Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HABASIT R & VR GRADES

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Remington Pitney Bowes moulded drive belts. Belts may be spliced using approved Pitney
Bowes PCN 3169102 welding tool Manufacturer warns of Health Hazard resultant from heating
of polyurethane in " welding" , splicing operations. Processing above the melt temperature
as required for welding, i.e. at temperatures of 350- 380C, causes some decomposition
releasing MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) vapour/ fumes. These fumes are highly
irritating to the respiratory system and eyes and may cause respiratory sensitisation.
Persons with a history of asthma or other respiratory problems or are known to be
sensitised, should not be engaged in any work involving the handling of isocyanates.
[CCTRADE- Bayer, APMF].

SYNONYMS

"urethane polymer", "polyurethane belt belting"

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.  Not normally a hazard due to the physical form of product. The material is a physical irritant to the gastrointestinal tract.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

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 skin condition.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  Inhalation of vapor is more likely at higher than normal temperatures.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  Sensitization reactions may appear suddenly after repeatedsymptom free exposures.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  This manufactured article is considered to have low hazard potential if handling and personal protection recommendations are followed.  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact with the material and inhalation of fumes from the heated material.  The vapor/mist may be highly irritating to the upper respiratory tract and lungs; the response may be severe enough to produce bronchitis and pulmonary edema. Possible neurological symptoms arising from isocyanate exposure include headache, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia, anxiety neurosis, depression and paranoia. Gastrointestinal disturbances are characterized by nausea and vomiting. Pulmonary sensitization may produce asthmatic reactions ranging from minor breathing difficulties to severe allergic attacks; this may occur following a single acute exposure or may develop without warning for several hours after exposure. Sensitized people can react to very low doses, and should not be allowed to work in situations allowing exposure to this material. Continued exposure of sensitized persons may lead to possible long term respiratory impairment.Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.