MSDS for Polyether

1. Identification

Product Name: Polyether
Chemical Family: Polyoxyalkylene polyol
Synonyms: Polyoxypropylene diol, Polyether Polyol
Recommended Use: Used in the production of polyurethane foams, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and coatings
Manufacturer Name and Contact: [Manufacturer info required]
Emergency Contact Number: [Insert emergency number]

2. Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for most polyethers, though impurities or blends may display hazards
Physical Hazards: Viscous liquid; slips and falls possible on spills
Health Hazards: Possible mild eye and skin irritant; low inhalation risk at ambient temperatures; may cause discomfort if ingested
Environmental Hazards: Spills could affect surfaces and drains but does not present significant threat at usual concentrations
Label Elements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes; clean spills quickly to prevent accidents; not classified for acute toxicity, corrosion, or chronic effects in general purpose grades

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Composition: Mixture of polyether polyols, typically polyoxypropylene glycols (CAS 25322-69-4), molecular weight varies by grade
Impurities: May contain trace unreacted starters, low-molecular weight fraction, or polymerization byproducts
Additional Components: Additives such as antioxidants (e.g., BHT, CAS 128-37-0) may be present in low concentrations
Typical Purity: >99% polyether
Hazardous Ingredients: Not expected based on standard production and handling for common grades

4. First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical advice for persistent irritation
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air if exposure to heated vapors occurs; get medical attention if symptoms (such as coughing or dizziness) develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give small amount of water; seek medical attention if large ingestion occurs, do not induce vomiting
General Advice: Treat symptoms as necessary based on exposure; always consult with a physician for significant or continued effects

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, foam
Unsuitable Media: Avoid direct water stream if product is burning, as it may spread the liquid
Specific Hazards: Combustible at elevated temperatures, thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly other irritating organic fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of vapors and fumes; move containers away from fire if it can be done safely

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles to prevent skin and eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains or water courses; small spills can be absorbed with sand, earth, or commercial absorbents
Clean-Up Methods: Collect spilled product with inert materials, place in closed container for disposal; clean area with detergent and water
Protective Actions: Ventilate area if indoors; avoid slip hazard from spilled liquid

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate ventilation; avoid open flames and sources of high heat; always wear appropriate PPE such as gloves and goggles
Storage Conditions: Store in original closed containers, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers
Specific Requirements: Avoid moisture ingress, do not store near sources of ignition; ensure containers remain labeled and tightly closed
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids and oxidizing agents

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for polyether polyols; nuisance dust limits may apply if material becomes airborne during processing
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation in heated or spray applications
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and long-sleeved clothing; provide eye wash stations
Respiratory Protection: Not typically required at ambient temperature; use organic vapor respirator if mist or vapor is generated at high temperature
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating or drinking, remove contaminated clothing promptly

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Slight, mild odor
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Typically neutral to slightly basic (5–9, varies with grade)
Melting/Freezing Point: <0°C (varies by molecular weight)
Initial Boiling Point: Decomposes above 200°C
Flash Point: Typically >200°C (closed cup, varies by molecular weight)
Evaporation Rate: Negligible
Flammability: Combustible at elevated temperatures
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohols, some organic solvents
Viscosity: Ranges from thin liquid to viscous, depending on molecular weight (e.g., 100–10,000 mPa·s)

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions and standard temperatures
Condition to Avoid: Excessive heat, contamination with incompatible substances such as strong acids or oxidizers
Reactivity: May react with isocyanates in polyurethane manufacturing; otherwise low reactivity
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Burning produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly other aldehydes and organic byproducts
Polymerization: Will not undergo hazardous polymerization as supplied

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity in animal studies; LD50 oral (rat) often above 3,000 mg/kg
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause minor irritation in some individuals on prolonged or repeated exposure
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: No evidence from standard polyether polyol use
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Other Effects: Product not expected to cause reproductive or developmental toxicity at usual occupational exposure

12. Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms: Generally low, no acute aquatic toxicity observed for most polyether polyols
Persistence and Degradability: Product likely to degrade under environmental conditions over time, but tends to persist in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Considered unlikely due to molecular structure and solubility
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility in aqueous environments, does not bind strongly to soil
Other Adverse Effects: Not expected to contribute to ozone depletion or significant environmental hazard at normal concentrations used in industry

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of product through licensed waste disposal contractor; incineration or controlled landfill practices acceptable under regulations
Container Handling: Rinse empty containers with water before recycling or disposal; never reuse for food or drink
Special Precautions: Avoid release to the environment during disposal; follow all local, regional, and national regulations
Waste Code: Not classified as hazardous waste under most jurisdictions, but should follow proper industrial disposal protocols

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport under UN rules
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transport Label: None required
Special Transport Precautions: Secure containers upright, prevent leaks or spills; ensure labels remain intact for emergency identification

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Communication: Not hazardous as defined by OSHA HCS (29 CFR 1910.1200)
TSCA Inventory: All components listed or excluded
REACH Status (EU): Polyether polyols generally registered; check substance status for region-specific requirements
Other Regulations: Product and ingredients typically comply with global chemical regulations; maintain documentation for regional compliance
Labeling: Avoid contact with eyes and skin, use appropriate PPE, follow standard operating procedures for handling and storage