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RBW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
TEXT VERSION
File: MSDS_10000.txt
View with a non-proportional font (ie Courier New)
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1. Product Identification
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Product Name:..........Polyethylene (PE) Powder, Pellets, or
Granules (Regrind)
Other Industry Names:..Various Trade Names
CAS Number:............9002-88-4
Chemical Family:.......Polyolefin
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2. Physical Data
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Boiling Point:........Not Applicable
Vapor Pressure:.......Not Applicable
Appearance and Odor:..Pellets, powder, or granules, little or no odor
Melting Point:........212-257ºF (100-125ºC)
Solubility in Water:..Insoluble
Specific Gravity:.....0.90 - 0.965
Stability:............Stable
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3. Fire & Explosion Hazard Data
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Flash Point:............. >800ºF (450ºC)
Flammable Limits in Air:..Not Applicable
Autoignition Temp:........No data available
NFPA Rating: Health (1) Fire (1) Reactivity (0)
(Applies only to exposure during a fire)
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Heat from fire may melt and decompose
polymer, generating flammable vapors. Fire fighters should wear
self-contained breathing apparatus in the positive pressure mode
when there is a possibility of exposure to smoke, fumes, or hazardous
decomposition products. Water, if applied in a high-pressure stream,
will spread the burning surface layer. Clear all other personnel from
the area. Walking surface contact may present a slipping/falling
hazard. Polyethylene dust particles in the atmosphere are combustible
and may be explosive.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: CO2, Dry Chemical, Foam, or Water.
FIREFIGHTING PROCEDURES: Water should be applied as a spray from a
fogging nozzle, since polyethylene is a surface burning material.
Keep above burning material. Notify authorities if liquid enters
sewer/public waters.
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4. Human Health Data
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INHALATION: Nuisance dust from this product may cause respiratory
irritation following an excessive inhalation exposure. Follow
exposure limits given below. Fumes may be generated in operations
using heated polyethylene.
INGESTION: Rats fed acute oral doses of 7.95 g/kg showed no evidence
of adverse effects. Dietary levels of 1.25, 2.5, or 5% polyethylene
for 90 days produced no evidence of adverse effects in rats.
EYE CONTACT: Powder or dust may cause eye irritation.
SKIN CONTACT: Product can be abrasive and cause irritation.
Molten or heated material can cause serious burns to
unprotected skin.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS: PEL/TWA: No OSHA PEL for this product.
For nuisance dust: 15 mg/m3 for total dust and 5 mg/m3 for respirable dust.
TLV/TWA: No AGCIH TLV for this product.
For nuisance particulates: 10 mg/m3 for total dust.
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5. Preventative Measures
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ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Local exhaust and/or enclosures should be
used to whenever feasible to maintain concentrations below acceptable
limits.
RESPIRATORY: If engineering controls are not sufficient or feasible
to maintain concentrations below exposure limits, use NIOSH/MSHA
approved respiratory protection.
EYE: Dust service goggles should be worn to prevent mechanical
injury or other irritation to eyes due to airborne particles which
may result from handling this product.
SKIN: When use can result in skin contact, wear gloves and other
protective clothing as required to prevent mechanical irritation
or burns. Practice good personal hygiene. Wash hands and other
exposed areas with mild soap and water before eating, drinking,
smoking, and when leaving work.
OTHER HYGIENIC PRACTICES: Use good personal hygiene practices. Wash
hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using toilet. Promptly
remove soiled clothing and wash thoroughly before reuse. Shower after
work using plenty of soap and water.
OTHER WORK PRACTICES: Material spilled on hard surface can be a
serious slipping/falling hazard. Use care in walking on spilled
material. Clean areas where spills occur as soon as practical.
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6. Emergency and First Aid Procedures
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INHALATION: If overcome by exposure, remove victim to fresh air
immediately. Give oxygen or artificial respiration as needed.
Obtain emergency medical attention. Prompt action is essential.
EYE CONTACT: In case of eye contact with solid material, immediately
rinse with clean water for 20-30 minutes. Retract eyelids often.
Obtain emergency medical attention if pain, blinking, tears, or
redness persist.
SKIN CONTACT OR INGESTION: Skin contact or ingestion are not expected
to present a significant hazard under anticipated conditions of normal
use.
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7. Additional Precautions in Handling, Storage, and Use
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Transfer from storage with a minimum of dusting. Ground all
transfer, blending, mixing, and dust collection equipment to
prevent static sparks. Remove all ignition sources from the
material handling, transfer, and processing areas where dust
may be present.
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8. Environmental and Regulatory Data
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PRECAUTIONS IF MATERIAL IS SPILLED OR RELEASED: Creates slipping
hazard on any hard surface. Potential dust explosion hazard from
airborne release. Evacuate or limit access. Equip responders with
proper protection (see Section 5, Preventative Measures).
Extinguish all ignition sources. Stop release. Notify fire and/or
environmental authorities. On land, sweep/shovel into suitable
disposal containers. On water, material floats and is insoluble.
Contain and collect as for any solid. Report per regulatory
requirements.
WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS: Comply with federal, state, and local
regulations for solid waste disposal. Contaminated product,
soil, or water should not be designated a RCRA hazardous waste
unless contaminated with other materials.
TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT: This product is listed in the
TSCA Inventory of Chemical Substances.
SARA HAZARD CATEGORIES: Immediate/Acute Health Hazard. Fire Hazard
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9. Preparation Information
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Prepared By: RBW Technologies, Inc.
433 Hartmann Rd Evans City, PA 16033
Ph 724-452-8440 Fax 724-452-0810
www.rbw.com email: H&S@rbw.com
Prepared: 3/19/96 Updated: 1/2/01
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