Do you have all your MSDS’s?
By Richard Wolfe
Well, this article might be a slight change from some of the ones that are usually in its place. This one is part information and part quiz. I hoped these articles would help you be more aware of things that can harm you.
A MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a paper that tells you all the hazards and risks of a material. According to the law, you are supposed to have them on every chemical in your workplace. This information is from a MSDS, but I will not tell you what it is. Let’s see if anyone can figure it out and let me know the answer.
It is a mixture of 1,1,1-trichlormethane and titanium dioxide, resins, mineral spirits, di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, mustard oil, and finally, colorants. It is either a white or colored fluid with a pungent solvent odor. It’s percentage of volatiles is 50%. Its boiling point is 165 degrees F. Specific gravity is 1.7, vapor density is 4.5, and it is non-flammable.
It is stable, but you are to avoid contact with open flame, and other high temperature sources. This is because it can produce small amounts of phosgene (a nasty poison gas), hydrogen chloride and chlorine. The solvent part of the mixture is incompatible with strong alkalis/oxidizers such as aluminum, zinc, or potassium, as examples.
Now as a brief "Phootnote," all of this for the precentage of volatiles and specific gravity, refers to 1,1,1-trichlorethane. Under normal usage, no adverse effects are expected, but if inhaled, as in deliberately abused, the following symptoms can happen: Respiratory irritation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, unconsciousness, coma and possibly even death. Isn’t this a wonderful thing? It can kill you, but then all most everything can if the right amount is used or present.
It has no environmental effects, so it is not a hazard to the environment. It is simple to treat for exposure, unless it is abused, and YES it is abused by some people.
Ok, anyone have any ideas. It is a real common substance to have around. Every tow company, body shop, home or office has this stuff around. Now you should have the MSDS for this if you are in compliance with the “workers right to know” and the SARA III regulations.
Heck, even Rick probably has this stuff around. So you know it is real common. Feel free to contact me and let me know your answers. I think at least one person will get it right. No, Dave, I know you will get it.
