Originally Posted By: NickT29
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: NickT29
That is not true. You cannot use the percentages on a safety data sheet for motor oil as a basis to conclude the percentage make up of the base stocks in it. Since the formula is proprietary, they only have to list it as being present if it is hazardous. The percentages are completely arbitrary.
The percentages are a vague indication as to what should be in there, hence them being a range, that's why it is 1-5% and not 5%. For other oils that percentage is much higher, others show no PAO at all. It's not a bloody oil recipe, I think we all understand that, but it does give a very vague indication as to the amount of PAO that is in the mix, which in this case, is on the low side.
No it does not have to be a range, "A statement that the specific chemical identity and/or exact percentage (concentration) of composition has been withheld as a trade secret is required". They can put whatever they want, because the mixture is a trade secret. As long as the hazardous material is listed in one form or another they meet the requirements for the regulations.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3514.html
I think you and I are interpreting that very differently.
Under Section 3, which is the section we are discussing, it states:
Quote:
Chemicals where a trade secret is claimed:
A statement that the specific chemical identity and/or exact percentage (concentration) of composition has been withheld as a trade secret is required.
This indicates that if an exact percentage is being withheld, a statement indicating that is the case is required.
Under that same section it states:
Quote:
The concentration (exact percentages) of each ingredient must be specified except concentration ranges may be used in the following situations:
- A trade secret claim is made,
- There is batch-to-batch variation, or
- The SDS is used for a group of substantially similar mixtures.
Batch-to-batch variation is the obvious stand-out here, as it applies to Motor oil, as does a trade secret claim, which is also present here, allowing Mobil to use a range rather than the exact percentage. That doesn't mean they can use whatever they want, but they can use a suitably vague range, which they are doing.