THE SAFETY DATA SHEET PART 2
In our previous article we explained the first five segments of the Safety Data Sheet - (SMI2331). In this article we will elaborate on the distinction of the first eight segments (one to eight) from remaining eight segments (nine to sixteen) of the Safety Data Sheet. The general difference between these two parts of the SDS is that the first part provides crucial information to anyone who wants it for safety purposes and in case of emergencies; the second part contains scientific and technical details on physical and chemical properties of the substance.
Let us look at a few examples as a continuation of our previous article The Safety Data Sheet to get a better understanding of this distinction.
Section 6: Accidental release measures
This section provides response recommendations for leaks, releases and spills of the chemical. It also provides containment and cleanup practices to minimize or prevent damage to the environment, property or people. Details of our used marine oil would include:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
For non-emergency personnel: No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training. Evacuate surrounding areas. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from entering. Do not touch or walk through spilt material. Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Provide adequate ventilation. Put on appropriate personal protective equipment. Floors may be slippery; use care to avoid falling. Contact emergency personnel.
For emergency responders: Entry into a confined space or poorly ventilated area contaminated with vapor, mist or fume is extremely hazardous without the correct respiratory protective equipment and a safe system of work. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Wear a suitable chemical protective suit. Chemical resistant boots. See also the information in "For non-emergency personnel".
Environmental Precautions: Avoid dispersal of spilt material and runoff and contact with soil, waterways, drains and sewers. Inform the relevant authorities if the product has caused environmental pollution (sewers, waterways, soil or air). Water polluting material. May be harmful to the environment if released in large quantities.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Small spill: Stop leak if without risk. Move containers from spill area. Absorb with an inert material and place in an appropriate waste disposal container. Dispose of via a licensed waste disposal contractor.
Large spill: Stop leak if without risk. Move containers from spill area. Approach the release from upwind. Prevent entry into sewers, water courses, basements or confined areas. Contain and collect spillage with non-combustible, absorbent material e.g. sand, earth, vermiculite or diatomaceous earth and place in container for disposal according to local regulations. Contaminated absorbent material may pose the same hazard as the spilt product. Dispose of via a licensed waste disposal contractor.
Section 7: Handling and storage
This section provides guidance on safe handling and storage of the chemical. It provide advice on specific storage requirements and lists out incompatibilities. Details of our used marine oil would include:
Precautions for safe handling: Put on appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8). Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Do not get in eyes or on skin or clothing. Do not ingest. Avoid breathing vapour or mist. If during normal use the material presents a respiratory hazard, use only with adequate ventilation or wear appropriate respirator. Keep in the original container or an approved alternative made from a compatible material, kept tightly closed when not in use. Empty containers retain product residue and can be hazardous. Do not reuse container. Avoid contact of spilt material and runoff with soil and surface waterways.
Conditions for safe storage: Store in accordance with local regulations. Store in original container protected from direct sunlight in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials (see section 10) and food and drink. Store locked up. Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Store and use only in equipment/containers designed for use with this product. Containers that have been opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Do not store in unlabelled containers. Use appropriate containment to avoid environmental contamination.
Not suitable: Prolonged exposure to elevated temperature.
Sections for technical details
Apart from the general safety and first aid measures, there is a substantial amount of information that is required by people that handle the chemical. This information, however critical, is not essential for people that do not handle the chemical. Sections 9 to 16 of the SDS contain such information; let’s look at a couple of them from our used marine oil example for a better understanding.
Section 10: Stability and reactivity
Reactivity: No specific test data available for this product. Refer to Conditions to avoid and Incompatible materials for additional information.
Chemical stability: The product is stable.
Possibility of hazardous reactions: Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous reactions will not occur. Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous polymerization will not occur.
Conditions to avoid: Avoid excessive heat.
Incompatible materials: Reactive or incompatible with the following materials: oxidizing materials.
Hazardous decomposition products: Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous decomposition products should not be produced.
Section 11: Toxicological information
Information on toxicological effects
Aspiration hazard: Not available.
Information on the likely routes of exposure: Routes of entry anticipated: Dermal, Inhalation.
Potential acute health effects
Eye contact: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Inhalation: Vapor inhalation under ambient conditions is not normally a problem due to low vapor pressure.
Skin contact: Defatting to the skin. May cause skin dryness and irritation.
Ingestion: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Symptoms related to the physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics
Eye contact: No specific data.
Inhalation: May be harmful by inhalation if exposure to vapour, mists or fumes resulting from thermal decomposition products occurs.
Skin contact: Adverse symptoms may include the following: irritation, dryness, cracking.
Ingestion: No specific data.
Delayed and immediate effects and also chronic effects from short and long term exposure
Eye contact: Potential risk of transient stinging or redness if accidental eye contact occurs.
Inhalation: Overexposure to the inhalation of airborne droplets or aerosols may cause irritation of the respiratory tract.
Skin contact: Prolonged or repeated contact can defat the skin and lead to irritation, cracking and/or dermatitis.
Ingestion: Ingestion of large quantities may cause nausea and diarrhea.
Potential chronic health effects
General: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Carcinogenicity: May cause cancer. Risk of cancer depends on duration and level of exposure.
Mutagenicity: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Teratogenicity: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Developmental effects: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Fertility effects: No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Non-mandatory sections
The sections in SDS from 12 to 15 are Non-mandatory as they contain information that is readily available in greater detail to people that carry out relevant activities, but they are still included in the SDS as they are crucial to safety of the environment and people.