Updated May 2015

Aggregates
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

1. I DENTIFICATION OF SUBSTANCE/
MIXTURE & COMPANY/UNDERTAKING
Name of substance: Natural aggregates
For further details of the specification refer to the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet.

2. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
NOT classified as dangerous in accordance with Directive 67/548/EEC or EC
1272/2008.
Respirable dust may be released during processing, handling and use of natural
aggregates, particularly through crushing, drilling, cutting, loading and unloading
of bulk aggregates, or if the aggregate is supplied as a fine powder. If inhaled in
excessive quantities over a prolonged period or extended period, respirable dust
can constitute a long-term health hazard.
Dusts containing Respirable Crystalline Silica (quartz) present a greater hazard.
Long-term exposure to respirable dust can lead to respiratory system damage and
disease. Respirable crystalline silica has been associated with the lung disease
silicosis.
Some sand aggregates are unsuitable for sand blasting operations as they may break
down, producing respirable dust containing quartz.
The quartz content of the product will vary, and is related to the type of mineral
deposit from which the aggregate is produced. Advice on the quartz content and
other chemical information is available from the supplying unit.

3. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Produced from naturally occurring rock or sand and gravel mineral deposits.
The mineral composition and characteristics of the aggregate will depend on the type
of mineral deposit from which the aggregate is produced. Further information on the
composition, including free silica (quartz) content is available from the supplying unit.
In general, quartzite, sandstone, sand & gravel will have the highest levels of quartz.

Hazardous ingredients:
Substance Name EC No % DSD Classification CLP Classification
Crystalline Silica* 238-878-4 Variable Xn R48/20 H372
Aggregates – Material Safety Data Sheet

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation:
Immediately remove to fresh air. If breathing difficulties are experienced,
seek medical attention.

Skin contact:
Wash with water. Prolonged contact may cause irritation. If symptoms develop
or persist, seek medical attention.

Eye Contact:
Do not rub eyes, as the material is abrasive and may scratch the surface of the
eye. Immediately and thoroughly irrigate with eye wash solution or clean water.
If symptoms develop or persist, seek medical attention.

Ingestion:
Remove to fresh air. If person is conscious, rinse out mouth and give water to drink.
Seek medical advice if symptoms develop.

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Natural aggregates are non-flammable and are not combustible.

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Not applicable.

Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Not applicable.
Special Exposure Hazards in Fire: None.
Special Protective Equipment for Fire Fighters: None.

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Personal Precautions:
Avoid breathing in dust. Keep dust out of eyes. See Section 8 for guidance on
personal protective equipment. See Section 7 for guidance on handling the product.

Environmental Precautions:
Natural aggregates are inert, but dust and fine particles should be prevented from
entering watercourses and drains. Deposition of dust on vegetation and surrounding
property should be avoided controlling the release of dust at source.

Methods for Cleaning:

Avoid dry sweeping, which creates dust. Use vacuum cleaning where practicable,
or suppress dust using water sprays before cleaning up.

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
The product should be handled to minimise the creation of airborne dust. Conveyor
systems should be fitted with covers to minimise wind whipping. Very fine, dry
material should be conveyed in an enclosed system. Water sprays and/or local
exhaust ventilation and filtration should be used as required to minimise generation
of dust.
Manual handling of the product should be avoided where possible. If manual handling
is necessary, full account should be taken of the Manual Handling Regulations.
 Aggregates – Material Safety Data Sheet

Storage:
The product should be stored to minimise the creation of airborne dust.
Very fine, dry product in bulk should be stored in enclosed silos.
Bulk aggregate containing fine material (<3mm) should not be stored in the open
unless it is conditioned with water. Stockpiles should be sited to avoid wind-whipping
where possible. Storage bays should be fitted with 3 sides and the aggregate stored
below the level of the sides to avoid wind-whipping.

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION

Take Measures to Prevent:
Inhalation of excessive quantities of dust.

Exposure Control Limits / Source

Total Dust W.E.L. 10mg/m3 8 Hrs T.W.A.

Respirable Dust W.E.L. 4mg/m 3
8 Hrs T.W.A.
Respirable Quartz (Crystalline Silica SiO2) W.E.L. 0.1mg/m3 8 Hrs T.W.A.

W.E.L. = Workplace Exposure Limit

T.W.A. = Time Weighted Average

Control Measures:
Dust should be controlled by containment, suppression and extraction/ filtration
where possible.
Regular monitoring should be undertaken to identify where people may be exposed
to respirable dust so that further measures can be implemented to reduce exposure.

Respiratory Protection:
Suitable respiratory protection should be used to protect against
inhalation of dust, and to ensure exposure is below the Workplace
DISPOSABLE Exposure Levels given at the start of this section.
EN149 FFP3

Hand Protection:
Gloves should be worn to avoid abrasion of the skin when handling
the product. Wear waterproof gloves if the product is wet.
PROTECT
HANDS

Eye Protection:
Goggles or protective glasses should be worn to prevent dust
entering the eyes if required.
BS: ENI66 EYE
PROTECTION

IF CONTACT LIKELY

Skin Protection:
Overalls to protect skin and clothes. The use of skin barrier cream
is also recommended. Hands should be washed thoroughly before
COVER SKIN handling or eating food or drink.
KEEP SKIN
COVERED
Aggregates – Material Safety Data Sheet

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance Granular solid

Odour None
pH Various
Boiling Point / Range Not determined
Melting Point / Range Not determined
Flash Point Not applicable
Auto Flammability Not applicable
Flammability Not applicable
Explosive Properties Not applicable
Oxidising Properties Not determined
Vapour Pressure: Not applicable
Relative Density: Above 2.0
Water Solubility: Dependant on rock type
Fat Solubility: Not determined

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Conditions to Avoid:
None.
Materials to Avoid:
Acids (for aggregates containing CaCO3 & MgCO3)
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Limestone aggregates may react with acid groundwater to release carbon dioxide
gas, which may build up in confined spaces to hazardous concentrations.

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Inhalation:
If inhaled over a prolonged or extended period, respirable dust from natural
aggregate can lead to respiratory system damage and disease. Respirable crystalline
silica has been associated with the lung disease silicosis.

Skin Contact:
Prolonged contact with skin may cause irritation and dryness, which may lead to
dermatitis.

Eye Contact:
Particles of grit or dust from natural aggregates may irritate and scratch eyes.

Ingestion:
Unlikely to cause any problems.

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Environmental Assessment:
When used and disposed of as intended, no adverse environmental effects are
foreseen. Aggregates are naturally occurring, inert minerals and do not pose a
significant ecological hazard.
Aggregates – Material Safety Data Sheet

Mobility:
Aggregates are non-volatile, inert materials that will sink in water and form a layer
on the surface of the ground. Dust may become airborne, leading to deposition
on vegetation.

Persistence and Degradability:

Aggregates are resistant to degradation and will persist in the environment.

Ecotoxicity:
Not expected to be toxic to aquatic organisms.

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATION

Safe Handling of Residues / Waste Product:
Natural aggregates are classed as ‘inert’ but should be disposed of in
accordance with local and national legal requirements. Natural aggregates can
be readily reused or recycled.

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Special Carriage Requirements:
None – not classified as dangerous for transport.
Open vehicles should be sheeted or loads conditioned with water to avoid
dust nuisance.

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Classification: Not classified as dangerous.
However, consideration of the following risk & safety phrases is recommended:

67/548/EEC
Risk Phrases:
R36/37 – Irritating to eyes and respiratory system.
R48/20 – Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation (if respirable silica is present).

Safety Phrases:
S36/ 37/ 39 – Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.

EC1272/2008
Hazard Statements:
H317 – May cause skin irritation
H335 – May cause respiratory irritation
H372 – Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
(relates possible lung damage if exposed to respirable silica).

Precautionary Statements:
P261 – Avoid breathing dust
P281 – Use personal protective equipment as required (see Section 8)
Aggregates – Material Safety Data Sheet

16. OTHER INFORMATION

Training Advice:
Wear and use of PPE.

Recommended Uses and Applications:

Industrial and construction applications.

Further Information:
Contact Product Technical Support at Hanson UK using the details given in Section 1.
HSE Guidance Note EH40/2007 PPE Regulations 1992
COSHH Regulations 2002 Environmental Protection Act 1990
HSE Crystalline Silica EH59
Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD) 67/548/EEC
Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations (CLP) EC1272/2008
Further copies of this Material Safety Data Sheet may be obtained from Hanson UK.
Prepared in accordance with Annex II of the REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006

17. DISCLAIMER
The information in this Material Safety Data Sheet was believed to be correct at the
time of issue. It does not, however, give assurances of product properties and
establishes no contract legal rights.
If you have purchased this product for supply to a third party for use at work, it is your
duty to take all necessary steps to ensure that any person handling or using the
product is provided with the information in this sheet.
If you are an employer, it is your duty to tell your employees and others who may
be affected of any hazards described in this sheet and any of the precautions,
which should be taken.
This Material Safety Data Sheet does not constitute the user’s own assessment of
workplace risk, and it is the user’s sole responsibility to take all necessary safety
precautions when using this product.
The product is to be used exclusively for the applications named in the technical leaflet
or in the processing instructions. The receiver of our product is singularly responsible
for adhering to existing laws and regulations.

For further information contact: Customer Services:

Hanson House Tel: 01628 774 100

14 Castle Hill Email: [email protected]
Maidenhead
SL6 4JJ

hanson.co.uk