Observation period: 3 days Method of administration: A single, topical application of 0.5g to clipped skin for 4 using semi-occlusive dressing Test method: OECD TG 404 Comment: no skin irritation was caused by 4 hours exposure to the notified chemical – all Draize scores were zero; no symptoms of systematic toxicity were observed; purple staining of the treated skin was observed Result: the notified chemical was not irritating to the skin of rabbits Eye Irritation (NOTOX B.V,1996p) Species/strain: Rabbit/New Zealand White Number/sex of animals: 3/male Observation period: 7 days Method of administration: A single ocular dose of approximately 28mg (in 0.1mL) to one eye Test method: OECD TG 405
Occupational Health and Safety Transport and Storage Transport and storage workers would only be exposed to the notified chemical in the event of a spill. Exposure after a spill would be controlled by use of the recommended practices for spillage clean-up given in the MSDS supplied by the notifier. Dyehouse RED RA will be imported as a component of a dyestuff product which is in granular form and is reportedly a low dusting formulation. The main groups of workers likely to be exposed to the notified chemical on a regular basis are those involved in dye weighing and those handling the dyed fabric after the exhaust dyeing is completed when the cloth is lead off to dry. The notified chemical has a proportion of particles of respirable size (15.0%) and it is expected that the granular form and low dusting properties in addition to local exhaust ventilation should minimise inhalation exposure and contamination (or indirect skin contact) in the workplace. Personal protective equipment, namely, elbow length gloves, coveralls and face shield would be required to control skin exposure given that the notified chemical is a skin sensitiser. In the absence of measured exposure data, respiratory protection would also be required to control inhalation exposure during use of the notified chemical. The adherence to strict control measures during the use of the notified chemical will be required to minimise the risk of sensitising effects. Public Health is negligible potential for public exposure to the notified chemical arising from its use industrially by dyehouses for dyeing polyester and polyester blend fibres by the exhaust dyeing method. There will be public contact with the notified chemical when incorporated into polyester fibre products, but since the notified chemical is strongly incorporated into dyed fibres, no significant exposure should occur and the pattern of exposure would be intermittent. Based on this information, it is considered that the notified chemical will not pose a significant hazard to public health when used in the proposed manner. RECOMMENDATIONS To minimise occupational exposure to products containing the notified chemical the following guidelines and precautions should be observed: Workers receive regular education and training on handling techniques, good hygiene practices and potential adverse health effects associated with hazardous substances used in dyeing; As potential for skin sensitisation exists the notifier’s MSDS should be provided to the authorised medical practitioner responsible for health surveillance in the workplace; A copy of the MSDS should be easily accessible to all employees.