height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=243019433948199&ev=PageView&noscript=1" />

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding OASIS® Floral Foam

Commonly Used Acronyms

ASTM: ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organisation that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.

• GHS: The Global Harmonised System, which is an internationally agreed-upon standard managed by the United Nations, was set up to replace the assortment of hazardous material classification and labelling structures that were previously used around the world.

• MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet

• SDS: Safety Data Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between an MSDS and an SDS?

An MSDS was typically used in the United States and was based on American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements. As a result of GHS standards, Smithers-Oasis was required to transition from MSDS to SDS, which have differences in content and formatting.

• You used to have a single OASIS® Floral Foam SDS. Why do you have multiple SDSs now?

As standards have changed, and the types of foams and associated performance claims have become more complex, we have determined that supplying SDSs specific to each type of foam best aligns with the market’s needs.

Why are there differences in the data sheets (old versus new) for OASIS® Floral Foam?

Format, structure and GHS Classification rules of the SDS have evolved since Australia adopted the GHS Standard. Our current SDSs follow and comply with the current Australian Work Health and Safety Regulation.

SDSs are documents required by GHS and are intended for chemical substances and mixtures. Floral foam is an article, which is generally defined as a manufactured item that does not release or otherwise result in exposure to a hazardous chemical under normal conditions of use. Because our floral foam is an article (and not a chemical substance or mixture), an SDS is not required.

• Why are we providing SDSs for OASIS® Floral Foam if they are not required?

Smithers-Oasis cares about our customers and the planet. We are dedicated to being transparent; and although an SDS is not required for floral foam, we understand that floral designers and consumers consider an SDS to be a “best practice” when providing information about a product they use.

• There used to be references to formaldehyde in the SDS. Have you removed it from the foam?

In some instances, we have changed formulations. Regardless, formaldehyde is not an intended component of the final product. Any remaining formaldehyde is residual and is below regulatory thresholds.

• There used to be references to phenol in the SDS. Have you changed your formulation?

In some instances, we have changed formulations. Regardless, phenol is not an intended component of the final product. Any remaining phenol is residual and is below regulatory thresholds.

• Do I have to wear gloves when using OASIS® Floral Foam?

No. OASIS® Floral Foam is not considered a skin irritant.

• Does OASIS® Floral Foam affect the air in my shop?

No. Storage or use of OASIS® Floral Foam does not require additional ventilation in your shop.

• Should I avoid storing OASIS® Floral Foam in my shop?

No. Storage of OASIS® Floral Foam does not present any risks, and there are no special requirements for storage.

• Is OASIS® Floral Foam dangerous?

No. OASIS® Floral Foam is safe and not considered a health or physical hazard based on GHS Standards. OASIS® Floral Foam is an article, which is generally defined as a manufactured item that does not release or otherwise result in exposure to a hazardous chemical under normal conditions of use.

How should I dispose of OASIS® Floral Foam?

Consumers may reuse their floral foam for at-home designs. When you are ready to dispose of the floral foam, dispose of it in accordance with your local regulations.

• Plastics don’t biodegrade. This claim is a lie. Why are you making this claim?

Some OASIS® Floral Foams offer enhanced biodegradability. We include the word “enhanced” because they require more than 365 days to fully biodegrade. Rates of bio-degradation vary depending on the location of production, because raw materials and formulations vary. All claims regarding biodegradability have been tested following ASTM D5511 for biologically active landfill conditions. Repeated testing has been conducted by an independent, certified, testing laboratory. Please check your specific foam to learn its rate of bio-degradation.

30 August 2019 Frequently Asked Questions Regarding OASIS® Floral Foam