HOW TO READ A WHMIS SAFETY DATA SHEET
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305-BST-01-IMDO © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
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SECTION 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
This section describes technical scientific information related to the
hazardous product's characteristics as well as chemical and physical
properties. This can assist with determining appropriate storage
temperatures, transport methods, and handling practices.
9.1 Information on Basic Physical and Chemical Properties
a) Physical State: Liquid
Materials can be in the following physical states: solid, liquid or gas. In
general, the smaller a material is, the more dangerous it can be. This is
because it can be more easily inhaled (e.g. Gases & Vapors vs Powder vs
Solid Ingot).
In the event of a spill or leak, liquids and gases are more difficult to contain
and cleanup than solids. This is because they travel more readily.
b) Colour: Colorless
c) Odour: Faint, Sweet, Pungent Odor (Ethanol-like)
– Odour Threshold 300-5960 ppm
This hazardous product has "poor warning properties", since its odour
threshold (300 – 5960 ppm) is greater than the OEL specified in section 8
(STEL: 250 ppm). This means that, by the time a person smells it, they may
already be over the exposure limit.
d) Melting Point: -99°C (-210°F)
Freezing Point: -98 °C (-208°F)
e) Boiling Point or Initial Boiling Point and Boiling Range
– 64.7 °C (148.5 °F) at 0.01 atm
The lower the Boiling Point Temperature, the more easily the hazardous
product will vaporize to form a vapor or gas. This increases the inhalation
exposure risk (smaller particle size).
f) Flammability (Solid, Gas): Not applicable.
g) Upper and Lower Flammability or Explosive Limit
– 7-37% by volume
– Highly Flammable Liquid and Vapor
The manufacturer has indicated that vapors at concentrations of 7-37%
are flammable or explosive. Keeping concentrations below this range will
reduce the likelihood of a fire or explosion occurring.
h) Flash Point
– 11°C (52°F)
Due to the low Flash Point temperature, this hazardous product can very
easily catch fire.
i) Auto-ignition Temperature: 390 °C (734 °F)
j) Decomposition Temperature: not available