MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
EarthMate® Compost
Section 1 – PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Label Name: EarthMate® NFPA and HMIS classification:
Synonyms: Composted Sewage Sludge Health: 1
(biosolids) Reactivity: 0
Flammability: 1
Chemical Class: Natural organic solids
Section 2 – HEALTH HAZARDS
Inhalation:
Inhalation of dust can irritate the respiratory tract, causing sneezing or coughing. Microorganisms (bacterial and fungi) present in this material may cause disease in those with compromised immune systems.
Eye Exposure:
Dust can irritate or scratch the eyes.
Skin Exposure:
Prolonged exposure to dust can cause skin irritation and possibly dermatitis.
Ingestion:
Ingestion of this material may lead to gastrointestinal illness.
Delayed Effects:
None known for components present at a concentration of 0.1 percent or higher.
Carcinogenicity Determinations:
No component of this material present at a concentration of 0.1 percent or higher is listed by OSHA, IARC or NTP as a carcinogen.
Section 3 – FIRST-AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
Material as supplied is not dusty. If dry, airborne material is inhaled, breathing could be affected. If breathing is distressed, remove subject to fresh air immediately. Give artificial respiration if breathing has stopped. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Consult a physician if symptoms persist.
Eye Contact:
Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician if irritation persists.
Skin Contact:
Wash affected areas, including those contacted by dust, with soap and water. Consult a physician if irritation or acne develops.
Ingestion:
Drink two glasses of water. Consult a physician if pain or discomfort is felt.
Section 4 – FIRE HAZARDS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT
Ignition Data:
Ignitability: Material as supplied is non-combustible. Dry material is combustible solid. Dry dust suspended in air within a handling system can cause dust explosion if ignited. NOTE: The risk of a dust explosion in open air is negligible.
Flash Point: None
Lower Explosion Limit: None
Upper Explosion Limit: None
Autoignition Temp.: None
Combustion Products: Can include oxides of nitrogen, carbon and possible sulfur.
Fire Fighting Guidelines:
Extinguishing media: Use Class A extinguisher or water spray (preferably with wetting agent added). When safe to do so, break down piles completely to cool smoldering material.
Protective Gear: Wear respirator (pressure demand, self contained breathing apparatus, MHSA/NIOSH approved) and full protective gear for working fires.
Section 5 – ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal Protection:
No special protective clothing or equipment is needed unless material is dusty, in which case, long sleeves and pants are recommended. Wear NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator (either disposable dust/mold face mask or cartridge respirator equipped with particulate filters) if blowing dust is evident.
Clean-Up:
If dusty, dampen spillage with water spray sufficient to prevent dust from blowing. Can be raked, shoveled or swept up like soil if necessary.
Section 6 – HANDLING AND STORAGE
Store outdoors separate from strong oxidizers. Cover, if necessary, to keep dust from blowing. If stored in piles for long periods (more than 60 days), monitor for evident temperature rise. If detected, break down pile at once and cool hot material with water spray.
Section 7 – PROTECTION FROM OVEREXPOSURE
Respiratory Protection:
Material as supplied requires no respiratory protection in handling. Wear MSHA/NIOSH approved respirator suitable for dusts/mists if dust makes breathing difficult or irritates nose or throat.
Eye Protection:
Material as supplied requires no eye protection in handling. Wear chemical splash goggles (ANSI Z87.1-1989) if conditions are extremely dusty. The wearing of contact lenses under dusty conditions is not recommended unless approved by a physician.
Skin Protection:
Avoid prolonged skin contact by wearing, as necessary, elastomeric gloves and clothing that has long sleeves and pants.
Other Protective Measures:
A source of clean, fresh water to rinse material from the body should be available.
Personal Hygiene:
Wash hands, wrists, face and neck thoroughly with soap and water after handling and especially before eating or smoking. Shower at the end of work period. Wash soiled clothing before reuse.
Section 8 – PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL DATA
Appearance and Odor: Moist black, earth-like Bulk Density: 1,000 lbs./cu.yd. (est.)
Solid with small fibers
Shreds or chunks below
3/8 inches; musty odor
Moisture Content: Typically 40-55% water
Boiling Point: 212º F (water) pH: 5.2 – 7.2
Solubility in Water: Negligible
Section 9 – STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Stability:
This material is stable under normal conditions of storage and handling, although it will become hot if stored in a pile over a several-month period. (Spontaneous combustion is not expected, however.) It will not polymerize nor react with common substances (air, water, metals, etc.). Decomposition will not occur during normal handling, nor from impact.
Reactivity:
This material, like most natural organic materials, can react with strong oxidizers such as liquid chlorine, sodium or potassium hypochlorite, nitric acid and peroxides.
Section 10 – DISPOSAL
Spread surplus or spilled material on turf, plant bedding areas or soil. Do not bury; sink holes could result.
Section 11 – TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONS
Material is not hazardous according to DOT regulations.
Section 12 – OTHER REGULATORY INFORMATION
All ingredients of this material listed under Section 313 of SARA (40 CFR Part 372, Subpart D) are present only at de minimis levels, and hence, exempt from reporting requirements.
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