Health and Safety Recommendations for Decofond Ready mix mortar by St Astier

Product and Manufacturer Identification

Product: ready mixed mortar in 30 kg. bags or 15 kg. tubs
Commercial Name: Decofond
Manufacturer:
Name: Dordognaise (C.E.S.A. Group)
Addresse: 24110 St Astier, France
Tel: 05 33 54 1125
Fax: 05 33 04 6791
In case of Urgency:
France: - ORFILA, Tel : 01 45 42 5959
UK: – The Lime Line 0800.7839014
Ireland:– The Traditional Lime Co. 05991 51750

Components

Decofond is a ready mixed mortar based on natural hydraulic lime, siliceous and calcareous sand, additives and pigments.

IDENTIFICATION OF DANGERS

Decofond is not classified as a « dangerous product » as defined in annex VI of the directive 67 / 548 / CEE. However, because of its alcaline properties in solution, some handling precautions are necessary.

Risk symbol

Principal risks for people and the environment

X_i

Decofond is irritant for eyes, respiratory track and mucous membranes.
Risk of severe eye damage in cases of splashes of powder or wet mortar in the eyes.
Once hydrated, Decofond increases alcalinity and therefore can irritate or dry the skin
In cases of significant ingestion Decofond is caustic for the digestive tract. It can cause burning of the mouth, esophagus and stomac
Decofond does not present particular risks for the environment subject to the recommendations in section XIII and the respect of national or locad disposal directives.

First Aid (urgent cases)

Contact with eyes	Wash immediately and abundantely with clean water and consult an ophtalmologiste
Contact with the skin	In case of prolongued contact with the skin : If Decofond is in a dry state, eliminate as much as possible the dust. Wash abundantely with clean water If Decofond is in a wet mortar state, wash abundantely with clean water Make sure that no product is left between skin and clothing or accessories (watches, shoes etc…).
Inhalation	In case of inhalation of large amounts of dust: Bring the affected person outside the dusty area. Consult a doctor in case of respiratory problems
Ingestion	In cases of significant ingestion Rinse mouth, drink potable water and consult a doctor

ANTI FIRE MEASURES

Decofond is not flammable. In case of nearby fire use any extinguishing agents (as required by the nature of the fire).

ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE MEASURES

Individual precautions

Avoid all contacts with the eyes
Avoid contact with the skin
Avoid dust inhalation
In case of airborne dust use the appropriate anti dust mask
Handle the product with the appropriate gloves

Protection of the environment

Do not dispose of Decofond in sewers, drains and on surface waters

Cleaning and recovery methods

Use preferably collecting methods so as to avoid the creation of dust in the air

NOTE:
After collection, Decofond can be disposed as normal building waste.
Decofond hardens approximately 60 to 90 minutes after mixing with water.

USAGE, STOCKING AND HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

STOCKING	USAGE	HANDLING
Keep away from children reach.	Avoid creating airborne dust. If unavoidable, wear an anti dust mask Avoid direct contact of Decofond with eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Wearing security glasses is recommended.	The handling of Decofond bags has to be done in such a way as to avoid the creation of airborne dust Handle in accordance with local Health and Safety Directives

CONTROL PROCEDURES FOR WORKERS' EXPOSURE
AND TYPE OF EQUIPMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS' PROTECTION

Exposure control:

Exposure limits

Total Dust:	10 mg/m³
Cellular dust:	5 mg/m³

Individuals' protection:

Respiratory protection:	In the presence of airborne dust, the use of an anti dust mask is recommended.
Hands protection:	Wear adequate gloves
Eyes protection:	Wear protective goggles in case of airborne dust or risk of splashes of powder or wet mortar.
Skin protection:	Wear adequate work clothing covering the arms and extend it to the hands by wearing gloves. If working standing on knees, wear knee pads. Skin protective creams can also be used.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Colour	White or pigmented powder
Odor:	None
PH in water solution:	Alcaline between 12 and 13
Fusion temperature:	> 1000^oC
Apparent volumetric mass:	1,35 g/cm³ at 20^oC
Explosion point:	Not applicable
Flammable point:	Not applicable
Danger of explosion:	None
Granulometry	20 to 30 % of fines < 80 µ

STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Stability:	The product is stable
Conditions to avoid:	Humidity can cause hardening of the product
Materials to avoid:	None
Dangerous decomposition products :	None

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Inhalation:	Decofond can cause the irritation of the respiratory track and inflammation of nasal mucous membranes. In extreme cases the erosion of mucous membranes is possible
Ingestion:	In cases of significant ingestion Decofond is caustic for the digestive tract. It can cause burning of the mouth, esophagus and stomach
Skin contact:	Due to its alcalinity in solution, Decofond can irritate the skin. A prolongued contact with Decofond could cause burning of the skin.
Contact with the eyes:	Decofond can cause irritation and severe lesion of the pupil. Prolongued washing and ophtalmologic consultation are recommended
Chronic hands, skin disorders:	Prolongued exposure without adequate protection (gloves) can cause dermatitis
Cancer risks:	Not found
Genotoxicity:	Not found

ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Mobility:	None
Potential bio-accumulation:	None
Ecotoxicity:	In case of accidental dispersion in waters, Decofond powder could moderately increase the water pH.

DISPOSAL INFORMATION

After hardening, as a mortar waste, Decofond can be disposed of together with other construction site waste and stockpiled in discharge sites following the regulations valid at the time of disposal.

TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Classified as non hazardous merchandise in accordance with transport regulations.

COMPULSORY INFORMATION

Danger symbol:	X_i irritant
Principal components:	Calcareous sand and NHL lime
Phrases R:	R36/37/38- irritant for the eyes, respitatory tracks and skin R41 - risks of severe eyes lesion.
Phrases S:	S2 keep away from childrens’ reach S24/25 avoid contact with skin and eyes S26in case of contact with the eyes wash immediately and abundantely with clean water and consult a specialist S37 wear adequate gloves
Professional illnesses:	Social security code : not applicable
Special medical surveillance:	Not envisaged

OTHER INFORMATION: None

The recommendations in this document are based on our kowledge as it stands today related to Natural Hydraulic Limes,sands and additives. They are given in good faith.

Under no circumstance the information can be considered as a quality guarantee.

The User attention is drawn to the eventual risks caused by the utilisation of a product for different purposes from the ones for which the product has been envisaged. It is the responsibility of the User to adopt the appropiate safety measures and to apply all regulations current at the time of use. The prescriptions contained in this document are given to help the User to fulfill its obligations. The precautions listed cannot be considered as exhaustive.