Specification with quality class, physical and chemical specifics, including any additives and/or binders and ash melting temperature, is available on request from the manufacturer (see Section 9)

Hazard statements (CLP)

H304, H317, H334

Code

Statements

H304

May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

H 304 Aspiration hazard – Category 1; H 317 Skin Sensitization – Category 3; H 334 Respiratory Sensitization – Category 1. UN GHS Label Elements: All rights reserved © 1

Signal word

Danger Generates carbon-monoxide (CO) and causes oxygen (O2) depletion (see Sections 4 and 7). Warning Dust from wood pellets may cause mild skin irritation; dust containing allergenic species may cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled (see Section 11).

Hazard statements

Wood pellets are combustible if exposed to open fire or heat. Dust from wood pellets when lofted in high concentrations or in layers is explosive if exposed to ignition source (see Section 9). Inhalation of dust from wood pellets may cause respiratory reactions (see Section 4). Inhalation of dust containing allergenic species may cause allergy or asthma symptoms (see Section 4). Contact with skin may cause skin irritation for sensitive persons (see Section 4). Wood pellets have propensity to self-heat. However, for purpose of the UN GHS hazard safety classification wood pellets are not classified as self- heating (see Section 9).

Prevention

Electrical grounding of equipment shall be checked as part of maintenance to avoid ignition by electrostatic discharge and surfaces of equipment such as conveyors and hoppers in direct contact with wood pellets and related dust shall be electrically dissipative (ref. 11 and 13). Safe handling of wood pellets requires diligent and persistent house-keeping. Cleaning of dust shall be done with an electrostatically secure vacuum system. Dust layer shall never be allowed to exceed 3 mm (1/8 inch) in thickness (see Section 7). Fire risk work permitting procedure shall be followed. Halogen lamps or other hot surface equipment in areas where dust from wood pellets may accumulate pose a risk for fires and explosions. If fine wood dust generation is inevitable during bulk wood pellet processing, effective engineering control measures shall be in place to prevent unsafe build-up of wood dust (see Section 7). All personnel working in areas with dust suspended in air may wear an optional dust mask to prevent inhalation of dust if anticipated dust level is below occupational exposure guidelines. The use of properly fit-tested respirator with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cartridge is required if dust level is expected to exceed occupational exposure guidelines (see Section 8 and 11). Before entering a storage space with wood pellets the space shall be sufficiently ventilated to make sure the conditions as specified in Section 7 are secured due to the release of carbon-monoxide (CO), oxygen (O2) depletion by wood pellets, or possible generation of re-entrainment of settled All rights reserved © 2 wood dust. For confined space related entry, site-specific Confined Space Entry Work Permit procedures shall be followed. Bulk Storage and Handling: Store in dry well ventilated space with capability to cool the wood pellets. If forced ventilation is used, do not ventilate if the ambient air temperature exceeds the temperature in the wood pellets pile or ambient relative humidity is higher than 80%. When wood pellets reach a temperature above safe level, circulate the material outside the storage containment and cool to safe temperature (see Section 7). In all cases, ventilated air shall not be re-circulated into indoor environment without regulated regional government approval. Do not expose to rain or high moisture conditions during handling such as loading or discharging of ocean vessels (see Section 14). Avoid prolonged storage of wood pellets in moist and warm environment to minimize possible mould growth. Consult with qualified professional if mould remediation is required (see Section 8) regarding mould exposure control measure). Do not use water as extinguishing media when stored in contained space since wood pellets may swell 3-4 times in volume (see Section 5).

Disposal

Do not store wood pellets and related dust in space with poor ventilation (see Section 13). Regarding disposal from ocean vessel, see Section 14.

2.3 Other hazards

Angle of repose and drain are approximately 30 degrees and 35 degrees respectively. When working inside silos bridging and clogging may collapse without warning and cause engulfment of victim resulting in asphyxiation. Entry into confined containments such as silos and storage bins shall only be done following site specific Confined Space Entry Work Permit Procedures and rescue plan (see Section 8).