Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

VINYL INDICATING MATERIAL

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Acid resistant valve bonnet covers to contain high pressure spray leaks in process lines.

SYNONYMS

"Indicating valve safety covers", "safety covers for flanges"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Irritating to skin.
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

SKIN

  This material can cause inflammation of the skin oncontact in some persons.  The material is mildly abrasive and may produce discomfort which results in a temporary skin rash. Discomfort is accentuated by fiber adhering to sweaty skin at higher temperatures.  

INHALED

  The dust may produce upper respiratory tract discomfort. Nose and throat discomfort may be transitory. Cutting and trimming may result in fiber dislodgment and dust production.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact with the material and inhalation of generated dust.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  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.  Repeated exposure to fibreglass results in immune response (toughening of  skin) so that irritation (rash) often subsides in 2-3 weeks. The  irritation and response recurs if exposure is intermittent. If irritation  persists, despite correct protective clothing worker terminate exposure and  seek medical advice.  There is little evidence for acute toxicity after inhalation of MMMF.  Glasswool administered by inhalation produces little pulmonary  fibrosis in experimental animals.  No increase in the occurrence of mesothelioma has been observed in man-made  mineral fibre production workers. [IARC Monograph #43 - 1988]