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In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information must be available about the identities and hazards of the chemicals. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemina-tion of such information:
� Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and
� Prepare labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) to convey the hazard informa-tion to their downstream customers.
� All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and MSDSs for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.
This bulletin contains five sections:
1 Mineral and chemical nature of natural stone*—pages 1-2.
2 Completing a generic MSDS for natural stone*—pages 2-3.
3 Work practices*—page 4.
4 Frequently asked questions—pages 4-5.
5. MSDS—insert. (*This text is a revision to that referenced on the technical bulletin published in 2000 using the same title.)
Section 1: Mineral and Chemical Nature of Natural Stone
Dimension stones are grouped into two basic categories based on the mineralogical and chemical nature of the stone to cause harm through dust inhalation, eye irritation and/or skin irritation, and the individual OSHA requirements for that particular stone type.
Category A Stones Category B Stones
Granite Quartz Monzonite Limestone Serpentine Granodiorite Soapstone Marble Travertine Quartz Based Slate Onyx
Dust ingestion can be dangerous for some stones, while being merely a nuisance with oth-ers, depending on the characteristics of the stone to cause harm to those coming in contact with it. Dust from stones in Category A require adherence to a rigid schedule of fabrication (including field fixing for installation) and personal hygiene criteria, as OSHA considers the the exposure to dust from fabricating to be a serious health hazard that may result in a dis-abling lung disease.
Dust from stone in Category B is considered to be a nuisance particulate, and the require-ments for safety are significantly reduced (refer to Category Descriptions that follow).
© 2005 Marble Institute of America. May be reproduced with credit given to Marble Institute of America.
Category Descriptions
Category A Stones: All stones in this category contain silica in the form of silica dioxide. The terms “crystalline silica” and “quartz” refer to the same thing. Quartz is a natural constituent of the Earth’s crust and is not chemically combined with any other substance. Granite, quartz monzonite, and grano-diorite contain 70% to 77% silica, 11% to 13% alumina, 3% to 5% potassium oxide, 3% to 5% soda, 1% lime, 2% to 3% total iron, and less than 1% of magnesia and tilania. These minerals are known, to a lesser or greater degree, to be carcinogenic. Silica is the primary mineral. Exposure to silica-containing dust at any time poses a potential health hazard. The improper control and disposal of silica-containing dust today not only poses a hazard now, but it can continue to contaminate the work atmosphere as long as workers and equipment work or travel in the area. These stones should be worked under water to avoid creating dust. Dust produced from these stones can cause silicosis.
Category B Stones: These stones are composed primarily of calcite in the form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate CaMg[CO3]2). Dolomite differs from calcite in the addition of magnesium ions. The magnesium ions are not the same size as calcium ions, and the two ions seem incompatible in the same layer. In calcite, the structure is composed of alternating layers of carbonate ions (CO3) and calcium ions. In dolomite, the magnesium ions occupy one layer by them-selves, followed by a carbonate layer which is followed by an exclusively calcite layer, and so on. This is why calcite stones react promptly with acids and vinegar, while dolomite does not. These stones may contain trace quantities of iron oxide, chlorite, epidote, or graphite, which give the stones their color. Some limestones may contain up to 5% silica, feldspar, clays and pyrite, while oolite limestone may contain chalk, coquina and other foraminiferan containing deposits.
Calcite is one of the most common minerals on the face of the Earth, comprising about 4% by weight of the Earth's crust. For our purposes in completing OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets, these elements are combined into Category B. OSHA considers dust from Category B stones to be nuisance particulate that can accumulate in the lungs. As Category B stones contain less than 1% crystalline silica, they are not as heavily cautioned, and it is recommended that these stones be worked in a manner that avoids the production of dust.
Section 2: Completing a Generic Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Stone
This information follows the format of the Material Safety Data Sheet published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupa-tional Safety and Health Administration, OMB No. 1218-0072.
IDENTITY----------------List the stone variety (e.g. Blue Pearl Granite, Pennsylvania Black Slate, Georgia Cherokee Marble, etc.)
SECTION I
Manufacturer’s Name Your business name Address Your business address Emergency Telephone A telephone number where a responsible person may be contacted
while employees are working. It must be different from your business
telephone number. If an emergency number is not available, state NONE. Telephone Number Your business telephone number Date Prepared The date the form was prepared. Signature of Preparer The signature of the person preparing the MSDS.
SECTION II - Hazardous Ingredients/ldentity Information
Hazardous Components Category A Stones Category B Stones
* Specific Chemical Identity SiO2CaCO3/CaMg(CO3)2
* Common Name Silica Calcite/Dolomite
SECTION II (continued)------------Category A Stones-------- Category B Stones
* OSHA PEL--------------NA----------------------NA
* ACGIH TL V------------NA--------------------- NA
* Other Limits----------NA----------------------NA
* % (Optional)----------28 – 77-----------------NA
Permissible Exposure Limit
* Granite, quartz-based stones 0.1 mg/m3
* Slate 0.1 mg/m3
* Soapstone 0.3 mg/m3
* Marble, Limestone, Onyx, Serpentine, Travertine 1.0 mg/m3
Note: Dimension stone is an inert material in its undisturbed or finished state. Only when natural stone is worked is there a potential for release of dust. (Include this statement here in both Category A and B). OSHA provides a sample calculation for crystalline silica exposure—consult with your local OSHA office for a copy.
SECTION III - Physical/Chemical Characteristics
Boiling Point----------------------NA------------------NA
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)-------------NA------------------NA
Vapor Density (Air=1)--------------NA------------------NA
Specific Gravity-------------------2.0 to 4.0----------2.0 to 4.0
Melting Point----------------------NA------------------NA
Solubility in Water----------------Not soluble---------Not soluble
Appearance-------------------Basic stone color-------- Basic stone color
---------------------------(red, black, green, etc.)---(red, black, green, etc.)
Odor None None
SECTION IV - Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
Flash Point (method used)--------- -NA-----------NA
Extinguishing Media-----------------NA-----------NA
Special Fire Fighting Procedures----NA-----------NA
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards----NA-----------NA
SECTION V - Reactivity Data
Stability----------------------------Stable--------------Stable
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid) Hydrofluoric--------acid All Acids
Hazardous Decomposition---------------NA------------------NA
Hazardous Polymerization--------------Will Not Occur------Will Not Occur
SECTION VI - Health Hazard Data
-------------------Dust creation during machining-------Dust creation during machining
Route of entry ----Inhalation---------------------------Inhalation
* Skin-------------None----------------------------------None
*Ingestion---------Yes-----------------------------------None known
*Carcinogenicity---Silicosis-----------------------------None known
Signs of exposure---Chronic Silicosis signs and----------None
--------------------symptoms may include shortness
--------------------of breath following physical exertion,
--------------------severe cough, fatigue, loss of appetite,
--------------------chest pain and fever.
Medical Conditions Generally
Aggravated by Exposure---------------None Known------------None Known
Emergency & First Aid Procedures----Leave area until----dust settles Leave area until
------------------------------------Clean up-------------dust settles Clean up
Category A Stones Category B Stones
SECTION VII - Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
Steps to Be Taken in Case Material
is Released or Spilled---Not Considered Hazardous Waste--- Not Considered Hazardous Waste
WasteDisposal Method-----Normal Method for---------------Normal Method for
-------------------------Non-Hazardous Waste-------------Non-Hazardous Waste Precautions to Be Taken in Handling
and Storing--------- Safety Toe Shoes where toes/feet-------------Safety Toe Shoes where toes/feet
---------------------are exposed to rolling falling objects--------are exposed to rolling falling objects
Other Precautions-----None-----------------------------------------None
SECTION VIII - Control Measures
------------------------------------Dust Control Equipment-----------------Dust Control Equipment
Respiratory equipment---------------Yes------------------------------------Yes
Local exhaust ventilation-----------Yes------------------------------------Recommended
Protective gloves-------------------Not required for dust------------------Not required for dust
Other protection, clothing
or equipment------------------------Safety Toe Shoes where toes/feet-------Safety Toe Shoes where toes/feet
-------------------------------are exposed to rolling falling objects.-------are exposed to rolling falling object.
------------------------------------Eye Protection-------------------------Eye Protection
Work/Hygienic Practices-------------See next section-----------------------See next section
———————————————————————————————————-
Section 3: Work Practices
Recognize where silica dust may be generated and plan ahead to eliminate or control the dust at the source. The best industrial ventilation system or any other type of well-engineered system designed to improve the working environment and reduce the amount of dust generated can easily be defeated by bad work practices of the employees. Each person’s work practice is different by nature, experience, attitude, etc. The results of personal dust sample analysis carried out on two employees working side by side can be very different. It is very important when a dust control program is initiated in a fabricating plant or at a job site that the work practices of each employee be examined. The key to making employees “dust conscious” is information and training. Use a respirator approved for protection against crystalline silica-containing dust. Do not alter the respirator in any way. Note that beards or mustaches can interfere with the respirator’s seal to the face. A respiratory protection program should be in place and work areas should be regulated with warning signs to avoid accidental contamination.
Housekeeping is the most important of all dust-control methods. Simply cleaning up all possible emission sources as quickly as possible is the most effective dust-suppression technique. Practices such as vacuuming with HEPA filter and wet floor cleaning prevent high dust levels and improve already clean environments. These two methods will reduce dust by 50% to 75%. Because these cleaning methods are labor-intensive rather than capital-intensive, they can easily be used at both the stone shop and the construction site.
Eating Facilities: Do not eat, drink or use tobacco in areas where there is dust containing crystalline silica. Wash hands thoroughly prior to eating.
Clothing Change Area: Consider changing into disposable or washable work clothes at the job site. Shower (where available) and change into clean clothing before leaving the job site to prevent contamination of cars, homes and other areas.
Section 4: Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are among those most often asked of the MIA Technical Department on the sub-ject of MSDS.
Q: We provide over 100 varieties of natural stone. Must we have a specific MSDS for each stone?
A: No. If similar health hazards exist for a class or family of products, one MSDS can be used for all in that class. You would, for example, require separate MSDSs for granites and marbles, because the dust from a granite (silicate) carries a different health risk than that from marble.
Q: We don’t wish to disclose the source of our supply to our customer. Can we change the company name and address on their MSDS before we pass it on to our customer?
A: Yes, technically you can, as the document is not normally copyrighted, but you first must understand that you are assuming liability in doing this. The company listed on the MSDS is the responsible party for the accuracy of the information, and if errors or omissions are discovered, it would then be your problem and not you supplier’s problem. Also, you need to ascertain if you can provide the availability of emer-gency contact information and assistance. Our recommendation is to leave your supplier’s information on the document.
Q: Who can write an MSDS?
A: Anyone can write an MSDS. To determine whether you have the expertise to do so must be evaluated by you. If you are in doubt, we recommend seeking professional consultation services.
Q: Where can I send my MSDS sheet for approval?
A: Unfortunately, there is no service available for review and/or approval of MSDSs. OSHA will only audit them after a problem has developed.
Q: When I import a product from overseas, who is responsible for creating the MSDS?
A: As the importer, you are responsible. OSHA regulations only govern shipments within the United States, so you, as the importer, are the first party responsible for compliance.
Q: Some of my employees do not speak or read English. Must I have translated MSDSs available for them?
A: They must be adequately trained in the hazards of all products that they work with, and this training must be conducted in a language that they comprehend. The specific MSDS does not need to be translated for this to be done.
Q: Must I leave a copy of the MSDS for granite with the homeowner after I install their countertops?
A: No. MSDSs are for occupational hazards. As an example, if you purchase a bottle of window cleaner from your local hardware store for your own personal use, they are not required to provide you with an MSDS. But if you run a professional janitorial service and your employees use the window cleaner as a part of their job, your supplier is required to provide the MSDS and you are required to make it available to your employees.
Q: How long has this program been in place?
A: OSHA began requiring MSDSs in 1986.
Q: Which language must the MSDSs be in?
A: Each MSDS must be in English, although copies in other languages may also be maintained.
Q: Where should I keep MSDSs on file?
A: A central filing system at your business is recommended. It is also advisable to have a separate MSDS “Pack” on your company vehicles in the event of an accident. If there is a spill of any kind, you’ll have the MSDS “pack” on the scene for the HazMat cleanup team.
Q: Do I include an MSDS with every shipment of material?
A: You are not required to do so, but administratively, it may be easier to verify compliance by sim-ply sending it with each shipment. You are only required to send it with the first shipment of a particu-lar material to a specific customer.
Q: My customer’s customer called me and demanded a copy of the MSDS, which I had previously provided when I originally shipped the product. Is this my responsibility?
A: No, it is your customer’s responsibility. MSDSs flow down the contractual chain. You are re-quired to provide it to your customer. Your customer is required to provide it to their customer, and so on down the line. However, there’s also no harm in providing it to them, if you are certain that it is your product that has been resold to them.
Q: I have MSDS’ for products that we no longer use. Can I can discard these?
A: No. You are required to retain these as records of chemicals that your employees were exposed to in your business.
Q: What is crystalline silica?
A: Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and many other minerals. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica. Cristobalite and tridymite are two other forms of crystal-line silica. All three forms may become respirable particles when workers chip, cut, drill, or grind ob-jects that contain crystalline silica.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/hazardcommunications/standards.html
This technical bulletin contains general guidelines. The Marble Institute of America and its Member companies are not responsible for any use or misuse that causes damage of any kind, including loss of rights, materials, and personal in-jury alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this document.
(www.marble-institute.com)
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