SAFETY DATA SHEET
MSDS No. M0026
Effective Date: 10/20/2011



1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Product Group: POLYCRYSTALLINE FIBER PRODUCT
Chemical Name: POLYCRYSTALLINE ALUMINOSILICATE FIBERS
Synonym(s): Polycrystalline fiber, polycrystalline wool (PCW), mullite, man-made mineral fiber (MMMF), synthetic fiber, high temperature insulation wool (HTIW)
Trade Names: FIBERMAX® MULLITE FIBER PRODUCTS
FIBERS
Fibermax® Bulk; Fibermax®-A; Fibermax®-TG
MATS
Fibermax® Mat; Fibermax® LS Mat
MODULES
ANCHOR-LOC® 3000 MODULES
Power-Loc® 30; Screw-Loc® 30; Thread-Loc® 30; Weld-Loc® 30
Manufacturer/Supplier:Unifrax I LLC
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 SDSs, 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. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

WARNING!
POSSIBLE CANCER HAZARD BY INHALATION.
(See Section 11 for more information)


HEALTH EFFECTS SUMMARY

Studies examining occupationally exposed workers have shown no increased incidence of respiratory disease. See section 11 for more information.



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

RESPIRATORY TRACT (nose & throat) IRRITATION:
If inhaled in sufficient quantity, may cause temporary, mild mechanical irritation to respiratory tract. Symptoms may include scratchiness of the nose or throat, cough or chest discomfort.

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

In 1988 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified man-made mineral fibers as possible human carcinogens (Group 2b), and at that time, PCWs were included in this broad category of materials. See section 11 for more information.

The Annual Report on Carcinogens prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), (latest edition) classified “ceramic fibers (respirable size)” as reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens.

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) –

Health 1*Flammability 0Reactivity 0Personal Protection Index: X (Employer Determined)
(* denotes potential for chronic effects)


3. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
COMPONENTSCAS NUMBER
% BY WEIGHT
Aluminosilicate fiber (polycrystalline) 675106-31-7
100
(See Section 8 "Exposure Controls / Personal Protection" for exposure guidelines)

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: 0Health: 1Reactivity: 0Special: 0


NFPA Unusual Hazards: None
Flammable Properties: None
Flash Point: None
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: None
Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for type of surrounding fire.

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

SPILL PROCEDURES

Minimize 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

COMPONENTSOSHA PELMANUFACTURER REG
Aluminosilicate fiber (polycrystalline)None Established*See Below**

* There is no specific regulatory standard for polycrystalline fiber in the U.S. OSHA’s “Particulate Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR)” standard [29 CFR 1910.1000, Subpart Z, Air Contaminants] applies generally; Total Dust 15 mg/m³; Respirable Fraction 5 mg/m³.
** As with most industrial materials, it is prudent to minimize unnecessary exposure to respirable dusts. Note that Industrial hygiene standards and occupational exposure limits differ between countries and local jurisdictions. Check with your employer to identify any "respirable dust", "total dust" or "fiber" exposure standards to follow in your area. If no regulatory dust or fiber control standard apply, a qualified industrial hygiene professional can assist with a specific evaluation of workplace conditions and the identification of appropriate respiratory protection practices. In the absence of other guidance, the supplier has found that it is generally feasible to control occupational fiber exposure to 0.5 f/cc or less.

OTHER OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LEVELS (OEL)

ACGIH TLV's : Polycrystalline fiber -- Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC) : Inhalable particulate -- 10 mg/m³. Respirable particulate -- 3 mg/m³. The evaluation of occupational exposure limits and determining their relative applicability to the workplace is best performed, on a case-by-case basis, by a qualified Industrial Hygienist.

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

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.

Respiratory Protection:

When effective engineering and/or administrative controls are insufficient, the use of appropriate respiratory protection, pursuant to the requirements of OSHA 1910.134, is recommended. For dust concentrations below the applicable exposure limit value, PPE is not required. 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.


9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

ODOR AND APPEARANCE:White, odorless, fibrous wool
CHEMICAL FAMILY:Polycrystalline Wool
BOILING POINT:Not Applicable
WATER SOLUBILITY (%):Not Soluble in Water
MELTING POINT:1760° C (3200° F)
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:2.50 – 2.75
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:None.
CONDITIONS TO AVOID:None.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:None.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:Not Applicable.

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Employees engaged in manufacturing polycrystalline fiber are subject to an on-going medical surveillance program. This study has indicated no increased incidence of respiratory disease or other adverse health effects attributable to occupational fiber exposure.

In 1988, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considered the carcinogenicity of several groups of fibers. One grouping they defined consigned a range of disparate fiber types ((polycrystalline fiber, refractory ceramic fiber (referred to as RCF) and single crystal whiskers)) into a broad, single category they termed “ceramic fibers”. The IARC monograph clearly indicated that test data specific to polycrystalline fibers were negative, but according to the IARC classification principles, positive results with other fiber types led to the conclusion that all fibers in the group should be considered as possible human carcinogens (IARC Category 2B). In a subsequent monograph on MMVF (2002), IARC did not specifically re-evaluate polycrystalline fiber.

Lifetime rat inhalation studies of polycrystalline fiber show that at the maximum dose level tested, there was no evidence of lung cancer, lung fibrosis or any other adverse effect, apart from a minimal pulmonary response typical of that of a “low toxicity dust”. Intraperitoneal, intratracheal and intrapleural studies in rats, together with two in vitro tests, have all shown negative results.



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.

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

Hazard Class:Not RegulatedUnited Nations (UN) Number:Not Applicable
Labels:Not ApplicableNorth America (NA) Number:Not Applicable
Placards:Not ApplicableBill 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). Sections 311 and 312 (40 CFR 370) apply (delayed hazard).
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) - PCW has been assigned a CAS number; however; it is an "article" under TSCA and therefore exempt from listing 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.
California:“Ceramic fibers (airborne particles of respirable size)” is listed in Proposition 65, The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.
Other States:PCW products are not known to be regulated by states other than California; 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 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) – Classified as Class D2A – Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
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

Unifrax has established a program to provide customers with up-to-date information regarding the proper use and handling of polycrystalline fiber. In addition, Unifrax 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 Product Stewardship Information Hotline at 1-800-322-2293.

The HTIW Coalition (formerly known as the Refractory Ceramic Fibers Coalition (RCFC)) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are partners in PSP HTW, a comprehensive, multi-faceted risk management program designed to control and reduce workplace exposures to high temperature insulation wools (HTIW). For more information regarding PSP HTW, please call the HTIW Coalition member company.

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: Updated throughout. Replaces 10/22/2010 MSDS

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 Safety Data Sheet. Employers may use this SDS 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 SDS. Therefore, given the summary nature of this document, Unifrax I LLC 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.