermal decomposition of binder. Exposure to thermal decomposition fumes may cause respiratory tract irritation, bronchial hyper-reactivity or an asthmatic-type response.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Not Applicable.


11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION



EPIDEMIOLOGY

In 2001, the University of Pittsburgh finalized and published the results of a historical cohort (1946-1992) study of U.S. fiber glass workers. This study represented the world's largest (32,110 workers) and most comprehensive investigation (more than a million persons-years of observation) of long-term health effects of exposure to all types of glass fibers. This study found no increase in mesotheliomas, no increase in non malignant respiratory disease (lung scarring), and no significant increase in respiratory system cancer. There was no relationship between respiratory system cancer and either duration of exposure or time since first exposure. These results are generally similar to other cohort studies conducted in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

TOXICOLOGY

Biosoluble glass fibers (i.e., fibers that do not persist in the lung) were tested extensively in chronic inhalation studies using laboratory rodents and did not cause any mesotheliomas, lung scarring or lung cancer. In other fiber glass studies, animals exposed by artificial means (e.g., implantation and injection) have shown development of tumors.



12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION


No ecological concerns have been identified.

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

WASTE MANAGEMENT

To prevent waste materials from becoming airborne during waste storage, transportation and disposal, a covered container or plastic bagging is recommended.

DISPOSAL

This product, as manufactured, is not classified as a hazardous waste according to Federal regulations (40 CFR 261). Any processing, use, alteration or chemical additions to the product, as purchased, may alter the disposal requirements. Under Federal regulations, it is the waste generator's responsibility to properly characterize a waste material, to determine if it is a "hazardous" waste. Check local, regional, state or provincial regulations to identify all applicable disposal requirements.

EUROPEAN UNION

Waste from this product is not classified as "hazardous" or "special" under European Union regulations. Disposal is permitted at landfills licensed for industrial waste.

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)


Hazard Class: Not Regulated United Nations (UN) Number: Not Applicable
Labels: Not Applicable North America (NA) Number: Not Applicable
Placards: Not Applicable Bill of Lading: Product Name


INTERNATIONAL

Canadian TDG Hazard Class & PIN: Not regulated
Not classified as dangerous goods under ADR (road), RID (train) or IMDG (ship).


15. REGULATORY INFORMATION


UNITED STATES REGULATIONS

EPA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III - This product does not contain any substances reportable under Sections 302, 304, 313, (40 CFR 372).
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) - All substances in this product are listed, as required, on the TSCA inventory.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Clean Air Act (CAA) - This product contains fibers with an average diameter greater than one micron and thus is not considered a hazardous air pollutant.
OSHA: Comply with Hazard Communication Standards 29 CFR 1910.1200 and 29 CFR 1926.59 and the Respiratory Protection Standards 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1926.103.
States: This product is not known to be regulated by any state; however, state and local OSHA and EPA regulations may apply to these products. If in doubt, contact your local regulatory agency.


INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS


Canada: Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) - All substances in this product are listed, as required, on the Domestic Substance List (DSL)


16. OTHER INFORMATION


PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

The Unifrax Corporation has established a program to provide customers with up-to-date information regarding the proper use and handling of this product. In addition, Unifrax Corporation has also established a program to monitor airborne fiber concentrations at customer facilities. If you would like more information about this program, please call the Unifrax Corporation Product Stewardship Information Hotline at 1-800-322-2293.

DEFINITIONS

ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
ADR: Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (International Regulation)
CAA: Clean Air Act
CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
DSL: Domestic Substances List
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
EU: European Union
f/cc: Fibers per cubic centimeter
HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air
HMIS: Hazardous Materials Identification System
IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer
IATA: International Air Transport Association
IMDG: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
mg/m³: Milligrams per cubic meter of air
mmpcf: Million particles per cubic meter
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association
NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
29 CFR 1910.134 & 1926.103: OSHA Respiratory Protection Standards
29 CFR 1910.1200 & 1926.59: OSHA Hazard Communication Standards
PEL: Permissible Exposure Limit (OSHA)
PIN: Product Identification Number
PNOC: Particulates Not Otherwise Classified
PNOR: Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated
PSP: Product Stewardship Program
RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
REL: Recommended Exposure Limit (NIOSH)
RID: Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (International Regulations)
SARA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
SARA Title III: Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act
SARA Section 302: Extremely Hazardous Substances
SARA Section 304: Emergency Release
SARA Section 311: MSDS/List of Chemicals and Hazardous Inventory
SARA Section 312: Emergency and Hazardous Inventory
SARA Section 313: Toxic Chemicals and Release Reporting
STEL: Short Term Exposure Limit`
SVF: Synthetic Vitreous Fiber
TDG: Transportation of Dangerous Goods
TLV: Threshold Limit Value (ACGIH)
TSCA: Toxic Substances Control Act
TWA: Time Weighted Average
WHMIS: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (Canada)


Revision Summary: Revises 09/18/97 MSDS. Substantial revision due to reappraisal of fiber classification.

MSDS Prepared By: UNIFRAX RISK MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT


DISCLAIMER

The information presented herein is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate as of the effective date of this Material Safety Data Sheet. Employers may use this MSDS to supplement other information gathered by them in their efforts to assure the health and safety of their employees and the proper use of the product. This summary of the relevant data reflects professional judgment; employers should note that information perceived to be less relevant has not been included in this MSDS. Therefore, given the summary nature of this document, Unifrax Corporation does not extend any warranty (expressed or implied), assume any responsibility, or make any representation regarding the completeness of this information or its suitability for the purposes envisioned by the user.