OH&S Product Data Sheet

Health and Safety
The components of this product are not considered hazardous, as no particular hazards are known.
AQUA-SAC® contains sodium polyacrylate, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), the same absorbent material used in disposable nappies. SAP is considered to present only a slight risk to health. More specifically, it is considered safe except for a potential dust hazard, and a potential slipping hazard when wet.
SAP presents a minimal risk of fire and reactivity, similar to that of the jute sack. As a result, an MSDS is not required.

Emergency Overview
Sodium polyacrylate (SAP) is chemically stable under normal and anticipated storage and handling conditions.
Under normal circumstances, users of AQUA-SAC® should not come into contact with SAP. However, SAP may leak or spill from a broken AQUA-SAC®, or it may be released from the bag as a result of tampering.
SAP dust may escape from the inner bag due to rough handling or large numbers of AQUA-SAC®, during unpacking and stacking.
Although SAP is not regulated as a hazardous material, the respirable dust is a potential respiratory tract irritant.
The European Disposables and Non-Wovens Association (EDANA) recommends a workplace limit of 0.05 mg/m³ for respirable dust of SAP (particle size under 10 microns) based on the NOEL (No Observed Effect Level) of a 2 year inhalation study.
Sodium polyacrylate is a white, granular, odourless polymer that yields a gel-like material with the addition of water. It is insoluble in water and causes extremely slippery conditions when wet.

Potential Health Effects
Eyes - SAP dust may cause burning, drying, itching, etc, resulting in reddening of the eyes.
First Aid - If SAP dust is formed, wear protective goggles. If SAP dust gets in the eyes, immediately flush with plenty of water. Remove any particles remaining under the eyelids. Get medical attention of irritation persists.
Skin - Exposure to SAP dust, may aggravate existing skin conditions due to drying effect.
First Aid - Remove SAP dust from skin using soap and water. Take off contaminated clothing.
Ingestion - Tests have shown that SAP is non-toxic if ingested.
First Aid - As in any instance of non-food consumption, seek medical attention immediately if there are any ill effects.
Inhalation - Inhaling SAP dust may cause respiratory tract and lung irritation and may aggravate existing respiratory conditions. If SAP dust exceeds the 0.05 mg/m3 limit, wear an appropriate respirator, and ensure sufficient workplace ventilation.
First Aid - If inhaled, move to source of fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

General Hazards
No recognised fire hazards are associated with AQUA-SAC® or SAP.
Hazardous Combustion Products - None known.
Extinguishing Media - Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide and water mist.
Instructions for Fire Fighting:
Fire fighters should wear full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Avoid inhaling dust during clean up: see Inhalation above.
Any small residual amount of SAP may be flushed with water into the drain for normal biological wastewater treatment.

Extremely slippery conditions are created if SAP is spilled out of the bags and comes in contact with water.

Seepage - The outer surface of the bags can be slippery when wet, and the ground under an inflated bag will sometimes be slippery. To limit the damage, lay a few SOS bags flat on the floor around the inside of doorways and other openings to avoid the surface becoming wet.
Bag Removal and Cleanup After Flood - Once the bags have been removed from site it is essential to power jet to remove any residue that may be left behind before walking on the wet surface.
For Commerical Premises - We suggest erecting temporary signs which can be clearly seen saying "wet floor - take care to avoid slipping".