 Appendix 11
Sample Labels for Australian-made Plywood Products
Appendix 12
Australian-made Wood Panel Products
Sample Label for Australian-made Wood Panel Products
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Emissions from Australia-made wood panel products [Source: AWPA (2005)]
Figure A12-1: Particleboard Formaldehyde Emission Data (Dessicator Method)
Figure A12-2: MDF Formaldehyde Emissions Data (Dessicator Method)
Testing Methodology for Figures A12-1 and A12-2
Product Testing and Compliance
Formaldehyde results (Desiccator method to AS/NZS4266:16) are generated as part of the AWPA certification process which all significant sized plants of AWPA members participate in.
The first stage in the Certification process is for the plant to establish a history of product compliance to the standards used for Certification purposes, as determined by testing at the AWPA Test Center. In general, product compliance sampling will be based on the criteria for External Control stipulated in Section 6 of EN 326:2 2000.
The mandatory tests applying are the AS/NZS 4266 Wood based panels test method series and the specifications are from AS/NZS 1859 and 1860.
For each product category for which it wishes to be certified, the plant must achieve the specification for each thickness range produced based on a minimum of 12 tests. Samples must be from a minimum of 3 different production batches.
There are 12 participating plants in the certification program and with the above requirements, a total of approx. 60 samples a week are supplied to the test centre. Formaldehyde analysis is conducted on each sample. This means that each annual formaldehyde result per product grade shown on the bar chart represents the average of several hundred results. The minimum number which would be supplied by an individual manufacturer for a particular grade in one year is 24.
Individual results can be accessed by the members on AWPA website, while monthly summaries are issued from the AWPA office.
Test Sample Submission
Product Sample Numbers Per Product Plant annual
production capacity (M3)
Each product defined as a combination of grade, line and AS/NZS thickness range
12 per 6 month period N/A
Sampling Method
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The test panel size is 1200 x 750mm or equivalent e.g. 1800 x 600mm. For thicknesses over 25mm, send 2 test panels.
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A consistent sampling routine must be established in your plant to ensure consistent results.
3) Sampling must be carefully managed so that over each 6 months period, a minimum of 12 samples are dispatched for each combination of grade, line and thickness range produced.
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The Quality Representative or his delegate will draw at random the test panels so that each panel has an equal chance of being selected.
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Panels are to be selected after sanding and cutting prior to packing. They are to be wrapped in plastic and dispatched within 3 days. Samples are to be dispatched regularly - no more than a fortnight’s test panels are to be sent in one lot.
a)
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Test panels are to be marked with the following information:
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Company name and plant location
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Batch No or Sample No
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Product Type e.g. MR MDF, Particleboard flooring
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Thickness
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Any variations to the normal specification (e.g. trial board, E0, JIS, Low Density) must be clearly identified so that it can be classified accordingly.
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Indication of top face where the 2 surfaces are different.
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Do not send more than 6 panels in one pack, as the AWPA has no mechanical handling equipment.
Appendix 13
Introduction
MSDS Assessment
The National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets (the MSDS Code) (NOHSC, 2003) provides guidance on the content and format of MSDS. It identifies ‘core’ information that should be present in all MSDS. This assessment focussed on the adequacy of the information provided in relation to the following selected core elements: product identification, health hazard information, precautions for use, safe handling information and company details. Information considered most important in each of these sections was identified and listed in Table A13-1. These items were assessed for both the presence and accuracy of the information.
An MSDS for a product containing a mixture of ingredients must address the hazards posed by the product as a whole, taking into account all of the ingredients. However, as this report only focuses on formaldehyde, some of the elements listed in Table A13-1 were not addressed in the assessment of MSDS for mixtures. With regard to health effects, mixtures were checked for inclusion of at least the health effects associated with formaldehyde. In deciding which of the health effects should apply in each case, the concentrations of formaldehyde in the product, and the cut-off levels associated with the different hazard criteria (for details see the Hazardous Substances Information System [DEWR, 2004]) were taken into account. In some cases MSDS gave a range for the concentration of formaldehyde, for example 1% to 10%. In such cases, it was assumed that the maximum concentration of formaldehyde was present. If an item could not be assessed then its presence or absence was simply noted.
Information on paraformaldehyde (including MSDS and labels) was collected during the assessment, as paraformaldehyde decomposes to formaldehyde under heat and can be a significant formaldehyde source. Paraformaldehyde is not listed in the OASCC’s Hazardous Substances Information System (DEWR, 2004 ). It is, however, listed in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (the ADG Code ) (FORS, 1998) as a dangerous good and has a UN number (2213). It is also scheduled (Schedule 6 in concentrations ≥ 5%) by the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) (NDPSC, 2005). The assessment of health effects in MSDS for paraformaldehyde focused on the presence or absence of health effects information relevant to formaldehyde.
Table A13-2 shows the number of MSDS provided to NICNAS in the course of this assessment, and the number selected and assessed against the MSDS Code. Where possible, NICNAS selected MSDS from different companies and for different concentrations of formaldehyde.
Table A13-1: The key information checked for inclusion in MSDS
MSDS Section Items Checked
Introductory Presence of statement of hazardous nature i.e. ‘Hazardous according to the criteria of NOHSC’.
Product Identification
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Product name
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UN Number#
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Dangerous Goods Class#
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HAZCHEM code#
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Poisons Schedule*
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Major recommended uses
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Disclosure of presence of formaldehyde
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Disclosure of the exact proportion or a range
Health hazards Acute and chronic health effects 1
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Appropriate first aid statements2
Precautions for use Exposure standard
Safe handling Advice on storage and transport, spills and disposal, fire/explosion hazard
Company details and contact point
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Name, address and telephone number of company
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Emergency telephone number
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Title and telephone number of a contact point
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Acute effects: Acutely toxic; causing irritation of skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system; skin sensitisation; corrosion of gut lining if swallowed. Chronic effects: nasal tumours in animals but insufficient data for humans. This information is in accordance with the current NOHSC hazard classification for formaldehyde (DEWR, 2004).
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Inhalation: Remove from exposure. Apply artificial respiration if not breathing; Swallowed: Do NOT induce vomiting;
Eyes: Hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running water. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes or until advised to stop by a Poisons information Centre or a doctor;
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin and hair thoroughly.
# Products with concentrations of formaldehyde ≤ 25% are not classified under these items in the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (FORS, 1998). However, in these circumstances, the MSDS Code requires a statement that no number/class/code has been allocated.
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Products with concentrations of formaldehyde of ≤ 5% are not scheduled under the current Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (NDPSC, 2005). However, in these circumstances, the MSDS Code requires a statement to that effect.
Table A13-2: Number and type of MSDS received and assessed
MSDS Type Number
Received
Number Assessed
Formalin 49 10
Formaldehyde products 107 10
Formaldehyde containing resins 185 10
Paraformaldehyde 14 11
Paraformaldehyde products 5 Not assessed
Results of assessment of MSDS for formalin
Statement of hazardous nature
Nine out of ten MSDS assessed included a statement of hazardous nature. However, it should be noted that three of these MSDS referred to “Worksafe”, which is the former business name of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.
Product identification
All MSDS had the product name, disclosed the presence and proportion of formaldehyde, and provided the correct UN Number and Dangerous Goods Class. Nine gave correct HAZCHEM Code and Poisons Schedule Number. Two MSDS gave no details on major recommended uses.
Health hazard information
Formaldehyde was present in concentrations greater than 25% in all 10 formalin MSDS, hence, all the health hazards associated with the chemical should be referred to. Acute health effects were fully covered in all MSDS. Information on chronic toxicity was not provided in two. First aid was addressed in all MSDS, however, in one MSDS the information was presented in highly technical language more applicable to medically trained personnel.
Precautions for use
Five MSDS quoted the correct Australian exposure standard. Of the remainder, two did not provide units though the actual numbers given were correct, and three quoted overseas standards. All MSDS included information on eye protection and respirator type and nine addressed glove type and protective clothing.
Safe handling information
All MSDS addressed clean up of spills/leaks, special equipment for clean up and disposal of spilled material. Six gave advice on precautions for clean-up crews. Regarding storage and transport, all indicated the preferred location for storage of the chemical. Nine MSDS provided advice on storage temperatures. Incompatibilities with other agents were addressed in six MSDS. Fire fighting agents and special precautions were given in nine MSDS whilst information on fire fighting protective clothing was given in six MSDS. Only five gave details of dangerous decomposition products that could result from fire.
Company details
No MSDS provided all required details. One MSDS had no Australian contact details, two had no company address, one had no emergency phone number, two gave no company phone number, and two provided the switchboard number for the emergency phone number. The MSDS Code states that the contact point should not be a general switchboard number and should always be in Australia.
Of the ten MSDS examined, one was in the format of an overseas country, and did not fully comply with the format recommended by the MSDS Code of Practice, although it did presented some data which is required by the MSDS Code of Practice. Concentration range of formaldehyde in mixtures as stated in the MSDS was between 0.5% and 30%.
Statement of hazardous nature
Eight MSDS included the statement that the product was hazardous, the overseas one and one other did not include any statement.
Product identification
All MSDS gave the product name. The UN Number, Dangerous Goods Class and Hazchem Code were provided in most MSDS, however, this assessment could not determine whether the data were correct. Only one product had a formaldehyde concentration greater than 25% and this MSDS did not provide the required information. Poisons Schedule was either correct or correctly stated as not having been allocated in most MSDS. Ten MSDS gave the correct chemical name and CAS Number and the proportion of formaldehyde in the product.
Health hazard information
Acute eye and respiratory effects were correctly covered in all MSDS. Acute skin effects were fully addressed in nine MSDS with the remaining one omitting contact dermatitis. Acute oral toxicity was correctly covered in eight MSDS, but two MSDS for products containing
>10% formaldehyde omitted to state the product was corrosive. Chronic toxicity was given in nine MSDS and not covered in one.
First aid was generally well covered. One MSDS simply advised contacting a doctor following swallowing. First aid facilities were not addressed in five MSDS.
Precautions for use
No exposure standards were provided in three MSDS and one MSDS gave overseas standards. Personal protective equipment was addressed in most MSDS.
Safe handling information
Storage and transport was not well covered. Six MSDS addressed location for storage and ventilation requirements, five MSDS stated storage temperature ranges and four MSDS stated protection from sunlight and storage incompatibilities. Spills and disposal were covered by most MSDS. Most addressed precautions for the clean-up crew and disposal of recovered material. Fire and hazards of storage were covered by most MSDS, however, decomposition products were addressed in only three MSDS.
Company details
Nine MSDS had all relevant details but one gave overseas contact details.
Results of assessment of MSDS for formaldehyde containing resins
Statement of hazardous nature
All ten MSDS included the correct statement.
Product identification
All MSDS gave the product name. UN Number, Dangerous Goods Class and Hazchem Code were not required as formaldehyde concentrations were less than 25% in all MSDS assessed. As with MSDS for formaldehyde products, NICNAS could not determine whether the data given (which was generic) were correct. Poisons Schedule was given correctly in all MSDS. Nine MSDS gave the correct chemical name, the proportion of chemical in the product and
the CAS Number for formaldehyde. The remaining one contained a melamine/formaldehyde resin and only gave the concentration range for this combined resin and did not give CAS numbers. Concentration ranges for formaldehyde in the resin ranged from < 0.3% to 10%.
Health hazard information
Acute toxic effects were covered by most MSDS. One did not provide oral toxicity and two MSDS did not cover chronic toxicity. One MSDS gave health effect information for other components of the resin but not for formaldehyde. One MSDS only gave acute skin toxicity and another omitted skin sensitisation. One MSDS for resin containing up to 10% formaldehyde did not mention corrosive effects.
First aid was covered by all MSDS, however one MSDS incorrectly advised the induction of vomiting following oral ingestion. A discussion of first aid facilities was given in five MSDS.
Precautions for use
The correct exposure standard was given in seven MSDS. One provided no exposure standard, another only provided the TWA and a third did not give the exposure standard for formaldehyde. All MSDS included advice on PPE, however, one simply stated that “suitable” protective equipment be used.
Safe handling information
Advice on storage location, ventilation and storage temperatures were given in nine MSDS. Storage incompatibilities were given in seven MSDS. Precautions to be taken during clean up and disposal of recovered material were addressed in most MSDS. Six MSDS covered hazards of storage and dangerous decomposition products and most provided information on fire fighting precautions, protective clothing and extinguisher types. Reactions with other agents were addressed in eight MSDS.
Company details
All required details were given in all MSDS.
Results of assessment of MSDS for paraformaldehyde
Of the 11 MSDS examined, four were in the format of overseas countries and hence did not fully comply with the MSDS Code, although they presented some data which is required by the MSDS Code.
Product identification
All MSDS gave the product name and correct UN number. Dangerous Goods Class was correctly given in nine MSDS and Hazchem Code was correct in eight, but was not provided in the other MSDS. Poisons Schedule was correct in six MSDS, not given in four and incorrect in one. Ten MSDS gave the correct chemical name and CAS Number and one did not provide this data. Eight had the proportion of formaldehyde in the product.
Health hazard information
Eight MSDS provided the health effects for formaldehyde, however, only two stated that the health effects of paraformaldehyde were due to the decomposition product, formaldehyde. One stated that formaldehyde was a decomposition product, but did not advise that the health effects of paraformaldehyde are due to formaldehyde. One MSDS did not give any details of health effects. One stated the chemical was harmful by various routes of exposure, but did not
detail the toxic effects that would be observed. Chronic health effects were given in three MSDS and not mentioned in eight.
Advice on inducing vomiting following swallowing was the most inconsistent item for the MSDS evaluated. The advice should be ‘Do not to induce vomiting’, and was reported in five MSDS. However, three advised that vomiting should be induced. The other three addressed first aid after swallowing, but did not mention whether to induce vomiting or not. First aid statements following eye, skin and inhalation exposure were correctly given in all MSDS. First aid facilities were described in eight MSDS.
Precautions for use
Paraformaldehyde is not listed in the Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment (DEWR, 2004). However, as paraformaldehyde gives off formaldehyde gas, it is considered prudent to provide the exposure standard for formaldehyde. Two MSDS quoted overseas standards stating they applied to formaldehyde and one MSDS gave overseas standards, which were stated as applying to paraformaldehyde. Three MSDS gave the correct Australian standard for formaldehyde, one gave a wrong figure for TWA (8h) and did not quote STEL. Four gave no exposure limits. Most MSDS gave full details of PPE.
Safe handling information
The majority of MSDS provided sufficient information on fire/explosion hazard, storage, transport, spills and disposal. Only a few MSDS mentioned state/territory regulations/requirements.
Company details
All required details were given in eight MSDS. No Australian company details were in two of the overseas MSDS. One listed all except an emergency telephone number.
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