Health & Safety
Safety Data Sheet
Mineral Pigment Additive — Prepared in accordance with UK REACH Regulation and GB CLP
Identification of the Substance & Company
Hazard Identification
Classification — GB CLP
| Hazard Class | Classification & Code |
|---|---|
| Carcinogenicity | H350i Carc. 1B — May cause cancer by inhalation. Based on cobalt-containing component(s). |
| Reproductive Toxicity | H360FD Repr. 1B — May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. |
| Respiratory Sensitisation | H334 Resp. Sens. 1 — May cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled. |
| Skin Sensitisation | H317 Skin Sens. 1 — May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Eye Irritation | H319 Eye Irrit. 2 — Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Skin Irritation | H315 Skin Irrit. 2 — Causes skin irritation. |
| STOT Single Exposure | H335 STOT SE 3 — May cause respiratory irritation. |
| Aquatic Environment | H413 Aquatic Chronic 4 — May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life. |
Signal Word & Pictograms
Precautionary Statements
- P201 — Obtain special instructions before use
- P260 — Do not breathe dust
- P280 — Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye and face protection
- P284 — In case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protection
- P302+P352 — IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
- P304+P340 — IF INHALED: Remove to fresh air and keep at rest
- P305+P351+P338 — IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes
- P308+P313 — IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention
- P342+P311 — If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a poison centre or doctor
- P405 — Store locked up
- P501 — Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations
Pregnant workers and those planning pregnancy should not handle this product without specific risk assessment and enhanced PPE due to H360FD classification of cobalt-containing components.
Composition / Information on Ingredients
ToneCoat is a proprietary blend of natural mineral and synthetic inorganic oxide pigments. The specific chemical identities and proportions of individual components are withheld as a commercial trade secret in accordance with UK REACH Article 24 confidentiality provisions.
| Ingredient Category | Hazard Contribution | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Natural earth pigments (iron-bearing oxides and hydroxides, natural silicates) | Dust irritant — respiratory tract, eyes, skin. Low acute toxicity. | Major component. Exact proportions withheld as trade secret. |
| Synthetic inorganic oxide pigments (including titanium-based and cobalt-bearing compounds) | Cobalt-bearing: H350i, H360FD, H334, H317, H413. Titanium-based: H335 by dust inhalation. | Minor component. Cobalt-bearing pigments present in certain colour variants only. |
| Ultramarine-based pigments (complex aluminosilicates containing sulfur) | Low acute toxicity. Mild dust irritant. Not classified as hazardous under GB CLP. | Present in certain colour variants. |
The full composition has been disclosed to the UK REACH competent authority as required. Full ingredient disclosure is available to medical professionals and emergency responders upon request by contacting tonecoat.com or the NHS Poisons Information Service (0344 892 0111).
First Aid Measures
Seek immediate medical attention if: respiratory symptoms occur or persist following inhalation; skin symptoms do not resolve within 24 hours; any exposure occurs in a pregnant worker.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Avoid generating dust. Wear full PPE as detailed in Section 8. Ensure adequate ventilation. Pregnant workers should not participate in clean-up operations.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering drains, watercourses, or soil. Notify the Environment Agency if significant quantities enter a watercourse.
Clean-Up Methods
- Dampen lightly with water to suppress dust before sweeping — never dry sweep
- Collect using a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter, or carefully sweep into sealed, labelled waste containers
- Wear full PPE throughout clean-up
- Wash contaminated surfaces with water — be aware pigments cause staining
- Dispose of collected waste in accordance with Section 13
Handling & Storage
Safe Handling
- Obtain special instructions before use — read all hazard information prior to handling
- Always work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors where possible
- Wear full PPE as described in Section 8 for every handling occasion
- Avoid generating dust during pouring, mixing, and transfer operations
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling the product
- Wash hands and all exposed skin thoroughly before breaks and at end of work period
- Pregnant workers and those planning pregnancy must not handle this product
- Use the minimum quantity necessary to complete the task
Safe Storage
- Store in original sealed packaging in a cool, dry location away from moisture
- Store locked away and out of reach of children
- Keep away from food, drink, and animal feed
- Do not re-seal and store partially used bags — use entire bag contents in one mix
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
UK Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs, HSE EH40)
| Substance | 8-hr TWA | 15-min STEL |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Oxides (dust) | 10 mg/m³ (inhalable) · 4 mg/m³ (respirable) | — |
| Titanium Dioxide (dust) | 10 mg/m³ (inhalable) · 4 mg/m³ (respirable) | — |
| Cobalt compounds (as Co) | 0.1 mg/m³ | 0.3 mg/m³ |
| General inhalable dust | 10 mg/m³ | — |
| General respirable dust | 4 mg/m³ | — |
Personal Protective Equipment
Respiratory Protection
MINIMUM: FFP2 disposable dust mask (EN149). STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: FFP3 half-mask respirator — mandatory where cobalt-bearing colour variants are used, in enclosed spaces, or where ventilation is poor.
Eye / Face Protection
Safety glasses with side shields (EN166) as minimum. Chemical splash goggles for all mixing operations. Full face shield where dust splash risk is elevated.
Hand Protection
Nitrile rubber gloves, minimum 0.1mm thickness (EN374). Latex gloves are not recommended. Change and dispose of gloves after each use.
Skin / Body Protection
Long-sleeved clothing covering all exposed skin. Dedicated work clothing or disposable coveralls. Remove and wash before leaving work area. Pigments will permanently stain fabrics.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Stability & Reactivity
Toxicological Information
| Route / Effect | Information |
|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity — Oral | Low acute oral toxicity. LD50 values for individual mineral iron oxides typically >10,000 mg/kg (rat, oral). |
| Acute Toxicity — Inhalation | Inhalation of mineral dust at high concentrations may cause irritation of the respiratory tract. |
| Skin Irritation | Causes skin irritation (H315). Prolonged contact may result in dryness, redness, and discomfort. |
| Eye Irritation | Causes serious eye irritation (H319). Physical irritation from dust particles. |
| Respiratory Sensitisation | Cobalt-bearing components are established respiratory sensitisers (H334). Sensitised individuals may develop occupational asthma. |
| Carcinogenicity | Cobalt compounds: Carcinogenic Category 1B — H350i. The most significant long-term hazard of this product. Adequate respiratory protection is essential. |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Cobalt compounds: Reproductive Toxin Category 1B — H360FD. May damage fertility and the unborn child. Pregnant workers must not handle this product. |
| STOT — Repeated Exposure | Repeated unprotected inhalation of cobalt-bearing mineral dust may cause cumulative lung damage in occupational settings. |
Ecological Information
Disposal Considerations
Dispose of product and packaging in compliance with the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 and Environmental Protection Act 1990. Do not dispose of via drains or watercourses.
- Small residual quantities: seal in original packaging and dispose of via general solid waste
- Larger or commercial quantities: treat as controlled waste — contact a licensed waste disposal contractor (EWC code: 06 11 99)
- Contaminated packaging: fully empty bags may be disposed of as general waste once dried
- Liquid waste (coloured mixing water): allow to settle, decant clear water to foul drain, dispose of settled pigment residue as solid waste
- Do not re-use empty packaging for food, drink, or any other purpose
Transport Information
ToneCoat is not classified as a dangerous good for transport under any of the following regulations:
Regulatory Information
Other Information
DISCLAIMER: This Safety Data Sheet has been prepared in good faith and to the best of the supplier's knowledge based on available data as of the issue date. It is the responsibility of the user to verify that the information is complete and appropriate for their specific application. This SDS does not constitute a COSHH assessment and should not be used as a substitute for one.
Download the Full Safety Data Sheet
Print or save a copy for your records, job site, or COSHH assessment.