Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Darmatt Passive Fire Protection system widely used in the petrochemical and power generation markets
for the protection of electrical cables and related safety critical equipment such as E.S.D Valves, actuators,
vessels and pipe-work. The Darmatt System is a flexible composite mattress system constructed with both a
varying number of layers and density using flame and heat resistant insulation blanket. The specific
composite for each project is dependent upon the time/temperature requirement, site conditions such as
localised configurations, the thermal mass of the materials being protected, local fuel sources, airflow, and a
number of other variables.
Depending on the environmental and process conditions the sacrificial exterior layer is generally either a
vinyl coated polyester fabric or a coated high temperature fibreglass cloth. In the event of a fire this outer
cover burns off, the nylon pins melt, allowing the composite to expand, increasing the insulating effect of the
fibre.
The Darmatt ‘J120’ Jet Fire variant contains additional inner layers, which enables it to resist the severe
erosion of a Jet Fire scenario and drag forces associated with blast overpressure scenarios.
2 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Darmatt requires little to no maintenance once installed. However, when panel modifications are required
during installation dust may be created from the outer cloth and fibre. Some mechanical irritation to skin,
eyes and upper respiratory system may result due to exposure.
Pre-existing skin and respiratory conditions such as dermatitis and asthma may be affected by exposure.
3 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
The Darmatt and Darmatt J120 PFP Systems are manufactured using a number of raw materials. The
individual MSDS documents for these materials are available upon request.
Insulation Fibre
Component / Description Alkaline Earth Silicate Fibres (AES)
CAS No 436 083 99 7
Composition (SiO2) 60 – 70% and a (CaO + MgO) of 30 – 40%
Melting Point >1330oC
Starlock Washers
Composition C: 069%, Si: 0.220, Mg: 0.74%, S: 0.002%, P: 0.011%, Cr, 0.25%, Al: 0.029%
Skin Irritation In case of skin irritation rinse affected areas with cold water and wash gently.
Do not rub or scratch exposed skin.
Eye Irritation In case of contact with eyes resulting in irritation flush abundantly with water,
have eye bath if available. Do not rub eyes.
Nose & Throat Irritation If these become irritated move to a dust free area, drink water and blow nose.
Any adverse effects should be temporary, if symptoms persist seek medical advice.
Special Fire fighting None, use procedures suitable for surrounding plant.
Procedures
Extinguishing Media Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding plant.
(Only if trained to do so).
Pick up any large pieces, if available use a vacuum cleaner fitted with high efficiency filter (HEPA) when
release is in an enclosed environment.
If brushing is used, ensure the area is wetted first to prevent the spreading of dust.
Do not use compressed air for clean-up
Do not flush waste into drains and prevent from entering natural watercourses.
Other local regulations may apply.
Handling
Darmatt panels can be heavy, considerations should be made with regard to manual handling when
installing or removing panels.
In the event of adverse weather conditions, panels may suffer water ingress. In the event of water ingress
the weight of a panel will increase.
Personal Protective Equipment should be used when installing or removing panels, see section 8 for more
information.
Storage
It is advisable to always attempt to store Darmatt in a dry area prior to installation to avoid water ingress.
To reduce the risk of skin irritation and personal injury, PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, coveralls and
safety shoes should be worn when handling this product. All PPE worn should be in line with the regulations
of each individual site on which it is to be installed.
If modifications are required to the Darmatt unit in an enclosed environment, it is recommended to wear a
dust mask and disposable paper overalls to reduce the risk of irritation to skin, nose and throat.
Nylon Coated Solid None Grey Nylon Coating: 215oC None None
Lacing Wire Wire: 1390oC – 1440oC
1
Colour generally Grey but may differ based on customer requirements
11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMAITON
Irritant Properties
When tested using approved methods, fibres contained in this material give negative results. All man-made
mineral fibres, like some natural fibres, can produce a mild irritation resulting in itching or rarely, in some
sensitive individuals, in slight reddening. Unlike other irritant reactions this is not the result of allergy or
chemical skin damage but is caused by a temporary mechanical effect.
These materials have been designed to allow rapid clearance from tissue. This low biopersistence has been
confirmed in many studies using EU protocol ECB/TM/27(rev 7) and the German method specified in TRGS
905 (1999). When inhaled, even at very high doses, they do not accumulate to any level capable of
producing a serious adverse biological effect. In lifetime chronic studies there was no exposure-related effect
more than would be seen with any “inert” dust. Sub-chronic studies at the highest doses achievable
produced, at worst, a transient mild inflammatory response. Fibres with the same ability to persist in tissue
do not produce tumours when injected into the peritoneal cavity of rats.
12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste from this product and it supporting raw materials are classed as non-hazardous and can generally
disposed of at landfill. Waste should be disposed of in a suitable container to prevent the release of dust
and in line with local disposal regulations.
14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION
None of the raw materials used in the manufacture of Darmatt are classed as Dangerous.
15 REGULATORY INFORMATION
The following statement relates to the Insulation fibre and is taken from the Unifrax MSDS Document no
200E.
Regulatory status in the EU, comes from European Directive 67/548/EEC, on the classification, labelling and
packaging of dangerous substances and preparations as modified by Directive 97/69/EEC and its
implementations by the Member States. According to Directive 67/548/EEC, the fibre contained in this
product is a mineral wool belonging to the group of “man made vitreous (silicate) fibres with random
orientation with alkaline oxide and alkali earth oxide (Na2O+K2O+CaO+MgO+BaO) content greater than
18% by weight”.
Under Directive 67/548/EEC all types of man made vitreous(silicate) fibres are classified as “irritant “ despite
the fact that testing by the appropriate EU method (B4 in annex 5 of Directive 67/548/EEC) is providing no
response and would not result in irritant classification. Under criteria listed in nota Q of Directive
67/548/EEC, AES wools are exonerated from carcinogen classification because of low pulmonary
biopersistence measured by the methods specified in European Union and German regulations ( EU
protocol ECB/TM/27(rev 7) and German method as specified in TRGS 905 (1999)).
16 OTHER INFORMATION
Useful references taken from the Unifrax MSDS Document no 200E, relating to the fibre used within
Darmatt products. (The directives which are cited must be considered in their amended versions).
Council Directive 89/391/EEC dated 12thJune 1989 “on the introduction of measures to encourage
improvements in the safety and health of workers at work” (OJEC L 183 of 29thJune 1989, p.1).
Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the “approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provision
relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances as modified and adapted to
the technical progress” (OJEC L 196 of 16thAugust 1967, p.1 and its modifications and adaptations to
technical progress).
Commission Directive 97/69/EC of 5thDecember 1997 “adapting to technical progress for the 23rdtime”
Council Directive 67/548/EEC, (OJEC L 343 “Official Journal of the European Communities”, 13thDecember
1997, p.19)
Council Directive 98/24/EC of 7thApril 1998 “on the protection of the health and safety of workers from risks
related to chemical agents at work” (OJEC L 131 of 5thMay 1998, p.11)
Definitions
As produced, Insulfrax fibres are vitreous (glassy) materials which, upon continued exposure to elevated
temperatures (above 900 degrees C) might de-vitrify. The occurrence and extent of crystalline phase
formation is dependent on the duration and temperature of exposure, fibre chemistry and/or the presence of
fluxing agents. The presence of crystalline phases can be confirmed only through laboratory analysis of the
“hot-face” fibre.
Simulated after-use (up to 8 weeks at 1000 degrees C), Insulfrax fibres were not toxic to macrophage-like
cells.
High concentrations of fibres and other dusts may be generated when after-service products are
mechanically disturbed during operations such as wrecking. These dusts may contain crystalline silica, which
some authorities have classified as a carcinogen. Therefore ECFIA recommends:
These procedures will ensure compliance with local regulatory standards for free crystalline silica. Because
de-vitrified fibres containing silica mixed with amorphous and other crystalline phases are far less biologically
active than free crystalline silica dusts, these measures will provide a high degree of protection.
Care Programme
The European Ceramic Fibres Industry Association (ECFIA) has undertaken an extensive industrial hygiene
programme for High Temperature Insulation Wool (HTIW).
If you wish to participate in the CARE programme, contact ECFIA or your supplier.
NOTE:
The directives and subsequent regulations detailed in this ‘Material Safety Data Sheet’ are only applicable to
the European Union (EU) Countries and not to countries outside of the EU.
Websites
The European Ceramic Fibres Industry Association (ECFIA): 3 Rue du Colonel Moll, 75017 Paris.
Tel: +33(0)1 44 05 54 84 Fax: +33(0)1 44 05 54 94 Web-site: www.ecfia.org
NOTICE:
The information presented above is based on data considered to be accurate at the date of compilation of
this Material Safety Data Sheet. However, no warranty or representation, expressed or implied is made as to
the accuracy or completeness of the foregoing data and safety information. Neither is any authorisation
given or implied to practise any patented invention without a license. In addition, no responsibility can be
assumed by the vendor for any damage or injury resulting from abnormal use or from any failure to adhere to
recommended practices, or from any hazards inherent in the nature of the product.
The above information has been compiled using current Supplier2 Material Safety Data Sheets.
Individual materials used in the manufacture of all Darmatt products are available upon request.