Product Name: High Impact Polystyrene with Flame Retardant
Product Code: Varies by supplier
Synonyms: HIPS FR Compound
Recommended Use: Injection molding, extrusion, consumer products, electronics housings
Manufacturer: [Insert Manufacturer Name], [Insert Address], [Insert Contact Number], [Insert Emergency Contact Number]
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS, though additives change hazard profile
Signal Word: None expected unless additives trigger special hazards such as skin or respiratory irritation
Pictograms: May have exclamation mark if ingredients present cause irritation risks
Potential Health Effects: Dust from processing can irritate eyes, skin, or lungs; fumes from overheating or burning may release toxic gases, nausea, headaches
Environmental Hazards: Additives such as brominated flame retardants may threaten aquatic environments if released
Polystyrene (CAS 9003-53-6): 70-95%
Flame Retardant Additive (e.g., Decabromodiphenyl ether, CAS 1163-19-5 or alternatives): 5-20%
Other Additives: Antioxidants, pigments, stabilizers; less than 5%, often proprietary
Impurities: Possible residual monomers & minor components, not typically a concern at use levels
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical personnel, consult a doctor for any symptoms
Note to Physician: Treat exposure symptomatically, watch for respiratory complications due to inhalation of decomposed gases
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, CO₂, water spray; water jet unfavored due to risk of spread
Specific Hazards: Burning releases dense black smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen bromide or other halogenated compounds depending on flame retardant composition
Protective Equipment: Full self-contained breathing apparatus, protective gear due to toxic gas risk
Additional Advice: Cool fire-exposed containers with water mist, avoid inhaling fumes generated by decomposition
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, use personal protective equipment like gloves, safety goggles, and filter masks
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff to drains, sewers, surface water, contain spill with barriers
Methods for Clean Up: Sweep or vacuum granules to minimize dust, transfer waste into suitable containers for disposal, avoid dry sweeping that can generate airborne dust
Handling: Use proper engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation near processing machines, minimize skin and eye contact, avoid inhaling dust or fumes; avoid open flames and sources of ignition
Storage: Store away from direct sunlight, sources of heat, strong acids, and oxidizing agents; keep containers tightly closed when unused; avoid temperature extremes which can degrade product and increase risk of hazardous decomposition
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limit for polystyrene itself, but assess for specific flame retardant chemicals; dust and vapor levels should be controlled below recommended thresholds
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosures on machinery, general area ventilation to disperse fumes
Personal Protection: Use gloves (nitrile or PVC), safety glasses with side shields, dust masks or respirators for processing dusts or fumes, protective clothing in case of extended exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, eat or drink only in designated areas away from polymer handling zones
Appearance: Opaque white or colored pellets or granules
Odor: Neutral to faint hydrocarbon
pH: Not applicable in solid form
Melting Point/Range: 210-250°C (410-482°F)
Flash Point: Around 350°C (662°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Above 300°C (572°F), strongly dependent on additive package
Solubility (Water): Insoluble
Density: 1.03-1.07 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not relevant for a solid polymer
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Classified as flame-retarded, but sustained fire possible above decomposition temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under typical storage and handling; decomposition occurs at elevated temperatures
Reactivity: May react with strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Reactions: Heating above decomposition point creates risk of toxic combustion and breakdown products
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged heating, open flames, and high-energy ignition sources
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aromatic and halogenated compounds including hydrogen bromide if brominated retardants are used
Acute Toxicity: Generally considered low for base polymer; risks may increase with flame retardant additives depending on type
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust or fumes, skin or eye contact with powders or molten material
Symptoms: Respiratory irritation, eye or skin redness, headache and nausea from fumes; burns from molten polymer possible
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure to flame retardant dust (e.g., brominated compounds) linked with thyroid effects, developmental risks in scientific literature
Carcinogenicity: No evidence for polystyrene, some flame retardant additives have possible or probable carcinogen listings (e.g., DecaBDE)
Environmental Fate: Non-biodegradable, accumulates in soil or aquatic ecosystems, persists in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Some additives, especially brominated flame retardants, have strong potential for bioaccumulation
Aquatic Toxicity: Polystyrene particles and certain additives exhibit acute toxicity to aquatic organisms, disrupt marine food chains
Mobility: Granules may travel by wind or runoff, reach water systems, create microplastic pollution concerns
Waste Treatment Methods: Recycle whenever possible; disposal by controlled landfill or incineration with proper emission control
Hazardous Waste: Considered hazardous if containing persistent flame retardants; ash from incineration may contain toxic compounds
Disposal Guidance: Follow local, regional, and national regulations for hazardous polymer and additive waste; avoid uncontrolled burning or open dumping; label and store waste securely before transport
UN Number: Not regulated under most international hazardous material regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Not restricted, transport as non-hazardous goods unless specific flame retardants trigger restriction
Class: Not classified as dangerous
Special Precautions: Prevent spillage, avoid overheating during transport; keep away from food and feedstuffs
Transport Signs or Labels: None required though product-specific documentation must accompany international shipments containing regulated additives
OSHA Hazard Communication: Not classified as hazardous unless additives raise specific concerns
TSCA Inventory: Polystyrene and most commercial flame retardants listed
REACH Status: Monomers and certain flame retardants registered, some restricted or scheduled for phase-out in the EU
Canada (DSL): Listed
Other: Brominated flame retardants such as DecaBDE banned or restricted in the EU, US phase-out in progress; state and local regulations may require additional labeling for hazardous substances
RoHS/WEEE: Restrictions may apply for electronics uses, compliance documentation often mandatory for export
