MSDS for Snow Melting Agent

Identification

Product Name: Snow Melting Agent
Other Names: Deicing Salt, Road Salt, Ice Melt
Recommended Uses: Ice and snow removal on roads, driveways, walkways, parking lots
Manufacturer or Supplier Details: Available from multiple chemical suppliers specializing in municipal and home deicing solutions
Emergency Contact: Refer to chemical supplier emergency number on packaging
CAS Numbers: Sodium Chloride (7647-14-5), Calcium Chloride (10043-52-4), Magnesium Chloride (7786-30-3), Potassium Chloride (7447-40-7)
Business Contact: Listed on packing and shipping documents, or accessible through supplier's website

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Granules or flakes, sometimes pellets, white or off-white color
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, eye contact
Potential Hazards: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory system; prolonged contact with skin may cause dryness or cracking; may aggravate asthma or sensitive skin
Label Elements: Warning labels about irritation, advice to wear gloves and eye protection
Signal Word: Caution
Hazard Statements: Causes eye irritation, may cause skin irritation, can cause respiratory tract irritation if inhaled in dust form

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Chemical Components: Sodium Chloride (up to 95%), Calcium Chloride (up to 35%), Magnesium Chloride (up to 18%), Potassium Chloride (up to 10%)
Possible Additives: Rust inhibitors, anti-caking agents, dye markers
Purity Grades: Road salt typically contains small percentages of grit, anti-clump agents, or sand
Impurities: Trace minerals from natural salt harvesting, possibly sand or small stones in bulk grades

First Aid Measures

Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink plenty of water, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical advice if coughing or discomfort persists
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, seek further medical attention if irritation continues
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, use moisturizer for dryness or irritation, medical advice for rashes that do not resolve

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Material not flammable, use standard firefighting measures for surrounding materials
Fire Hazards: Product itself does not burn, but containers could release toxic gases if heated extremely
Special Protective Equipment: Standard protective gear for firefighters; avoid smoke or vapor inhalation if involved in a surrounding fire
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None specifically identified for this product

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ensure adequate ventilation, use gloves and goggles
Spill Cleanup: Sweep or shovel material into designated waste containers; avoid generating airborne dust; wash spill area with water to avoid slip hazards
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into storm drains, streams, or ponds to minimize environmental impact particularly near sensitive aquatic habitats

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid generating dust; use in well-ventilated areas; minimize skin and eye contact by wearing protective clothing
Storage Requirements: Store in dry area away from moisture to avoid clumping, keep containers sealed, stack pallets for stability, store separate from incompatible materials such as acids or strong oxidizers
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands before eating or drinking, remove contaminated clothing before entering break areas

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits for sodium chloride or calcium chloride
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation if dust is generated in large amounts
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye protection (goggles), gloves (impermeable, chemical resistant), dust mask or respirator if high airborne dust, protective clothing if repeated handling likely
Workplace Controls: Access to washing facilities, regular cleaning of work areas to prevent salt accumulation

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or off-white crystalline solid, granular or flake form
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Varies with component (NaCl 801°C, CaCl₂ 772°C, MgCl₂ 714°C)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling at atmospheric pressure
Solubility: Readily soluble in water
pH: 6.5 – 9.5 (as aqueous solution)
Shelf Life: Indefinite if kept dry

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity or water exposure (will absorb moisture and clump together), mixing with strong acids may release corrosive gases (hydrochloric acid from sodium chloride, for example)
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, aluminum, zinc, lithium metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None expected under normal storage and use, hydrogen chloride gas may evolve with strong acids

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Irritation to eyes, respiratory tract, digestive tract; skin dryness with repeated exposure
Chronic Effects: Overexposure may lead to exacerbation of pre-existing skin or respiratory conditions
Carcinogenicity: Ingredients not listed by OSHA, NTP, IARC as carcinogens
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, accidental ingestion
Sensitization: Not known to cause sensitization in humans

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Dissolves in runoff, can increase salinity of soil and water bodies; sodium and chloride ions may accumulate in surface water and groundwater
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic plants and animals at high concentrations, may damage vegetation near application sites
Persistence and Degradability: Not biodegradable, ions disperse in environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low
Other Adverse Effects: May disrupt freshwater ecosystems, harm roadside vegetation, increase metal corrosion in infrastructure

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Small quantities may be spread on gravel or non-vegetated surfaces; avoid disposal near water sources or sensitive areas
Packaging Disposal: Recycle or dispose of containers in accordance with local regulations
Special Considerations: Heavily contaminated or unused product may require disposal through licensed chemical waste facility, per local laws

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport under most regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Snow and Ice Melt, Deicing Salt
Transport Hazards: Bags or pallets heavy; avoid damage or leaks during forklift handling
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Prevent bulk spillage into waterways to avoid adverse environmental effects

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not classified as hazardous chemical in workplace
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Components listed
WHMIS (Canada): Not classified as controlled product
Other Environmental Regulations: Subject to local and state environmental controls for road salt application and runoff management
SARA Title III: Components not reportable under community right-to-know provisions
Labeling Requirements: Safety warnings, emergency instructions, and PPE recommendations detailed on packaging