Health & Safety Data Sheet
1. Product Description
Surface treated Skirtings, Architraves, Window Boards and Dado Rails formed from MDF-MR manufactured to BS 1142.
Constituents:
- Mixed Softwood Fibres
- Paraffin Wax
- Surface Sealants/Primers
- Melamine modified Urea/Formaldehyde Resin with less than 0.04% extractable Formaldehyde
- Maximum possible Formaldehyde Emission level 0.3ppm
- Other inert ingredients less than 10%
2. Precautions
There are no known synergistic reactions with these products. Ingestion and skin absorption risks are negligible. The precautions which are necessary are those relating to the similarity of the products to natural softwoods, i.e. the normal control measures required to minimise exposure to inhalation of, or eye contact with, wood dusts.
3. Fire & Explosion Hazards
The mouldings themselves are more resistant to fire than natural softwood timbers but will burn similarly, and should be extinguished with water. Airborne wood dust caused by post-working operations, such as sawing, may present an explosion hazard if allowed to build up. Dust should be removed continuously from such operations. Smoking should not be permitted.
4. Health Hazards
During post-working of the mouldings wood dust may be generated and very low concentrations of formaldehyde may be released.
Whilst high levels of hardwood dust have been shown to produce asthmatic reactions, this is not the case for softwood or MDF dust. It is however irritating when inhaled or if it enters the eyes and this should be avoided.
Formaldehyde is detectable in air at concentrations greater than 0.5-0.8 ppm and can cause irritation at levels around 1.0 -3.0 ppm if inhaled or if allowed to enter the eyes. The MDF board from which these mouldings are fabricated has had a maximum emission level of formaldehyde measured at 0.3ppm immediately after its manufacture. This level then falls with time and so it is not possible to reach either the irritation level or the control level for formaldehyde during working of these mouldings. No cases of permanent injury to humans resulting from long-term exposure to low levels of formaldehyde have been reported. even so it is good working practice to ensure good ventilation.
5. Control Protection Measures
The relevant Occupational Exposure Limits (EH40) for these products are:- Formaldehyde 2.5 mg/m3(2.0 ppm) 8 hr average Wood Dust 5.0 mg/m3 8 hr average
As outlined above it is not possible to reach the Formaldehyde limit. Working of these mouldings, for example sawing will create dust which should not be allowed to build up. Adequate ventilation should be provided preferably by the use of mechanical ventilation or vacuum collection if available. For personal protection against Wood Dust, the use of dust masks and eye protection such as goggles or safety glasses is recommended when carrying out cutting or similar operations.
6. First Aid
In case of inhalation of wood dust, remove the patient to fresh air and clean the nasal passages. In case of eye contact with wood dust, flush with water for 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open. If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Whilst there is no legal requirement for the publication of this Safety Data Sheet, it is provided as a service to keep customers as fully informed as possible. The information herein should suffice in assisting any person carrying out assessments under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. |
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