SDS

EXPLOSIVE LIMITS: Sawing, sanding or machining wood products can produce wood dust as a by-
product. Wood dust is a strong to severe explosion hazard if a dust "cloud" contacts an ignition source.
212°F (100°C) has been suggested as the upper temperature limit for continuous exposure for wood without
risk of ignition (wood dust may require a still lower temperature). An airborne concentration of 40 grams of
dust per cubic meter of air is often used as the lowest explosion limit (LEL) for wood dust.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: Thermal-oxidative degradation, or burning, of wood can
produce irritating and potentially toxic fumes and gases including carbon monoxide, aldehydes and organic
acids.
AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: 400°-500° F (204°-260°C)
FIRE EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Water. Partially burned dust is especially hazardous if dispersed into the
air. Remove burned or wet dust to open area after fire is extinguished.
SECTION 5. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Not applicable for product in purchased form. Sweep or vacuum dust for recovery or disposal. Wood dust
clean-up and disposal activities should be accomplished in a manner to minimize creation of airborne dust.
SECTION 6. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Wood products are combustible and, therefore, should not be subjected to temperatures exceeding the
autoignition temperature. Water spray may be used to wet down wood dust generated by sawing, sanding or
machining to reduce the likelihood of ignition or dispersion of dust into the air. See other sections of this
MSDS for information on handling.
SECTION 7. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/ PERSONAL PROTECTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Due to the explosive potential of wood dust when suspended in air,
precautions should be taken during sanding, sawing or machining of wood products to prevent sparks or
other ignition sources in ventilation equipment. Use of totally enclosed motors is recommended. Provide
local exhaust as necessary to meet OSHA requirements.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Wear NIOSH/OSHA approved respirator when the permissible OSHA
exposure limits to wood dust may be exceeded.
EYE PROTECTION: Recommend goggles or safety glasses as conditions indicate when sawing, sanding or
machining wood products.
SKIN PROTECTION: Protective equipment such as gloves and outer garments may be needed to reduce
skin contact.
The following are wood dust exposure limits which are in accord with those recommended by OSHA in the
1989 revision of PELs.
The exposure limits were vacated in 1992; the present exposure limits governing wood dust are 15
mg/m3 total dust and 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction.
8. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL STATE: Solid. BOILING POINT: Not Applicable.
PH: Not Applicable. MELTING POINT: Not Applicable.
VAPOR PRESSURE: Not Applicable. SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Insoluble.
VAPOR DENSITY: Not Applicable. SPECIFIC GRAVITY: < 1.0
SECTION 9. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Stability: stable
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Wood dust generated from sawing, sanding or machining the product is
extremely combustible. Keep in cool dry place away from ignition sources
.
INCOMPATIBILITY (MATERIALS TO AVOID): Oxidizing agents and drying oils
.
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