PRODUCT NAME: STRANDBOARD

OTHER NAMES: Not Applicable

MANUFACTURERS CODE: Not Applicable

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

A wood strand composed panel board bonded with a melamine fortified urea formaldehyde resin adhesive and containing wax. The wood is 100% derived from New Zealand plantation Pinus Radiata pine species. Available in thicknesses from 9mm to 20mm.

USES:

Specifically for flooring, but also other applications, such as wall paneling, bench tops and general panel construction.

2. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

CAS RN No.: None

UN NUMBER: None

HAZCHEM CODE: None

DANGEROUS GOODS CLASS: None

COMPONENTS:

CAS RN %

Formaldehyde (residual): 50-00-0 < 0.015m/m

Formaldehyde Resin (solids): 25036-13-9 < 15.000m/m

(Urea/Melamine Type)

Petroleum Wax (Hydrocarbon): Not Available < 1.000m/m

*Volatile Organic Compounds (C3 – C10) - Terpenoid Compounds:

Alpha-pinene Not Available Trace
Beta-pinene Not Available Trace
1-limonene Not Available Trace
camphene Not Available Trace
alpha terpineol Not Available Trace

Other Aldehydes VOC’s: Not Available Trace

Water: 7732-18-5 < 15.000m/m

Primarily derived from Pinus Radiata, and being naturally occurring. The Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) listed above are the main component VOC’s present.

3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION – ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

EYE CONTACT:

Causes discomfort and can be very irritating (e.g. splinter).

SKIN CONTACT:

Can cause discomfort and irritation. Some individuals may experience an allergic

response leading to reddening of the infected area and dermatitis.

INHALATION:

The dust generated from processing this product can be harmful if inhaled. As this product contains residual formaldehyde which is emitted, this may aggravate the upper respiratory tract, irritate the eyes and skin. The effects may be greater in persons who suffer from asthma or who are chemically sensitised to formaldehyde.

INGESTION:

Not considered to cause a problem in the unlikely event of this occurrence.

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

EYE CONTACT:

Dust should be removed by immediately holding the eye/s open and washing continuously for at least 15 minutes with fresh running water. Avoid rubbing the eye. Immediate medical attention should be sought if a wood sliver or splinter is lodged in the eye/s.

SKIN CONTACT:

Remove contaminated clothing and wash before wearing again. Wash the affected skin area thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical advice if skin reddening or irritation persists.

INHALATION:

Avoid the inhalation of dust generated when processing this product. The effects from dust exposure are generally considered to develop over the longer term. Remove to fresh air. If symptoms persist seek medical attention.

INGESTION:

Give at least 200mL of water. If any adverse reaction occurs, seek medical attention.

5. HEALTH HAZARDS – CHRONIC HEALTH AFFECTS

The principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of the formaldehyde vapour emitted from the board product and through inhalation of the dust generated in the processing of Strandboard. A combination of inhalation of wood dust coated with formaldehyde is suspected, from recent health studies, to escalate the health hazard. Some individuals may be allergic or chemically sensitised to formaldehyde (aldehydes), wood dust or a combination of the two. In such circumstances avoid contact.

Strandboard contains residues of formaldehyde, which may irritate eyes or mucous membranes (nose and throat) and produce allergic responses in some people at elevated levels above 0.1ppm. High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma (wheezing). There is evidence that some people may develop sensitivity to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans.

It can induce skin sensations and paraesthesia in some people. These symptoms may be numbness, itching, tingling and burning. There are no indications that this has an adverse effect on humans at the low levels contained in the board.

Wood dust is classed as a known carcinogen to humans and its inhalation over many years increases the risk of nasal cancers. Similar exposure to uncontrolled wood dust can lead to allergic reactions, such as dermatitis, asthma or chronic eye, nose and throat irritation in some people. Common symptoms of wood dust irritation are nasal discharge, dry or sore nose/throat, blocked, bleeding or itchy nose, sneezing, catarrh or coughing. Wood dust coated with formaldehyde resin can be produced during processing operations, such as cutting and sanding. Wood, such as Pinus Radiata, contains a number of naturally occurring compounds such as terpenoids and aldehydes. Allergies to these compounds are possible.

6. PRECAUTIONS FOR USE

EXPOSURE STANDARDS

Formaldehyde: Ceiling: 1.0ppm (1.2mg/m3) – NZ OSH

ACGIH TLV: 0.3ppm

NIOSH REL TWA: 0.016ppm

NIOSH REL STEL: 0.1ppm

Wood Dust: Ceiling: 5mg/m3

(Softwood) STEL: 10mg/m3

REDUCING EXPOSURE

If you experience adverse reactions to formaldehyde, you may want to avoid the use of pressed wood products and other formaldehyde emitting products.

Sawing and sanding equipment should be fitted with suitable dust extraction equipment.
When handling Strandboard wear gloves to avoid splinters and sharp edges. Use a disposable dust mask (AS1715-1982 Class L or Class M) and eye protection when sanding or sawing. Wear clean work clothing and maintain good personal hygiene. Avoid repeated and prolonged inhalation of dust or skin contact. Do not smoke.

Storage and work areas containing large quantities of Strandboard should be adequately ventilated as specified by the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ).

Workers who are involved in processing Strandboard should have regular lung function tests conducted. Prospective workers should have a lung function pre-employment check and questioned on their possible allergy to formaldehyde or wood dust.
To minimise formaldehyde emissions all exposed surfaces and edges should be sealed with a coating, such as polyurethane.

Where Strandboard is used in the construction of a building, adequate ventilation and room air exchanges should be maintained in accordance with Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) recommendations.

Increasing the rate of ventilation in a building will help reduce formaldehyde levels. The use of dehumidifiers and air conditioning to control humidity and maintain a moderate temperature can help reduce formaldehyde emissions.

NOTE

Other sources of formaldehyde are also present in buildings, such as durable press curtains, wallpapers, carpets, tobacco smoke, furniture, foam insulation.

7. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

GENERAL:

Strandboard is flammable but moderately difficult to ignite. Avoid sources of radiant heat and naked flame. Avoid sparks and sources of ignition in dust extraction equipment. Clean up sawdust and off-cuts to reduce the risk of fire.

FLASHPOINT: >100C

AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: Not Available.

FLAMMABLE LIMITS (% by volume/air): Not Available

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Water, water spray, Foam.

FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: Breathing apparatus recommended.

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide (CO2, CO) emitted which can cause asphyxiation. Fine dry wood dust can be explosive.

8. HANDLING AND STORAGE

HANDLING:

Avoid contact with skin.

STORAGE:

Store in a well-ventilated, cool and dry area. Do not store with oxidising or flammable materials.

9. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION

ENGINEERING CONTROLS:

Where Strandboard is used in the construction of a building, adequate ventilation and room air exchanges should be maintained in accordance with Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) recommendations.

Storage and work areas containing large quantities of Strandboard should be adequately ventilated as specified by the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ).

Persons highly susceptible or sensitised to formaldehyde should avoid the handling and use of such products.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

When handling Strandboard wear gloves to avoid splinters and sharp edges. Use a disposable dust mask (AS1715-1982 Class L or Class M) and eye protection when sanding or sawing. Wear clean work clothing and maintain good personal hygiene. Avoid repeated and prolonged inhalation of dust or skin contact. Do not smoke.

10. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

DENSITY (kg/m3): 630 – 700

MOISTURE CONTENT: 8 – 12%

11. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Dispose of in an approved waste disposal facility and in accordance with local regulations.

12. OTHER INFORMATION

The information contained herein is given in good faith, but no warranty, expressed or implied is made.

13. REFERENCES

· Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour (New Zealand): Workplace Exposure Standards 1994

· Working Safely with Wood Panel Products: Prepared with the assistance of the Department of Labour Occupational Safety and health.

· Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992

· Working Safely with Wood Panel Products.

Compiled by the New Zealand Wood Panel Manufacturers Association – 2001

· Home Health – Facts about Formaldehyde in Wood Composite Products.

Compiled by the New Zealand Wood Panel Manufacturers Association – 2001

· Formaldehyde and Wood Dust

Update Bulletin

Issue No. 29, October 2000

Drs. David and Ki Douglas (Douglas Consulting Australia)

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET - STRANDBOARD (GENERAL)
Issued : 17 MAY 2001
Version: 1

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