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How to Read a WHMIS Safety Data Sheet

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HOW TO READ A WHMIS SAFETY DATA SHEET WSPS.CA 19 305-BST-01-IMDO © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA 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

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