--- title: SDS - Searles Borax - 221101 canonical: https://fernland.com.au/documents/477/ dateModified: 2026-08-04 03:01:35 summary: Safety Data Sheet type: sds --- # SDS - Searles Borax - 221101 > Safety Data Sheet Product Name: Searles Borax (Boron) Page: 1 of 5 This revision issued: November, 2022 **SAFETY DATA SHEET** Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd Phone: Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) ### Section 1 - Identification of The Material and Supplier J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd Phone: (BH) 4914 D’aguilar Highway (PO Box 183) Fax: Kilcoy, Qld 4515 **Chemical nature:** Inorganic salt. **Trade Name:** Searles Borax (Boron) **Product Code:** BO500 **Product Use:** Addition of boron in boron deficient soils. **Creation Date:** August, 2007 **This version issued:** November, 2022 and is valid for 5 years from this date. **Poisons Information Centre:** Phone 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia ### Section 2 - Hazards Identification **Statement of Hazardous Nature** **SUSMP Classification:** S5 **ADG Classification:** None allocated. Not a Dangerous Good under the ADG Code. **UN Number:** None allocated **GHS Signal word: DANGER.** Reproductive toxicity – category 1B **HAZARD STATEMENT:** H360FD: May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. **PREVENTION** P102: Keep out of reach of children. P201: Obtain special instructions before use. P281: Use personal protective equipment as required. **RESPONSE** P353: Rinse skin or shower with water. P301+P330+P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P308+P313: If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice. P332+P313: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice. P337+P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice. P370+P378: In case of fire: Not Combustible. Use extinguishing media suited to burning materials. **STORAGE** P404: Store in a closed container. **DISPOSAL** P501: Dispose of contents and containers to landfill. **Emergency Overview** **Physical Description & Colour:** White crystals or powder. **Odour:** No odour. **Major Health Hazards:** Acute oral toxicity: The acute oral LD50 for sodium tetraborate was 2660 mg/kg in rats and 2,000 mg/kg in mice. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. In children, swallowing 5 to 10 grams of borax can cause shock and death. --- Product Name: Searles Borax (Boron) Page: 2 of 5 This revision issued: November, 2022 **SAFETY DATA SHEET** Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd Phone: Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) ### Section 3 - Composition/Information on Ingredients | Ingredients | CAS No | Conc,% | TWA (mg/m3) | STEL (mg/m3) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sodium tetraborate decahydrate | -4 | pure * | 5 | not set | * Commercially pure. May include small quantities of materials due to manufacturing or reaction processes. This is a commercial product whose exact ratio of components may vary slightly. Minor quantities of other non hazardous ingredients are also possible. The SWA TWA exposure value is the average airborne concentration of a particular substance when calculated over a normal 8 hour working day for a 5 day working week. The STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) is an exposure value that may be equalled (but should not be exceeded) for no longer than 15 minutes and should not be repeated more than 4 times per day. There should be at least 60 minutes between successive exposures at the STEL. The term "peak "is used when the TWA limit, because of the rapid action of the substance, should never be exceeded, even briefly. ### Section 4 - First Aid Measures **General Information:** You should call The Poisons Information Centre if you feel that you may have been poisoned, burned or irritated by this product. The number is 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) and is available at all times. Have this SDS with you when you call. **Inhalation:** First aid is not generally required. If in doubt, contact a Poisons Information Centre or a doctor. **Skin Contact:** Gently brush away excess solids. Irritation is unlikely. However, if irritation does occur, flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes or until chemical is removed. **Eye Contact:** Quickly and gently brush particles from eyes. No effects expected. If irritation does occur, flush contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes or until the product is removed. Obtain medical advice if irritation becomes painful or lasts more than a few minutes. Take special care if exposed person is wearing contact lenses. **Ingestion:** If product is swallowed or gets in mouth, do NOT induce vomiting; wash mouth with water and give some water to drink. If symptoms develop, or if in doubt contact a Poisons Information Centre or a doctor. ### Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures **Fire and Explosion Hazards:** There is no risk of an explosion from this product under normal circumstances if it is involved in a fire. Violent steam generation or eruption may occur upon application of direct water stream on hot liquids. No fire decomposition products are expected from this products at temperatures normally achieved in a fire. **Extinguishing Media:** Not Combustible. Use extinguishing media suited to burning materials. **Fire Fighting:** If a significant quantity of this product is involved in a fire, call the fire brigade. **Flammability Class:** Does not burn. ### Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures **Accidental release:** In the event of a major spill, prevent spillage from entering drains or water courses. As a minimum, wear overalls, goggles and gloves. Suitable materials for protective clothing include rubber, PVC. Eye/face protective equipment should comprise as a minimum, protective glasses and, preferably, goggles. If there is a significant chance that dusts are likely to build up in cleanup area, we recommend that you use a suitable Dust Mask. Use a P1 mask, designed for use against mechanically generated particles eg silica & asbestos. Stop leak if safe to do so, and contain spill. Sweep up and shovel or collect recoverable product into labelled containers for recycling or salvage, and dispose of promptly. Consider vacuuming if appropriate. Recycle containers wherever possible after careful cleaning. After spills, wash area preventing runoff from entering drains. If a significant quantity of material enters drains, advise emergency services. This material may be suitable for approved landfill. Ensure legality of disposal by consulting regulations prior to disposal. Thoroughly launder protective clothing before storage or re-use. Advise laundry of nature of contamination when sending contaminated clothing to laundry. ### Section 7 - Handling and Storage **Handling:** Keep exposure to this product to a minimum, and minimise the quantities kept in work areas. Check Section 8 of this SDS for details of personal protective measures, and make sure that those measures are followed. The measures detailed below under "Storage" should be followed during handling in order to minimise risks to persons using the product in the workplace. Also, avoid contact or contamination of product with incompatible materials listed in Section 10. **Storage:** This product is a Scheduled Poison. Observe all relevant regulations regarding sale, transport and storage of this schedule of poison. Make sure that containers of this product are kept tightly closed. Keep containers dry and away from water. Make sure that the product does not come into contact with substances listed under "Incompatibilities" in Section 10. Check packaging - there may be further storage instructions on the label. --- Product Name: Searles Borax (Boron) Page: 3 of 5 This revision issued: November, 2022 **SAFETY DATA SHEET** Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd Phone: Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) ### Section 8 - Exposure Controls and Personal Protection The following Australian Standards will provide general advice regarding safety clothing and equipment: Respiratory equipment: AS/NZS 1715, Protective Gloves: AS 2161, Occupational Protective Clothing: AS/NZS 4501 set 2008, Industrial Eye Protection: AS1336 and AS/NZS 1337, Occupational Protective Footwear: AS/NZS2210. **SWA Exposure Limits** | **TWA (mg/m3)** | **STEL (mg/m3)** :--- | :--- | :--- Sodium tetraborate decahydrate | 5 | not set No special equipment is usually needed when occasionally handling small quantities. The following instructions are for bulk handling or where regular exposure in an occupational setting occurs without proper containment systems. **Ventilation:** This product should only be used where there is ventilation that is adequate to keep exposure below the TWA levels. If necessary, use a fan. **Eye Protection:** Eye protection such as protective glasses or goggles is recommended when this product is being used. **Skin Protection:** The information at hand indicates that this product is not harmful and that normally no special skin protection is necessary. However, we suggest that you routinely avoid contact with all chemical products and that you wear suitable gloves (preferably elbow-length) when skin contact is likely. **Protective Material Types:** We suggest that protective clothing be made from the following materials: rubber, PVC. **Respirator:** If there is a significant chance that dusts are likely to build up in the area where this product is being used, we recommend that you use a suitable Dust Mask. ### Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties: **Physical Description & colour:** White crystals or powder. **Odour:** No odour. **Boiling Point:** 320°C at 100kPa **Flash point:** Does not burn. **Upper Flammability Limit:** Does not burn. **Lower Flammability Limit:** Does not burn. **Autoignition temperature:** Not applicable - does not burn. **Freezing/Melting Point:** 75°C **Volatiles:** No specific data. Expected to be low at 100°C. **Vapour Pressure:** Negligible at normal ambient temperatures. **Vapour Density:** No data. **Specific Gravity:** 1.73 **Water Solubility:** 5.1% at 20°C **pH:** No data. **Volatility:** Negligible at normal ambient temperatures. **Odour Threshold:** No data. **Evaporation Rate:** No data. **Coeff Oil/water Distribution:** No data **Particle Characteristics:** Crystalline or powdered solid; not expected to be respirable. ### Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity **Reactivity:** This product is unlikely to react or decompose under normal storage conditions. However, if you have any doubts, contact the supplier for advice on shelf life properties. **Conditions to Avoid:** Keep containers tightly closed. Containers should be kept dry. **Incompatibilities:** water. **Fire Decomposition:** No significant quantities of decomposition products are expected at temperatures normally achieved in a fire. **Polymerisation:** This product will not undergo polymerisation reactions. ### Section 11 - Toxicological Information **Toxicity:** Carcinogenicity: In a 2 year feeding study in rats, borax was not found to be carcinogenic. An EPA review has classified the related compound boric acid as a Group E carcinogen (evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans). Developmental: In studies in rats and mice given the related compound boric acid during pregnancy, there was no effect on development at 0.1% in the feed. --- Product Name: Searles Borax (Boron) Page: 4 of 5 This revision issued: November, 2022 **SAFETY DATA SHEET** Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd Phone: Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) Reproduction: In a three generation feeding study in rats, adverse reproductive effects were seen when the feed contained 1.03% borax. The reproductive organs in males and females were affected. Fertility was reduced. Mutagenicity: Laboratory studies of mutagenicity with borax have been negative. | Ingredient | Health Hazard Statement Codes | | :--- | :--- | | Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate | H360FD | |  Reproductive toxicity – category 1B | | **Potential Health Effects** **Inhalation:** Short Term Exposure: Long term inhalation of high amounts of any nuisance dust may overload lung clearance mechanism. Available data indicates that this product is not harmful. However product may be mildly irritating, although unlikely to cause anything more than mild transient discomfort. Long Term Exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term inhalation. **Skin Contact:** Short Term Exposure: Available data indicates that this product is not harmful. It should present no hazards in normal use. In addition product is unlikely to cause any discomfort in normal use. Long Term Exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term skin exposure. **Eye Contact:** Short Term Exposure: This product may be irritating to eyes, but is unlikely to cause anything more than mild transient discomfort. Long Term Exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term eye exposure. **Ingestion:** Short Term Exposure: Significant oral exposure is considered to be unlikely. This product, while believed to be not harmful, is likely to cause headache and gastric disturbance such as nausea and vomiting if ingested in significant quantities. However, this product may be irritating to mucous membranes but is unlikely to cause anything more than transient discomfort. Long Term Exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term ingestion. **Carcinogen Status:** SWA: No significant ingredient is classified as carcinogenic by SWA. NTP: No significant ingredient is classified as carcinogenic by NTP. IARC: No significant ingredient is classified as carcinogenic by IARC. ### Section 12 - Ecological Information This product is unlikely to adversely effect the environment. Salts, acids and bases are typically diluted and neutralised when released to the environment in small quantities. Soil microorganisms: At high levels, borax could be toxic to many soil microorganisms. Plants: Borax and other boron compounds at high levels may kill plants. Borax may be used as a nonselective herbicide. However, boron is an essential nutrient for plants, and boron compounds (including borax) occur widely in nature. Boron is taken up from soil by plants in proportion to the amount of boron in the soil. Borax is also used in fertilizer formulations to supply boron, which is an essential plant nutrient. Aquatic animals: Borax is practically nontoxic to fish, and practically nontoxic to aquatic invertebrate animals. It does not build up (bioaccumulate) in fish. Terrestrial animals: Borax is practically nontoxic to birds and mammals. It is relatively nontoxic to bees. Relatively high concentrations of boron compounds are toxic to insects, and borax is used for insect control in some cases. ### Section 13 - Disposal Considerations **Disposal:** There are many pieces of legislation covering waste disposal and they differ in each state and territory, so each user must refer to laws operating in their area. In some areas, certain wastes must be tracked. The Hierarchy of Controls seems to be common - the user should investigate: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and only if all else fails should disposal be considered. Note that properties of a product may change in use, so that the following suggestions may not always be appropriate. The following may help you in properly addressing this matter for this product. This product may be recycled if unused, or if it has not been contaminated so as to make it unsuitable for its intended use. If it has been contaminated, it may be possible to separate the contamination in some way. Only if neither of these options is suitable, consider landfill. --- Product Name: Searles Borax (Boron) Page: 5 of 5 This revision issued: November, 2022 **SAFETY DATA SHEET** Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd Phone: Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) ### Section 14 - Transport Information **UN Number:** This product is not classified as a Dangerous Good by ADG, IATA or IMDG/IMSBC criteria. No special transport conditions are necessary unless required by other regulations. ### Section 15 - Regulatory Information **AIIC:** This product is compliant with AICIS regulations. The following ingredient: Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Borax), is mentioned in the SUSMP. ### Section 16 - Other Information This SDS contains only safety-related information. For other data see product literature. THIS SDS SUMMARISES OUR BEST KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARD INFORMATION OF THE PRODUCT AND HOW TO SAFELY HANDLE AND USE THE PRODUCT IN THE WORKPLACE. EACH USER MUST REVIEW THIS SDS IN THE CONTEXT OF HOW THE PRODUCT WILL BE HANDLED AND USED IN THE WORKPLACE. IF CLARIFICATION OR FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT AN APPROPRIATE RISK ASSESSMENT CAN BE MADE, THE USER SHOULD CONTACT THIS COMPANY SO WE CAN ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM OUR SUPPLIERS OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCTS SOLD IS SUBJECT TO OUR STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS, A COPY OF WHICH IS SENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. Please read all labels carefully before using product. This SDS is prepared in accord with the SWA document “Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals - Code of Practice” (July 2020) and GHS Revision 7 Copyright © Kilford & Kilford Pty Ltd, November, 2022.