--- title: "SDS - Searles Compost & Potting Products - 240501" canonical: https://fernland.com.au/documents/497/ dateModified: 2026-08-04 03:01:48 summary: Safety Data Sheet type: sds --- # SDS - Searles Compost & Potting Products - 240501 > Safety Data Sheet Product Name: Compost & Potting Products Page: 1 of 5 This revision issued: October, 2025 SAFETY DATA SHEET Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd General and emergency phone: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) 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 General and Emergency Phone: 4914 D’aguilar Highway (PO Box 183) (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) Kilcoy, Qld 4515 Fax: Chemical nature: Blending naturally occurring materials, which included plant mulch, topsoil, and sand, wood dust, manure and chemical fertilisers, makes composts and potting mixes. The materials contain a variety of living microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Trade Name: Compost & Potting Products Other Names: This SDS is intended for a wide range of products including the following: SEARLES® 5-IN-1 ORGANIC PLANT FOOD; REAL COMPOST; BLOOD & BONE; KICKALONG ORGANIC PLANT FOOD RANGE; ORGANIC COMPOST MIX; MUSHROOM COMPOST; PINE BARK CHIPS; CYPRESS MULCH; COW MANURE; FOWL MANURE; PEAT MOSS. Also, SEARLES® PLATINUM POTTING MIX®; PREMIUM POTTING MIX; AZALEA & CAMELLIA POTTING MIX; HERB & VEGETABLE POTTING MIX; ORGANIC POTTING MIX; SEED RAISING MIX; AFRICAN VIOLET POTTING MIX; BONSAI MIX; PROPAGATING MIX; CYMBIDIUM MIX; DENDROBIUM ORCHID MIX; CACTI & SUCCULENT MIX; GARDEN SOIL MIX; NATIVE PLANT MIX; ORCHID MIX, POTS AND TUBS POTTING MIX, PROFESSIONAL POTTING MIX, PROFESSIONAL PLANTING MIX; PREMIUM GARDEN MULCH; FLORIGRO POTTING MIX; FLORIGRO SOIL ACTIVATOR; PREMIUM POTTING MIX ADVANCED; FRUIT, CITRUS & ROSE MIX; TERRARIUM & FERN MIX; CYCLAMEN & AFRICAN VIOLET MIX; SUGAR CANE MULCH; SOIL IMPROVER MIX; INDOOR POTTING MIX; TOP DRESSING MIX; PREMIUM PLANTING MIX; TEA TREE MULCH Product Use: For landscaping and general horticultural purposes. Creation Date: August, 2007 This version issued: May, 2024 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 This product is classified as: Not classified as hazardous according to the criteria of SWA. Not a Dangerous Good according to the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code. SUSMP Classification: None allocated. ADG Classification: None allocated. Not a Dangerous Good under the ADG Code. UN Number: None allocated GHS Signal word: NONE. Not hazardous. PREVENTION P261: Avoid breathing dusts. RESPONSE P353: Rinse skin or shower with water. P301+P330+P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P370+P378: Not combustible. Use extinguishing media suited to burning materials. STORAGE P402+P404: Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container. DISPOSAL P501: If they can not be recycled, dispose of contents and containers to landfill (see Section 13 of this SDS). Emergency Overview Physical Description & Colour: Brown to greyish blend of natural organic and mineral substances. Odour: Non specific “earthy” odour. Major Health Hazards: no significant risk factors have been found for this product. --- Product Name: Compost & Potting Products Page: 2 of 5 This revision issued: October, 2025 SAFETY DATA SHEET Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd General and emergency phone: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) 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) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Complex blends of ingredients | not set | 100 | not set | not set | 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. Only small quantities of decomposition products are expected from this products at temperatures normally achieved in a fire. Fire decomposition products from this product are not expected to be hazardous or harmful. 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: Minor spills do not normally need any special cleanup measures. 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 cotton, 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. These products can usually be disposed of by spreading onto land but 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. --- Product Name: Compost & Potting Products Page: 3 of 5 This revision issued: October, 2025 SAFETY DATA SHEET Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd General and emergency phone: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) Storage: 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. 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) Exposure limits have not been established by SWA for this product. 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: No special ventilation requirements are normally necessary for this product. However make sure that the work environment remains clean and that dusts are minimised. Eye Protection: Eye protection is not normally necessary when this product is being used. However, if in doubt, wear suitable protective glasses or goggles. 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: cotton, 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: Brown to greyish blend of natural organic and mineral substances. Odour: Non specific “earthy” odour. Boiling Point: Not applicable. 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: Decomposes before melting. Volatiles: No data. Vapour Pressure: No data. Vapour Density: No data. Specific Gravity: No data. Water Solubility: Largely insoluble. pH: Variable in a range 4.5-8.5 Volatility: No data. Odour Threshold: No data. Coeff Oil/water Distribution: No data Particle Characteristics: May generate dusts. 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: None known. Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with substances which may be incompatible with good plant growth. Fire Decomposition: No specific data. Based on composition, the following might be expected in small quantities: Carbon dioxide, and if combustion is incomplete, carbon monoxide and smoke. Nitrogen and its compounds, and under some circumstances, oxides of nitrogen. Oxides of sulfur (sulfur dioxide is a respiratory hazard) and other sulfur compounds. Water. Polymerisation: This product will not undergo polymerisation reactions. Section 11 - Toxicological Information Local Effects: --- Product Name: Compost & Potting Products Page: 4 of 5 This revision issued: October, 2025 SAFETY DATA SHEET Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd General and emergency phone: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) Target Organs: There is no data to hand indicating any particular target organs. Classification of Hazardous Ingredients | Ingredient | Health Hazard Statement Codes | | :--- | :--- | | No ingredient mentioned in the HCIS Database is present in this product at hazardous concentrations. | | However, read the note below “Potential Health Effects”. Potential Health Effects Inhalation of dust and/or liquid mist (bioaerosols) from these products may result in respiratory irritation, inflammation or sensitisation resulting in illnesses ranging from hay fever and asthma to pneumonia (e.g. Legionnaire’s disease) and pneumonia-like illnesses. The elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory diseases, and the immuno-compromised are at particular risk from these illnesses. All people working with these and other landscaping and horticultural products should ensure that they are adequately protected from tetanus. Inhalation: Short Term Exposure: Long term inhalation of high amounts of any nuisance dust may overload lung clearance mechanism. Inhalation of dust and/or liquid mists (bioaerosols) may irritate, inflame or sensitise the nose, throat and lungs, and aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Long Term Exposure: Similar to term inhalation effects above. Skin Contact: Short Term Exposure: Available data indicates that this product is not harmful. It should present no hazards in normal use. Contact with these products may result in skin irritation and in some people may lead to skin sensitisation, dermatitis or skin infection. Long Term Exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term skin exposure. Eye Contact: Short Term Exposure: This product may be mildly irritating to eyes, but is unlikely to cause anything more than mild discomfort which should disappear once product is removed. Dust and/or liquid mist (bioaerosols) may be irritating to the eyes resulting in redness and watering, or eye infection. 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. However, this product may be irritating to mucous membranes but is unlikely to cause anything more than transient discomfort. Stray pathogens may cause gastric upset and possible health problems. 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 will cause no adverse effects on the environment. Section 13 - Disposal Considerations Disposal: These products may usually be spread onto gardens, turf or other land use types. 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. Section 14 - Transport Information ADG Code: This product is not classified as a Dangerous Good. No special transport conditions are necessary unless required by other regulations. Section 15 - Regulatory Information AIIC: This product is compliant with AICIS regulations. Section 16 - Other Information This SDS contains only safety-related information. For other data see product literature. --- Product Name: Compost & Potting Products Page: 5 of 5 This revision issued: October, 2025 SAFETY DATA SHEET Issued by: J.C. & A.T. Searle Pty Ltd General and emergency phone: (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) 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, May, 2024.