General Safety Information

Hazards

Health

These products are often a mixtures of chemical substances, comprising the active ingredients and inactive materials like emulsifiers, binders, thickeners, colours, preservatives, etc.  The presentation or dosage form of the active ingredients (for example, tablets, powder, syringes, dosing devices, etc.), the concentration of active ingredients or the toxicities of the ingredients themselves are such that they present little or no hazard under normal circumstances.

However some of the preparations do contain potent chemicals at low levels and these can cause skin sensitization in sensitive individuals.

As with all chemical substances, all contact by mouth and prolonged or repeated contact with skin, eyes or by inhalation should be avoided.

Fire

Although these products will not burn themselves, they or their containers may give rise to harmful or irritant fumes if involved in a fire.  Plastic containers may melt.  Both plastic and other types of container may burst.  Containers should be kept cool by spraying with water.

Fires should be extinguished by using an extinguishing agent appropriate to the source and type of fire.  See also "spillage"

First Aid

In the case of personal contact with these products, the standard first aid procedures below should be followed.  Where the exposure/contact is slight, the first aid procedures described below should be sufficient to prevent further symptoms these should be reported and dealt with immediately.  In all cases of heavy contamination, exposure or contact, or if in doubt, always seek medical advice.  If practical, take the product container, product leaflet or label with you.

Spillage

Wear rubber or PVC gloves if there is a risk of personal contact with the product.  In cleaning up powder spillages, a dust mask (conforming to regulations) may be necessary, if there is a risk of generating airborne dust.

Small liquid spills can be mopped up with a cloth and disposed of in normal refuse.

Large liquid spills should be absorbed on a suitable inert absorbent.  The contaminated absorbent should be collected and placed in a suitably labeled, closed container to await disposal.

Solid product spills should be swept up, avoiding the generation of airborne dust, collected and placed in a suitably labeled, closed container to await disposal.

The spillage site should be washed with detergent and water and rinsed to drain.

Disposal

Contaminated absorbent, swept-up solid spillages and spoiled materials should be collected by a registered contractor for safe disposal by incineration or burial at an approved location.  Local authorities can advise in this.