MSDS

SECTION 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation: No specific treatment is necessary since Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate is not likely to be
hazardous by inhalation. Prolonged exposure to dust levels in excess of regulatory limits should always be
avoided.
Eye Contact:
Use eye wash fountain or fresh water to cleanse eye. If irritation persists for more than 30
minutes, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact:
No treatment necessary because non-irritating.
Ingestion:
Swallowing less than one teaspoon will cause no harm to healthy adults. If larger amounts are
swallowed, give two glasses of water to drink and seek medical attention.
NOTE TO PHYSICIANS: Observation only is required for adult ingestion of a few grams of Disodium
Octaborate Tetrahydrate. For ingestion in excess of larger amounts, maintain adequate kidney function and
force fluids. Gastric lavage is recommended for symptomatic patients only. Hemodialysis should be
reserved for massive acute ingestion or patients with renal failure. Boron analyses of urine or blood are only
useful for documenting exposure and should not be used to evaluate severity of poisoning or to guide
treatment.
SECTION 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
General Hazard: None, because Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate is not flammable, combustible or
explosive. The product itself is a flame retardant.
Extinguishing Media: Any fire extinguishing media may be used on nearby fires.
Flammability Classification (29 CFR 1910, 1200):
Non-flammable solid.
SECTION 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
General: Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate is a water-soluble white powder that may cause damage to
trees or vegetation by root absorption. (Refer to Ecological information for specific information)
Land Spill: Vacuum, shovel or sweep up Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate and place in containers for
disposal in accordance with applicable local regulations. Avoid contamination of water bodies during clean
up and disposal. No personal protective equipment is needed to clean up land spills
Water Spill:
Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate will cause localized contamination of surrounding waters
depending on the quantity dissolved in these waters. At high concentrations some damage to local
vegetation, fish and other aquatic life may be expected.
Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate is a non-hazardous waste when spilled or disposed of, as defined in the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations (40 CFR 261). (Refer to Regulatory
Information for additional references and information regarding EPA and California regulations.)
SECTION 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
Storage Temperature: Ambient
Storage Pressure:
Atmospheric
Special Sensitivity:
Moisture (Caking)
General:
No special handling precautions are required, but dry, indoor storage is recommended. To
maintain package integrity and to minimize caking of the product, bags should be handed on a "first-in first-
out" basis. Good housekeeping procedures should be followed to minimize dust generation and
accumulation.
SECTION 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations of Disodium
Octaborate Tetrahydrate dust below permissible exposure levels.
Personal Protection:
Where airborne concentrations are expected to exceed exposure limits,
NIOSH/MSHA certified respirators must be used. Eye goggles and gloves are not required for normal
industrial exposures, but may be warranted if environment is excessively dusty.
Occupational Exposure Limits:
Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate is listed/regulated by OSHA, Cal
OSHA and ACGIH as "Particulate Not Otherwise Classified" or "Nuisance Dust".
OSHA: PEL* 15 mg/m
3
total dust and 5 mg/m
3
respirable dust
ACGIH: TLV** 10 mg/m
3
Cal OSHA: PEL* 10 mg/m
3
**TLV-"Threshold Limit Value"