Polypropylene ranks among the most widely used plastics in manufacturing and industrial settings. If you work with this material, you’ll need to understand its Safety Data Sheet and proper handling protocols. We’ve compiled the key information you need to keep your workplace safe and compliant.
What Is Polypropylene?
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer expressed as (CnH2n). The final product is considered an article and not hazardous in its final form under normal conditions of use. Polypropylene is an essentially biologically inert solid and considered non-toxic, and it’s stable in landfills or aquatic systems. The material appears as a clear to white solid with minimal odor in its finished form.
Polypropylene comes in several grades and formulations, including homopolymers and copolymers. The chemical family is Polyolefin (Polymer) and typically appears in pellet form. The FDA has approved its use as a food container material, and there are no known cancer-causing effects associated with polypropylene.
Hazard Classification Under GHS
In normal usage form, this material does not meet or exceed requirements to be classified as a hazardous chemical in accordance with the GHS aligned OSHA Hazardous Communication Standard 29CFR1910.1200. This product is not a “Hazardous Chemical” as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Classification under GHS-US is Combustible Dust with a Warning signal word. When subjected to processing methods that increase the material temperature, or result in production of material dusts, certain precautions become necessary. Polypropylene dust accumulation can present a dust explosion hazard, so take necessary measures to limit dust production, and follow applicable regulations.
Key hazard considerations:
- Spilled pellets may create a slipping hazard
- Skin or eye contact with hot polymer can cause thermal burns
- Processing the polymer at high temperatures may form vapors that irritate the eyes and respiratory tract
Health Effects and First Aid
Polypropylene is not expected to present a significant hazard under anticipated conditions of normal use. Health injuries are not expected with acute effects from inhalation.
First aid for inhalation: If there is excessive inhalation of fumes move person to fresh air and get medical attention if symptoms continue. Obtain medical attention if breathing difficulty persists.
First aid for skin contact: If material is molten, do not pull molten polymer from skin and cool with water. If molten material comes in contact with the skin, cool under running water, do not attempt to remove the molten material from the skin, and get medical attention.
First aid for eye contact: Remove contact lenses, if it can be done safely, immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop or persist.
Storage Requirements
Store away from incompatible materials including strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizers. Store in a cool, well ventilated place away from direct sunlight and at ambient temperature, and do not store near an open flame, heat or other sources of ignition.
Store in closed, properly labeled, and designed containers and protect containers from sunlight, heat, physical damage, ignition sources and incompatible materials. Store sheet material flat, secure to pallet, rack, or stack, and make storage area accessible only to trained and authorized personnel.
Store accumulated debris in closed, earthed (grounded) and properly designed vessels, away from uncontrolled heat and incompatible materials, and avoid accumulation of dust by frequent cleaning and suitable construction of storage and handling areas.
Safe Handling Practices
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety procedures and wash hands and other exposed areas with mild soap and water before eating, drinking, or smoking and again when leaving work. Maintain good housekeeping and avoid spills and potential slipping hazards caused by pellets.
Handling this product may result in electrostatic accumulation, so use proper grounding procedures. Use only non-sparking tools, avoid raising powdered material due to explosion hazard, and prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Provide adequate ventilation and dust control measures. Do not inhale dust particles or vapors and keep away from sources of ignition. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling material and wash hands and face after handling.
Workplace Exposure Limits
OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit is 15 mg/m3 total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable dusts, and ACGIH Threshold Limit Value is 10 mg/m3 total dust. ACGIH TLV is TWA: 10 mg/m³ for 8 hours (Inhalable form) and TWA: 3 mg/m³ for 8 hours (Respirable fraction).
Proper respiratory protection becomes necessary when processing generates dust or fumes above these thresholds. Use a NIOSH approved respirator for dust and vapors when ventilation is normally required when handling this material.
Personal Protective Equipment
Eye protection: Safety glasses with side shields (ANSI Z87.1 equivalent). Wear safety glasses with side shields and safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to molten polymer, mists.
Gloves: Protective gloves are required when handling hot polymer. Use insulated gloves when handling molten material.
Clothing: Wear suitable protective clothing and boots. Long sleeve cotton shirt and long pants are recommended.
Fire and Emergency Response
Polypropylene is not considered flammable but may burn at high temperatures. Solid resins support combustion but do not meet combustible definition, and under fire conditions, product will readily burn and emit a heavy, irritating black smoke.
Use water spray or fog for cooling exposed containers. Avoid using direct streams of water on molten burning material to avoid scattering the material and spreading fire. Use water fog, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or foam as appropriate for materials in surrounding fire and avoid using direct streams of water on molten burning material as it may scatter and spread the fire.
Accumulation and dispersion of dust with an ignition source can cause a combustible dust explosion, so keep dust levels to a minimum and follow applicable regulations.
Regulatory Compliance
RCRA Hazardous Wastes: When this product becomes a waste, it is identified as a solid but NOT hazardous waste under RCRA criteria (40 CFR Part 261). It’s not subject to national and international regulations on the transport of dangerous goods.
OSHA Status: Polypropylene is not considered hazardous under OSHA, and TSCA Inventory Status: All ingredients are listed. This product does not contain any chemicals which are subject to the reporting requirements under SARA 313 Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.
Polypropylene Homopolymer complies with European Regulation (EU) 10/2011 for food contact applications. The product complies with the FDA CFR Title 21, 177.1520 Olefin polymer, and the additives incorporated in it comply with FDA CFR Title 21, 178.2010.
Conclusion
Polypropylene remains one of the safer plastics to work with when you follow proper protocols. The material itself poses minimal risk in its solid form, but dust generation and thermal processing require attention. Store materials away from heat and ignition sources, maintain good housekeeping to control dust, and wear appropriate PPE when handling molten material.
Your SDS provides specific information for your polypropylene grade and formulation. Always review the complete document for details on composition, exposure controls, and disposal requirements that apply to your specific workplace conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is polypropylene considered a hazardous material?
No, polypropylene is not classified as a hazardous chemical under OSHA standards in its solid form. The material becomes a concern only when processing creates dust accumulations that can pose explosion risks, or when heating generates irritating vapors. Under normal handling conditions, polypropylene presents minimal health risks.
What temperature does polypropylene release harmful fumes?
Polypropylene begins releasing irritating vapors and gases when heated above 350°F (177°C) during thermal processing. These decomposition products include aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids that can irritate the eyes, mouth, throat, and lungs. Proper ventilation becomes necessary at these elevated temperatures.
Can polypropylene dust explode?
Yes, polypropylene dust can create an explosion hazard when accumulated in sufficient concentrations and exposed to an ignition source. The material is classified as a combustible dust under GHS standards. Control dust through proper housekeeping, grounding equipment to prevent static discharge, and following NFPA 654 guidelines for combustible particulate solids.
What first aid should I provide for polten polypropylene burns?
Do not attempt to pull molten polypropylene from skin. Immediately cool the affected area with running water while leaving the material in place. Seek medical attention for any thermal burns from molten polymer. Never use ice directly on burns, as this can cause additional tissue damage.
Does polypropylene require special storage conditions?
Store polypropylene in closed, properly labeled containers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ignition sources. Keep the material separated from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers. Store in cool, well-ventilated areas at ambient temperature. For sheet materials, store flat and secure to prevent damage. Make storage areas accessible only to trained personnel.
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