COMPOSITION
Concrete:
Mixture of natural aggregates, cement, and water. Other ingredients may include the addition of admixtures. Such additions are made to alter/improve the working characteristics of the material or to affect or enhance its properties once hardened.
Floor Screed:
Mixture of natural sand, cement, and water, other ingredients may include admixtures.
HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Wet Concrete/ Floor Screed is a strong alkali:
• Contact with the eyes may cause irritation or alkali burns.
• Skin contact may result in irritant contact dermatitis.
• Skin contact may provoke allergic contact dermatitis
In those sensitised to the Chromium compounds in strong alkali solutions tend to damage the nerve endings first, therefore chemical burns can develop without pain being felt.
Concrete/Floor Screed Dust:
Inhalation of silica particles in dust created by cutting or surface treatment of hardened concrete containing high silica aggregates may cause respiratory damage. Long-term prolonged exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline silica, which can arise from a failure to implement adequate control measures or wear the correct respiratory protection, can lead to silicosis and ultimately an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Concrete/Floor Screed Dust:
Inhalation of silica particles in dust created by cutting or surface treatment of hardened concrete containing high silica aggregates may cause respiratory damage. Long-term prolonged exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline silica, which can arise from a failure to implement adequate control measures or wear the correct respiratory protection, can lead to silicosis and ultimately an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
None needed:
These materials do not support combustion.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal protection
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Wear impervious protective clothing Note: (see EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION)
Environmental measures
Prevent from entering drains, sewers or watercourses.
Recover bulk spillage, without delay and while material is still in non-hardened (plastic) state, using suction system or mechanical shovel.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Wet Concrete / Floor Screed
Eye protection: Suitable protection is advisable where there is a risk of material splashing.
Hand protection: Waterproof gloves.
Skin protection: Long sleeved clothing, full-length trousers and waterproof boots. Also kneepads if kneeling down to finish a surface.
Concrete / Floor Screed Dust:
Engineering Control Measures: Where reasonably practicable dust exposures should be controlled by engineering methods.
Respiratory protection: To HSE approved standard.
Hand protection: Abrasive resistant gloves.
Eye protection: Anti dust goggles to approved HSE standard.
Precautions
HANDLING & STORAGE
Wet Concrete / Floor Screed
Avoid skin and eye contact. The risks of dermatitis and burns are increased if the material is allowed to continue rubbing against the skin, e.g. down boots, in gloves or through saturated clothing. Do not kneel or sit on the wet materials without the correct personal protective clothing.
The creation of dust from the cutting or surface treatment of hardened concrete should be kept to a minimum, with work methods and engineering control measures being used to reduce exposure. It is also strongly advised to use respiratory protective equipment in such circumstances.
It should however be noted that the Health and Safety Executive have stated in their Chemical Hazard Alert Notice on Respirable Crystalline Silica (CHAN 35 published April 2003) that it should now be reasonably practicable for all industry sectors to control respirable crystalline silica exposure to 0.1 mg/m3 (8 hour TWA) or below.
Product Information
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Detailed properties vary according to:
The specific mix and the ingredients added to affect the working characteristics of the material.
All mixes are
Abrasive Alkaline (typically pH10-14).
STABILITY & REACTIVITY
Not applicable.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
No data is available on the preparations themselves. When used as intended, no environmental impact is anticipated. If spillage occurs, do not allow material to enter drains, sewers or watercourses.
TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Wet Concrete / Floor Screed
Eye contact: may cause irritation or, in severe cases, alkali burns.
Skin contact: (short-term exposure) may cause alkali burns; may cause acute allergic dermatitis in people sensitised to Chromium compounds (chronic long-term exposure) may cause irritant contact dermatitis; may lead to sensitisation of the skin to Chromium compounds.
Dry Concrete / Floor Screed dust
Eye contact: may cause transient irritation.
Skin contact: (brief/occasional) no harm likely.
Inhalation: inhalation of large quantities of dust or dust containing respirable silica (generated by cutting, drilling etc.) may cause progressive lung damage, leading to permanent disability and, in extreme cases, to premature death.
Ingestion: no harm likely.
Waste Disposal
DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Not hazardous. However, disposal subject to local authority current requirements and regulations.
Additional information
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Not hazardous: no vehicle labelling required.
STATUTORY PROVISIONS
Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Consumer Protection Act 1987
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 1994
Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 1995
Environmental Protection Act 1990
REGULATORY INFORMATION
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1997
Danger Classification: IRRITANT (+ hazard symbol)
R38: Irritating to the skin.
R41: Risk of serious damage to the eyes.
R43: May cause sensitisation by skin contact.
S24: Avoid contact with skin.
S25: Avoid contact with eyes.
S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The information contained in this Safety Data Sheet does NOT constitute the user's own assessment of workplace risk as required by other safety legislation. If purchasing on behalf of a third party who will work with the material, it is your statutory duty to pass on this information to them BEFORE such work begins.
|
