Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KMC STABLE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Drilling additive for water- base fluid systems.

SYNONYMS

"Kota Minerals", "oil well drilling fluid additive", gilsonite

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.  

EYE

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material can causeeye irritation and damage in some persons.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  The material may accentuate any pre-existing dermatitis condition.  

INHALED

  There is some evidence to suggest that this material, if inhaled, can irritate the throat and lungs of some persons.  Although inhalation is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still produce health damage, especially where pre-existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally confined to doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-  health).  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by eye contact, skin contact with the material and inhalation of vapor/spray mist.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.  While generally regarded as having low toxicity reports of irritation and  skin sensitisation have been reported when exposure to fine gilsonite dust  has occurred for long periods. However studies have shown no pulmonary  involvement for workers exposed to levels above dust exposure standard.