The material safety data sheet (MSDS) for Jotun Thinner No. 17 provides important information about the solvent product’s chemical composition, hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures. This thinner is used in coating and paint systems to adjust viscosity, clean application equipment, and facilitate film formation. Because of its industrial use and solventbased nature, understanding its safety data sheet is essential for users, applicators, and facility managers to ensure safe handling and compliance with regulations.
Product Identification and Use
Jotun Thinner No. 17 is a solvent mixture designed for use in Jotun’s paint and coating systems. According to the MSDS labeled product number 553, it is classified as a mixture rather than a single pure chemical. The intended uses include industrial and professional applications such as thinning paints, cleaning spray equipment, and supporting the application of coatings. The MSDS emphasises that this product should be used only as specified on the label and in wellventilated environments.
Key Uses
- Adjustment of paint or coating viscosity for spray, brush or roller application.
- Cleaning of equipment used in coating processes.
- Evaporation during film formation to assist proper drying of coatings.
Hazard Identification
The MSDS for Jotun Thinner No. 17 identifies several hazards under standard systems like the European CLP regulation. The product is classified as a flammable liquid (Category 3) and vapour may be harmful. It is also an aspiration hazard (Category 1) which means if the solvent is swallowed and enters the airways it can cause severe damage. Additional hazards include specific target organ toxicity from single exposure (Category 3) for respiratory irritation and narcotic effects.
Moreover, the mixture is harmful to aquatic life with longlasting effects (Aquatic Chronic Category 2). Some of the chemical components are petroleum light aromatic solvents, xylene, nbutanol and ethylbenzene. Their presence contributes to the overall hazard profile of the product.
Composition Information on Ingredients
To understand the risks associated with the product, one must examine its key chemical constituents. The MSDS lists several solvents with their respective concentration ranges
- Solvent naphtha (petroleum), light aromatic (CAS 64742956) approximately 50 75 % by weight.
- Xylene (CAS 1330207) approximately 10 25 % by weight.
- nButan1ol (CAS 71363) approximately 10 25 % by weight.
- Ethylbenzene (CAS 100414) less than 10 % by weight.
These solvents have documented risks including central nervous system effects, skin and eye irritation, and environmental toxicity. The presence of petroleum solvents means the product is vapourheavy, so ventilation is crucial.
First Aid Measures
The MSDS provides guidance for first aid in case of exposure. Inhalation of vapours can cause dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or even unconsciousness. In case of skin contact, the instructions are to remove contaminated clothing and wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Eye contact requires rinsing with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seeking medical attention if irritation persists. If swallowed, the victim should not be made to vomit and medical attention should be obtained immediately, especially if aspiration into the lungs is possible.
Basic First Aid Checklist
- Move the person to fresh air if inhaled; keep them warm and at rest.
- Wash exposed skin thoroughly and remove contaminated clothing.
- Flush eyes gently but thoroughly; remove contact lenses if easy.
- If swallowed, do not induce vomiting and seek prompt medical attention.
- Show the MSDS or product label to the attending medical personnel.
Handling and Storage
Proper handling and storage are emphasized as critical safety measures. The thinner is highly flammable, so sources of ignition must be carefully avoided. Storage should be in a wellventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat, sparks, open flames or hot surfaces. Containers must be kept tightly closed, upright, and made from a material compatible with the product. The MSDS also warns that containers may build pressure and should not be emptied under pressure.
During handling, basic hygiene rules apply do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where the product is used. Ventilation systems should control vapour levels and explosionproof equipment is preferable. Employees should use grounding leads when transferring the solvent to avoid electrostatic buildup.
Exposure Controls and Protective Equipment
The MSDS identifies specific exposure limits for the major solvents. For example, xylene has a TWA limit of approximately 100 ppm (434 mg/m³) in the US, while butanol has values around 20 ppm. Skin contact should be minimized because some solvents can be absorbed through the skin and contribute to systemic effects. Eye protection, chemicalresistant gloves, and protective clothing are recommended depending on risk assessment.
Engineering controls such as extraction ventilation or spray booths with sufficient air changes are advised. Respiratory protection may be necessary when solvent vapour concentrations exceed recommended limits or when ventilation is inadequate. Antistatic footwear and clothing may also be required when transferring the material.
Firefighting Measures and Spillage
In case of fire, the MSDS recommends using alcoholresistant foam, carbon dioxide (COâ), dry chemical or water spray (fog). Do not use water jet as it may spread the fire. Because the product produces dense black smoke when burning, firefighters should wear selfcontained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
For accidental release, it is essential to isolate the area from ignition sources, ensure adequate ventilation, and collect the spill with inert absorbent material (e.g., sand, vermiculite). Contaminated absorbent material should be disposed of according to local regulations. Avoid releasing the solvent into drains, waterways or the environment as it is harmful to aquatic life.
Toxicological and Ecological Information
The MSDS details potential health effects from acute and chronic exposure. Symptoms may include respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and in extreme cases unconsciousness. Repeated or prolonged skin contact may lead to dermatitis by removing natural oils from the skin. Some components are classified as aspiration hazards and may cause lung damage if swallowed and aspirated.
Ecologically, the product poses a risk to aquatic organisms with the potential for longterm adverse effects. The solvent naphtha component has acute toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates at low concentrations. Therefore, any large release to the environment must be managed responsibly.
Regulatory and Transport Information
The MSDS includes regulatory classifications and transport details. The product falls under UN number 1263 (Paint related material), Packing Group III under ADR/RID, IMDG and IATA regulations. The thinner is classified as a dangerous good during transport, especially in larger quantities, and may require the marine pollutant mark when shipped in quantities above a threshold.
Label Statements and Safety Symbols
- Signal word Danger.
- Hazard statements H226 (Flammable liquid and vapour), H318 (Causes serious eye damage), H335/H336 (May cause respiratory irritation and drowsiness or dizziness), H304 (May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways), H411 (Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects).
- Precautionary statements cover prevention (such as Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames), response (first aid measures), storage (e.g., Store locked up), and disposal (via licensed contractors).
Summary and Practical Guidance
To summarise, Jotun Thinner No. 17 is a solventbased thinner used with coatings systems but it requires careful handling due to its flammable nature, toxicity and environmental hazards. The MSDS provides a thorough overview of ingredients, hazards, recommended protective measures, and emergency protocols.
For practical safe use, users should ensure the following key points
- Use the thinner in wellventilated areas or spray booths with extraction systems.
- Avoid ignition sources, sparks and hot equipment; ensure containers are grounded during transfer.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment chemicalresistant gloves, eye protection, protective clothing and possibly respiratory protection.
- Store containers upright, tightly closed, in cool and ventilated spaces away from oxidising agents.
- Dispose of leftover material and absorbents as hazardous waste, following local environmental regulations.
By following the MSDS guidance for Jotun Thinner No. 17, professional users can mitigate health and environmental risks while achieving effective application performance in their coating operations.