Marcus 5005, 5010

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Hazard Summary: May form combustible dust – air mixtures. During processing dust may form explosive mixture in air. Static charges on powders or powders in liquids may ignite combustible atmospheres. Product dust may be irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory system. Thermal decomposition can lead to release of irritating gases and vapors. The molten product can cause serious burns. Advice on protection against fire and explosion: All fine particle – sized combustible solids have the potential to create a dust explosion hazard. The likelihood of an explosion can be dependent upon many factors such as the explosive characteristics of the material, the design of the facility, and the manner in which the material is handled. Regular cleaning frequencies should be established to minimize the accumulation of dusts on such surfaces. Cleaning should be performed in a manner that minimizes the generation of dust clouds. Dust may form explosive mixture in air Avoid dust formation. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. Static Electricity: Electrostatic charges of non-conductive materials is a natural phenomenon ranging from harmless to a nuisance to a hazard, depending on the degree of charging and the environment where the discharge takes place. In the case of micronized polymers and waxes, very high levels of static electricity develop in their manufacture, transportation and handling. These products, being poor conductors of electricity, can and will hold a static charge for long periods of time. The generation of static electricity cannot be prevented because its intrinsic origins are present at every particle interface. With this in mind, a great deal of care should be exercised when handling this type of product in or around flammable liquids, particularly if the liquid is at or near its flashpoint. Dust may form explosive mixture in air. Avoid dust formation provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.

Health hazards

Skin Not a primary irritant. Molten wax will cause burns upon contact. Eyes Molten wax fumes or dust particles may be slightly irritating to eyes. Inhalation Molten wax fumes may cause mild respiratory irritation. Powder may cause minor nuisance irritation. Exposure limit for total product (threshold limit value): OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1000 recommended by ACGIH 5 mgms/m3 (respirable dust) 10 mgms/m3 (total dust) Ingestion No known effects. Products have low toxicity (acute oral > 2500 mg/kg). Symptoms Mild irritation as noted above.