Document RLqwwD3z7n44B15BOjZR3GBV

Issue Date: January, 1981 llFGoodrich Bulletin G-62 Second Edition (Revised) MATERIAL SAFETY DATA Geon Vinyl Resins, Compounds ABOUT THIS BULLETIN The data in this bulletin is applicable to all Geon vinyl resins -- general purpose type, Super EP type, dispersion resins, blending resins, powder coating resins -- and to all grades of rigid, flexible and Geon cellular vinyl compounds. This bulletin is not applicable to Geon latexes nor to Geon CPVC materials. The data in this bulletin is limited to the safe han dling and use of the PVC polymer itself and to PVC based compounds we manufacture. It does not in clude information on the suitability of PVC for any particular application nor discuss any precautions that may be necessary during product use in service. The format used to report material safety data infor mation is essentially similar to the U.S. Department of Labor Form OSHA 20 modified to facilitate description of our materials. USER'S RESPONSIBILITIES A bulletin such as this cannot be expected to cover all possible individual situations. In addition, the conditions under which our products are processed and used are beyond our control. The products described herein can be hazardous if not processed properly. As the user of Geon vinyls has the responsibility to provide a safe workplace, ail aspects of an individual operation should be exam ined to determine if or where precautions, in addi tion to those described herein, are required. Any health hazard and safety information contained herein should be passed on to your customers or employees, as the case may be. BFGoodrich must rely on the user of Geon vinyls to utilize the infor mation we have supplied to develop work practice guidelines and employee instructional programs for the individual operation. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY As the conditions or methods of use are beyond our control, we do not assume any responsibility and expressly disclaim any liability for any use of this material. Information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate but all statements or sug gestions are made without any warranty, express or implied, regarding accuracy of the information, the hazards connected with the use of the material or the results to be obtained from the use thereof. GENERAL INFORMATION This bulletin has been prepared to provide guide lines and appropriate precautions to assist our customers in the safe handling and use of Geon vinyl resins and compounds. BFGoodrich recom mends that, before use, safety personnel and employees handling Geon vinyls read and under stand the information and precautions presented herein. During processing or post-processing operations involving heat sufficient to cause mass melting, the sum total of the compounding ingredients present may emit vapors and odors irritating to the respira tory tract, eyes and skin. BFGoodrich recommends that Geon vinyls always be used under wellventilated conditions to avoid significant employee exposure. SECTION I Manufacturer's Name The BFGoodrich Company, Chemical Group Address 6100 Oak Tree Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44131 Telephone Number (216) 447-6000 Trademark Geon Vinyls Chemical Name Poly (vinyl chloride), PVC Formula (CH* CHCL)n Chemical Family Vinyl Chloride Homopolymer (With the following excep tions): Geon 135: Copolymer of vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate Geon 137: Carboxy-modified vinyl chloride polymer Geon 138: Copolymer of vinyl chloride/vinyl ester SECTION II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS PVC resins contain small but detectable amounts of residual vinyl chloride monomer(VCM),acancersuspect agent. Extensive product and process im provements have resulted in the reduction of residual vinyl chloride monomer to a very low level in prime grades of major Geon vinyl resins (See Table 1 and read Section V). Other ingredients, such as stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, and pigments are added with resin to manufacture PVC compounds. The sum total of all ingredients will emit vapors during processing. All possible health effects of these vapors are not known and individual sensitivities will vary. Ex posure may produce acute health effects in some sensitive individuals. The effects relate primarily to eye, nose, and throat irritation. Efficient ventila tion should be provided (read Section VIII) to pre vent significant employee exposure. BFGoodrich recommends that these materials be used under well-ventilated conditions to avoid breathing these vapors. BFG38288 Solvents No organic solvents are used in the manufacture of Geon vinyl resins. Organic solvents may be used in the manufacture of stabilizers and other ingre dients, and therefore, be detectable in small amounts in PVC compound. SECTION IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA Carcinogenic Chemicals See Table III. Heavy Metals A) Resin: No lead, mercury, other heavy metals or heavy metal compounds are used in the manu facture of Geon vinyl resins. These materials are ubiquitous and trace quantities may be found in the environment. B) Compound: Geon vinyl compounds contain heavy metal stabilizers generally in amounts less than 5%. These may include organometallics such as tin, lead, cadmium, barium and zinc and metallic salts such as basic lead carbonate and basic lead sulfate. Extinguishing Media Water is most effective. ABC dry powder and protein type air foams are also effective. Geon vinyls would be considered "ordinary combustibles" (NFPA defined Class A). Carbon dioxide is not generally recommended for use on Class A fires as a lack of cooling capacity may result in reignition. Special Fire Fighting Procedure Self-contained breathing apparatus should be used for fires in which PVC becomes involved. Personnel not having suitable respiratory protection should leave the area to prevent significant exposure to toxic combustion gases. Decomposition Products Plasticizer Geon vinyl flexible (plasticized) compounds will contain polymeric, monomeric or mixed ester plasticizer in amounts generally between 20%-50%. These materials are volatile when heated, and will contribute to the sum total of the A) When forced to burn, PVC combustion products will mainly be carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride and smoke. Other gases, in cluding aromatics and aliphatics, are present in small amounts. Geon 135 will also contribute minor amounts of acetic acid as gas and smoke. vapors released during processing. Inhalation of, or overexposure to, PVC combus Pigments Geon vinyl compounds may contain commonly available pigments based on lead, iron oxide, car bon black, chromium, ultramarines, titanium diox ide, mercadmiums, phthalocyanines, molybdates, quinacridones and other organic or inorganic materials. In cube compound, these pigments are tion products and primarily hydrogen chloride will cause irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Depending on the severity of exposure, physiological response to inhalation will be coughing, pain, inflammation, edema, and des quamation in the upper respiratory tract. When burned, PVC will have a detectable pungent odor. typically bound-up in our manufacturing process and are not expected to create any hazard in han dling or processing. In powder compounds, because of potential dusty conditions, respiratory protection may be required. If conditions exist where dust is possible, the employee should be provided with a suitable NIOSH approved respirator. (See Section VIII. See Table III). The combustion products of PVC, like those from most other natural and synthetic materials, must be considered toxic. Like most conven tional materials including wood, paper and cot ton, the major hazard is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide acts as an asphyxiant while hydrogen chloride is highly irritating. B) Under abnormal processing conditions (in SECTION III cluding equipment malfunctions or plug-up) decomposition of PVC compound may occur in an extruder, injection molding machine, or othei PHYSICAL DATA (Typical data, not specifications) Specific Gravity (HiO = 1.0). Resin: 1.40. Compound: See Product Data Sheet. Solubility in Water -- Slight. processing equipment, resulting in characteristic whitish smoke which will contair hydrogen chloride and vapors from metallic stabilizers and other ingredients. Inhalation wil result in irritation of the respiratory tract, eye; and skin resulting in coughing, pain, and inflam mation. Employees involved in removing decom Particle Size posing materials should be provided witl Resin: See Table II Compound: Cubes measuring approximately 3f16- inch per side; or powder. Particle size of powder compound varies due to q 0 compounding ingredients. Appearance and Odor Resin: White powder, practically odorless or oo suitable air supplied respirators. Decomposim compound should be removed to a well ventilated area, preferably outdoors, am thoroughly soaked with water. Stand safely bac while dousing since water contacting the he decomposing compound may result in a explosion-like burst of steam. bland odor. ^ Refer to Cumulative Supplement June 197' Compound: Pigmented or unpigmented cubical NIOSH Certified Equipment, NIOSH #77-195, fc granules or powder, slight odor. a listing of NIOSH approved respirators. It can t obtained, no charge, from Publications Dissemination, DTS NIOSH 4676 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45226 C) During typical break-down and clean-up of equipment after processing, PVC compound may be held at processing temperature for a short period. While this should not result in significant decomposition, it should be under stood that the combined vapors from ail ingred ients will be present. PVC compound cannot be held static in processing equipment under high heat or at processing temperature for extended periods of time. Decomposition will occur. Dur ing equipment clean-up operations, avoid inhala tion of fumes. Local exhaust ventilation should be provided to prevent significant employee exposure. D) Post-processing operations at your workplace or at your customer's workplace involving heat suf ficient to result in polymer breakdown emitting smoke and fumes should always be conducted in a manner to avoid inhalation of fumes. Local exhaust ventilation should be provided to pre vent significant employee exposure. Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards The potential dust explosion hazard of PVC has been evaluated by BFGoodrich using the Hartmann Vertical Tube Apparatus developed by the Bureau of Mines. In this test, resin is fluidized in a vertical tube using a stream of air. Ignition is accomplished using a high voltage alternating current spark applied across brass terminals. Research has also been reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) based on equations using data from a bat tery of tests. PVC Resin: - Geon vinyl resins representing fine particle size (2 Microns: Geon 121), medium particle size (75 Microns: Geon 141 (140 x 31)and large particle size (130 Microns: Geon 103EPF76) neither ignited nor exploded in a test range of 0.1-2.0 gm/liter concentra tion using standard conditions of test. Fluidization becomes difficult at and above the 2.0 gm/liter level making it impractical to test at greater volumes. - The N FPA (Fire Protection Handbook, 14th Edition, pg. 3-112) shows "fine" particle size homopolymer PVC resin to have a low order of risk: Explosibility Index 0.1 (Weak) q Ignition Sensitivity 0.1 (Weak) 0\ Explosion Severity <0.1 (Weak) CN oo - These data indicate that typical homo- 2 polymer PVC resin has a very low y order of explosion risk. As a precau- tion, it is prudent to employ standard w safety measures used in handling finely divided organic powders. PVC -Cube Compound, because of large Compound: particle size, does not represent an explosion hazard. - Powder Compound, because of fine particle size fillers and additives or liquids added to the PVC resin, may have increased dust explosion poten tial. Because of the wide variety of possible ingredient combinations, operations using plasticized or unplasticized powder compounds should be evaluated as the individual situation exists. - The NFPA (Fire Protection Handbook, 14th Ed., pg. 3-112) reports the follow ing for a PVC (67%)/DOP (33%) mixture: Explosibility Index 2.9 (Strong) ignition Sensitivity 3.6 (Strong) Explosion Severity 0.8 (Moderate) - Implement precautions to control or eliminate likely sources of ignition, such as static build-up. Maintain good housekeeping, notably, ventilation, to prevent accumulation of potentially explosive dust concentrations. Prop erly maintain and operate dust control devices. Ignition Characteristics (ASTM D-1929) PVC resin has a flash-ignition temperature of about 391 C (735F) and a self-ignition temperature of aboqt 454C (850F). Because PVC polymer con tains chlorine in the molecule, these materials are difficult to ignite and burn slowly. Like all organic materials, PVC is combustible and can be forced to burn by continuous application of intense heat. Like all combustible materials, protect from open flame and maintain proper clearance when using portable heat devices, etc. Safely store flammable liquids away from PVC. Flash Ignition Temperature: The lowest initial temperature of air passing around the specimen at which sufficient combustible gas is evolved to be ignited by a small external pilot flame. Seif-Ignition Temperature: The lowest initial temperature of air passing around the specimen at which, in the absence of an ignition source, ig nition occurs of itself, as indicated by an explo sion, flame or sustained glow. SECTION V HEALTH HAZARD DATA Threshold Limit Value None established. Effects of Overexposure Processing vapors may produce acute health ef fects in some individuals. The effects relate primar- ily to eye, nose and throat irritation. Individuals with bronchial asthma and other types of chronic ob structive respiratory disease may develop bronchspasm if exposure ts prolonged. Emergency and First Aid Procedures If irritation persists, remove affected individual from the area. Call a physician. Provide protection before re-entry. If overexposure occurs, leave the area. Skin Sensitization. Human patch tests conducted with numerous Geon vinyl resins indicate these materials have a low order of toxicity and do not cause skin sensi tization. Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) By a process called polymerization, vinyl chloride monomer, which is a gas at ordinary temperature and pressure, is converted into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, which is a white powder. A small number of workers exposed for many years to large amounts of VCM gas developed a rare cancer of the liver called angiosarcoma. All confirmed VCM re lated cases have been among workers in plants that either manufacture VCM or convert VCM into PVC. OSHA has implemented regulations which also ap ply to PVC because small amounts of residual VCM remain in resins or compounds and potentially may be released into the workplace atmosphere during storage or processing. VCM Monitoring Requirements Current OSHA regulations require all facilities where PVC is processed (including blends of PVC with other polymers) or fabricated (with heat suffi cient to cause mass melting*) shall be monitored to determine concentrations of ambient VCM in the workplace atmosphere. These regulations require that no employee may be exposed to VCM concen trations greater than 1.0 ppm (part per million by volume) averaged over any eight hour period or 5.0 ppm averaged over any period not exceeding 15 minutes. The action level is 0.5 ppm averaged over any eight hour work day. Monitoring may be discontinued for any employee only when at least two consecutive determinations, made not less than five working days apart, show ex posures for that employee at or below the action level. REFERTOOSHAREGULATIONS(INCLUDING 1910.1017) FOR COMPLETE DETAILS. Since small quantities of VCM do remain in PVC resin, we recommend that periodic monitoring pro grams be conducted. If you choose to have monitor ing conducted by an independent laboratory, we suggest that the laboratory be one accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. "`Mass melting" occurs when the entire structure is heated so that the physical integrity and form of GG the input material is lost. *Tl Places where VCM May Concentrate O u> With the low level of residual VCM in today's resins and by following the guidelines provided in this ^ bulletin, it is highly unlikely under normal circum- h- stances that anyone engaged in handling or pro cessing Geon vinyls will be exposed to ambient VCM concentrations above the OSHA "action level." There are, however, conditions under which VCM may accumulate to measurable amounts in the workplace atmosphere. Since VCM is volatile, it is released from the resin gradually in storage and more rapidly under heat from further processing. Open, handle, and use PVC resin and compound under well-ventilated conditions to avoid significant employee exposure. Areas where VCM might concentrate are: 1) Closed containers such as bulk railcars, bulk trucks, storage tanks, and drums. Vent the air space above the resin or compound and monitor for VCM; or, provide suitable respiratory protec tion prior to exposure of personnel (See OSHA 1910.1017). 2) Storage areas for bagged or boxed PVC and places where incoming resins and compounds are unloaded, where packages are first opened, and where material is first melted. Provide suit able ventilation. 3) Processing areas such as compound prepara tion; extruding, curing, or coating operations, and other areas where heat is being applied. Pro vide suitable ventilation. VCM at levels below 260 ppm reportedly cannot be detected by odor. Suitable test equipment and methods must be used. Low VCM Content of Geon Vinyls BFGoodrich has implemented continuing technical efforts to reduce the level of VCM in the work atmos phere, the environment, and in PVC resin. Extensive product and process improvements have resulted in General Purpose, EP-type, Dispersion and Mass Polymerized Blending resins with extremely low levels of residual VCM. Residual VCM in major types of Geon vinyl resins are presented in Table 1. Studies in PVC processing and fabricating plants have shown exposures to be below the "action level." With current resins, in combination with ven tilation and work practice programs, it should be possible for a typical processing plant not to have to regulate the area. Compliance with OSHA regula tions requires that a program of initial monitoring be implemented (See OSHA 1910.1017). BFGoodrich recommends that periodic monitoring be con ducted thereafter. Progress has also been made in reducing residual VCM in suspension grade blending and paste resins. Because of the unique characteristics of blending and paste resins, there is greater technical difficulty in stripping residual VCM without damag ing the polymer. Residual VCM in suspension grade blending and paste resins may result in detectable quantities of ambient VCM above the action level ir storage and processing areas of the resin user's plant. The user should monitor personnel periodic ally and implement ventilation and work practic< programs to prevent significant employee exposuri and to comply with OSHA regulation 1910.1017. SECTION VI REACTIVITY DATA Stability -- Stable. Decomposition Products -- See Section IV. Hazardous Polymerization -- Will Not Occur. Incompatibility Avoid contact of PVC resin or compound with acetal or acetal copolymers and with amine-containing materials during processing. At processing condi tions these materials are mutually destructive and involve rapid degradation of the products. Thor oughly purge and mechanically clean processing equipment to avoid even trace quantities of these materials from coming in contact with each other. Prevent cross contamination of feedstocks. SECTION VII SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled Sweep, shovel, or vacuum into containers for reuse or disposal. If conditions occur where dust is possi ble, employees should be supplied with NIOSH ap proved respirator. (See Section VIII). Waste Disposal Method Landfill or incineration in accordance with federal, state, or local regulations. If incinerated, be aware that corrosive hydrogen chloride is generated. Geon vinyl resins and compounds are not defined or designated as hazardous for waste disposal pur poses under the current provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. (40CFR261) SECTION VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION Ventilation Exhaust ventilation designed to pull vapors away from workers should be installed at all mixing opera tions, the hot end and feed area of processing equip ment and at cut-off equipment. Ventilation should always be used to prevent routine inhalation of smoke, fumes or vapors from processing or other operations. Other operations to consider include regrind operations, thermoforming, heat sealing, soldering, and curing. We suggest that you obtain a copy of the NIOSH Recommended Industrial Ventilation Guidelines, GPO #017-033-00136-7. It can be obtained from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. There is a fee for this publication ($3.90as of September, 1980). Respiratory Protection -- Dust OSHA 1910.1000(e) requires wearing of approved respirator or implementing appropriate engineering controls if airborne concentrations of dust particles exceed 15 mg/m3 of total dust, or 5 mg/m3 of respir able dust. Health authorities recognize respirable dust to be particles 10 microns or smaller in size. Typical particle size for suspension and mass PVC resins is 130-150 microns; blending resins 40-80 microns. Dispersion resins have an average particle size below 10 microns. Note: While there is no evidence of a substantial risk to health, a British study found a small decrease in breathing capacity for workers who smoked and were exposed to PVC dust. This decrease was about one-seventh of that caused by normal aging and about equal to that expected with a one-pack-a-day cigarette smoker. There was no significant decrease from inhalation of PVC dust by non-smokers. These findings indicate that it is prudent to minimize PVC dust exposure as much as possible. Other Protection information 1) PVC resin must be compounded with other ingre dients. If you purchase PVC resin, the other in gredients you select for compounding purposes may require special consideration, especially respiratory protection. You must determine to your own satisfaction that your techniques, pro cesses and additives comply with applicable regulations. As we cannot be responsible for materials or operations outside of our direct con trol, contact your additive supplier for informa tion regarding specific compounding ingredients you select. 2) Safety glasses are recommended for all indus trial workplaces. Special protective gloves and clothing are not normally required. Wear gloves when handling hot PVC. SECTION IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS 1) Vapors emitted during processing may condense on exhaust hoods, ductwork or other surfaces. Avoid skin contact with condensate during clean up operations. Condensate may contain contam inants which may be toxic. Rubber gloves should be worn when cleaning condensate from exhaust hoods and other surfaces. 2) Observe good rules of personal industrial hygiene. Wash hands prior to eating, smoking, or using toilet facilities. Do not store or consume food in processing areas. Do not use processing equipment to heat food. 3) The process of regrinding PVC scrap for re extrusion or waste disposal generally results in substantial heat. Cool regrind before placing it in cl containers. The excellent insulating quality of PVC will prevent heat in the center of a container 00 from escaping, potentially resulting in slow therco mal decomposition of the material. This may not O only render the product unsatisfactory for further processing but also result in fumes and vapors PQ from ail ingredients being released into the work place atmosphere which can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes and skin. 4) Remove PVC resin or compound from walkways and floors to prevent slippery footing.