Material Safety Data Sheet

Product Identification

Pumice

Supplier

Soap Basics
23 Southbrook Road
Melksham
Wiltshire SN12 8DS
UK
Tel: 01225 899286

Product Description

Complex natural silicate, consisting mainly of amorphous silica (SiO2) but also containing minor quantities of various metallic oxides.

Chemical Analysis

Constituent

Name

% Occurrence

SiO2

Silicon Dioxide

71.75

Al2O3

Aluminium Oxide

12.33

TiO2

Titanium Oxide

0.11

Fe2O3

Ferric Oxide

1.98

FeO

Ferrous Oxide

0.02

MnO

Manganese Oxide

0.07

CaO

Calcium Oxide

0.7

MgO

Magnesium Oxide

0.12

Na2O

Sodium Oxide

3.59

K2O

Potassium Oxide

4.47

P2O5

Phosphorous Pentoxide

0.008

CO2

Carbon Dioxide

0.01

SO2

Sulphur Trioxide

0.18

H2O+

Combined Water

3.71

Small variations in analysis will occur depending on the grade of pumice

Handling Precautions

No hazard has been brought to our attention as a result of the normal industrial use of this product. As with any finely divided inert material, steps should be taken to avoid inhalation of dust. Pumice consists of amorphous silica and does not contain quartz in allotropic crystalline forms such as Cristobalite, Tridymide etc. It is, however, recommended that users adhere to the T L V specified by the latest A C G I H and as listed for ‘Nuisance Particulates’ in H S E guidance note EH40.

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Wash out thoroughly with water to remove all dust particles.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Not applicable

Accidental Release Measures

Spillage: Sweep into container and dispose of as inert solid waste.

Handling and Storage

Storage: Store the product in dry conditions.

Handling: Handle carefully to avoid raising high concentration of dust in the work area. 

Exposure Control/Personal Protection

Provide eye wash bottle and clean water.

Wear suitable dust mask. Consider local extraction/ventilation system to keep concentration in air below 10mg/cubic metre – the threshold limit value listed for ‘nuisance particulates’ in the Health & Safety Executive’s Guidance Note EH40 (but not specifically listing pumice powder).

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Powder

Colour: Grey

Odour: Odourless

Melting point: 1500 deg C

True density: 2.313 – 2.356 gms/cc

Apparent density: 0.400 – 0.900 gms/cc

Viscosity: Not applicable

Solubility in water: Insoluble

pH value: 7.5 – 8.0

Flash point: Not applicable

Ignition point: Not applicable

Explosive limit: Not applicable

Refractive index: 1.5

Hardness: 6 (Mohs)

Stability/Reactivity

Pumice is an inert material, insoluble in water, alkalis and acids (other than hydrofluoric acids).

Toxicological Information

Non-toxic. Does not cause allergic or narcotic reaction. Lead and asbestos totally absent.

Environmental Protection

Natural, inert material. Material is not a pollutant.

Waste Disposal

As inert solid waste.

Transport Information

Not classed as hazardous for transportation.

Legislation

CAS No: 13320908

EH40 – Occupational Exposure Limits

EH44 – Dust: General Principles of Protection

No relevant EINECS number due to EU legislation 79/831, 6th amendment 67/548/EEC including in heading ‘substances recurrent in nature’.

Other Information

The information in this safety sheet is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate, but any recommendations or suggestions that made be made are without guarantee, since the condition of use are beyond the control of Soap Basics.

Observance of existing laws and requirements rests with the user of this product.