Ecocem GGBS Cement

Material Safety Data Sheet According to REACH Regulation

(EC) No. 1907/2006
Date of Issue: 11th August 2009

1. Identification of Product And Supplier

1.1 Product
Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag (GGBS)
1.2 Use of Substance/Preparation:
GGBS is used as a cementitious binder in the readymix and precast concrete industries and for use in
mortars and grouts.
1.3 Manufacturer and Supplier
Ecocem Ireland Limited Tel: (01) 678 1800
Portview House Tel: (01) 647 3740 (Despatch – 24 hrs.)
Thorncastle St Fax: (01) 678 1816
Dublin 4 Email: john.reddy@ecocem.ie
1.4 Emergency No.:
087 2509829 (Available 24 hours)

2. Hazards Identification
GGBS is classified as Xi, irritant and has the risk phases R37/38/39: irritating to respiratory system,
skin and eyes.
When mixed with water, the resulting solution is alkaline, with a pH in the range of 11 – 13. This alkaline
solution in contact with the skin may damage nerve endings before damaging the skin, thus chemical burns
may develop before pain is experienced.
GGBS may be hot when delivered in bulk tankers, as a result of heat generated during the grinding process.
Chromium VI content is less than 2ppm and causes no sensitisation to the skin.

3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
3.1 Chemical Description
GGBS is predominantly a finely ground glass comprising calcium, silica, aluminum and magnesium oxides.
It has low solubility in water, resulting in an alkaline solution, pH range 10 – 13. Bulk density is 1.0 – 1.1
tonnes/m3 (loose), and 1.2 – 1.3 tonnes/m3 (vibrated). Surface area is 400 – 600m2/kg.
Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS) Number 65996-69-2; EINECS No. 266 - 002 - 0
3.2 Hazardous Ingredients
The lime, calcium silicates and alkalis in GGBS are partially soluble in water, and when mixed with water,
result in an alkaline solution that may be hazardous.

4. First-Aid Measures
4.1 Eye Contact
Wash eyes immediately with clean water for at least 45 minutes, and then seek medical advice.
4.2 Skin Contact
Wash the affected area thoroughly with water and soap. If any irritation or pain occurs, seek immediate
medical advice. Clothing contaminated by wet concrete or mortar should be removed, and washed
thoroughly before re-use.
4.3 Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting. Firstly wash out mouth with water, and then give plenty of water to drink.
If discomfort continues, seek medical advice.
4.4 Inhalation
If irritation occurs, leave the area and go to an area with plenty of fresh air. If irritation persists,
and nose or airways become inflamed or constricted, seek medical advice.

Ecocem Ireland Ltd., Portview House, Thorncastle St., Dublin 4, Ireland

t: +353 (0)1 678 1800 f: +353 (0)1 678 1816 e: info@ecocem.ie w: www.ecocem.ie 1
 Ecocem GGBS Cement
Material Safety Data Sheet

5. Fire Fighting Measures

GGBS is not flammable and will not facilitate the combustion of other material.

6. Accidental Release Measures

6.1 Personal Precautions
Refer to sections on First-Aid Measures (Section 4), and Exposure Controls and Personal
Protection (Section 8)
6.2 Cleaning Up
Recover any spillage in a dry state, by vacuuming if possible, to minimise the generation of airborne
dust. The product can be slurried by adding water, but will subsequently set as a hard material.
Prevent any run-off water from entering drains, sewers or water courses.

7. Handling and Storage

7.1 Handling
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when working in close proximity to
loose GGBS, to protect against inhalation or contact.
7.2 Storage
The performance of GGBS will be adversely affected by unsuitable storage conditions. GGBS should
be stored in silos that are waterproof and protected from contamination.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

8.1 Exposure Limit Values
The Occupational Exposure Standard (OES) on an eight hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) is:
Total inhalable dust 10mg/m3; Respirable dust 4mg/m3.
8.2 Exposure Controls
Where practicable, dust exposure should be prevented by engineering measures.

8.2.1 Occupational Exposure Controls

8.2.1(a) Respiratory Protection
Suitable respiratory protection must be worn if the dust exposure level exceeds the limit
of the Occupational Exposure Standard (see section 8.1).

8.2.1(b) Hand Gloves Protection

Protective gloves should be worn to prevent hands coming into contact with dry GGBS
powder, or GGBS in wet concrete or mortar. Gloves should be impervious and abrasion
resistant.

8.2.1(c) Eye Protection

Dust-proof goggles should be worn whenever there is a risk of GGBS powder or any
GGBS/water mixture entering the eye.

8.2.1(d) Skin Protection

When working with GGBS, long sleeved clothing is required, and waterproof trousers or
wellington boots may also be necessary. If any clothing or the internal lining of footwear
becomes contaminated with wet concrete or mortar, these items should be removed and
cleaned before further use.

8.2.2 Environmental Exposure Controls

GGBS forms an alkali solution when mixed with water. Discharge to watercourses, lakes
or ponds should be avoided. As GGBS is classed as a nuisance dust, its entry into the
atmosphere should be avoided.

Ecocem Ireland Ltd., Portview House, Thorncastle St., Dublin 4, Ireland

2 t: +353 (0)1 678 1800 f: +353 (0)1 678 1816 e: info@ecocem.ie w: www.ecocem.ie
Ecocem GGBS Cement
Material Safety Data Sheet

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

9.1 General Information
Appearance Off-white powder

Mean Particle Size 5 – 30 microns

Relative Density 2.85–2.95

9.2 Important Health, Safety and Environmental Information

pH 10 – 13 (wet GGBS)

Odour n/a

Boiling Point/Boiling Range 1250ºC

Melting Point/Melting Range n/a

Flash Point n/a

Flammability n/a

Explosive Properties none

Oxidising Properties none

Solubility in Water (20oC) Slight (0.1 – 1.5 g/l)

Vapour pressure, vapour density, evaporation rate, freezing point, viscosity. Not relevant.
9.3 Other Data
»» GGBS is composed mainly of: CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, MgO.
»» Contains less than 1% crystalline silica.
»» Contains less than 2ppm water soluble chromium VI.

10. Stability and Reactivity

Conditions contributing to chemical reactivity Elevated pH + water

Hazardous decomposition products none
Special precautions none
Combination with alumina powder Hydrogen gas
Combination with ammonia containing products Ammonia gas

11. Toxicological Information

11.1 Short Term Effects
11.1.1 Eye Contact
Mild exposure to GGBS powder can cause soreness. Gross exposure or untreated mild
exposure can lead to burning and/or ulceration of the eye.
11.1.2 Skin Contact
Prolonged contact with wet GGBS may cause alkali burns, but this is virtually unknown in
normal use. No connection has been established between GGBS and dermatitis, but this
possibility cannot be ruled out.
11.1.3 Ingestion
The swallowing of small amounts of GGBS or any GGBS/water mixtures is unlikely to cause
any significant reaction. Larger doses may result in irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
11.1.4 Inhalation
GGBS powder inhalation may cause inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Ecocem Ireland Ltd., Portview House, Thorncastle St., Dublin 4, Ireland

t: +353 (0)1 678 1800 f: +353 (0)1 678 1816 e: info@ecocem.ie w: www.ecocem.ie 3
 Ecocem GGBS Cement
Material Safety Data Sheet

11. Toxicological Information (continued)

11.2 Chronic Effects
High repeated exposures in excess of the OES (section 8.1) can be linked to rhinitis (the release of histamine
causing inflammation and fluid production in the linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids) and coughing.

12. Ecological Information

The addition of GGBS to water will result in an alkaline solution. At high concentrations and low dispersion this may impact
on aquatic life in the short term. After hardening with water or moisture, GGBS presents no toxicity risk.

13. Disposal Considerations

Surplus GGBS should only be disposed of in a safe manner at a location licensed to receive waste.

14. Transport Information

Bulk GGBS should be transported in sealed containers.

15. Regulatory Information

15.1 Substance Particulars
15.1.1 Indication of Danger
Irritant, Xi

15.1.2 Risk Phrases

R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

15.1.3 Safety Phrases

S2 Keep out of the reach of children
S14 Keep away from ammonia-containing products and alumina powder
S22 Do not breathe dust
S24/25 Avoid contact with skin and eyes
S36/37/39 Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection
S46 If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label
15.1.4 Chromium VI
GGBS contains less than 2ppm of Chomium VI and meets with European Directive 2003/53/EC.
15.2 Assessment of Risk
The information contained in this data sheet does not constitute the user’s own assessment of workplace risk
as required by other health and safety legislation.

16. Other Information

See EC (Classification, Packaging, Labelling and Notification of Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2003.
S.I. No. 116 of 2003.
For further information contact:
Ecocem Ireland Ltd Tel: (01) 678 1800
Portview House Fax: (01) 678 1816
Thorncastle St info@ecocem.ie
Dublin 4 www.ecocem.ie

Ecocem Ireland Ltd., Portview House, Thorncastle St, Dublin 4, Ireland

4 t: +353 (0)1 678 1800 f: +353 (0)1 678 1816 e: info@ecocem.ie w: www.ecocem.ie