Selleys VBS Vapour Barrier - Two-Pack Epoxy product guide

AI Summary

Product: Selleys VBS Vapour Barrier (Hardener Component — Part B) Brand: Selleys / Liquid Nails (a division of DuluxGroup Australia Pty Ltd) Category: Two-pack epoxy moisture barrier system for concrete subfloor preparation Primary Use: Stops moisture vapour transmission through concrete substrates before flooring installation by forming a cross-linked epoxy membrane.

Quick facts

Best for: Professional flooring installers preparing concrete slabs with moisture vapour transmission issues
Key benefit: Creates an impermeable barrier that allows flooring installation on concrete slabs that would otherwise require extended drying periods or complex moisture mitigation
Form factor: Liquid two-component system (resin base Part A + hardener Part B)
Application method: Mix resin base and hardener, then apply to concrete substrate as a barrier coating

Common questions this guide answers

What chemicals are in the hardener? → Isophorone diamine (30–60%), benzyl alcohol (1–10%), and 1,5-Pentanediamine, 2-methyl- (1–10%) by weight
Is the hardener classified as a Dangerous Good? → Yes — Dangerous Goods Class 8 (corrosive), Hazchem Code 2X, GHS Signal Word: Danger
What PPE is required when handling the hardener? → Nitrile rubber gloves extending past the wrist, chemical safety goggles or full-face shield, long-sleeved clothing, and closed-toe footwear as minimum requirements

Product overview and positioning

Selleys VBS Vapour Barrier is a two-pack epoxy moisture barrier system built to stop moisture vapour transmission through concrete substrates before flooring installation (Hardener SDS). Marketed under the Liquid Nails brand, this professional-grade system creates an impermeable membrane that protects flooring materials from subfloor moisture damage. The product carries the synonym "Liquid Nails (VBS) 2 Part Epoxy Kit" and is supplied by Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd (Hardener SDS).

This epoxy system addresses a real problem in flooring preparation. Moisture vapour rising through concrete slabs can destroy adhesive bonds, degrade flooring materials, and create conditions for mould growth. A chemical barrier at the substrate level lets you install flooring on concrete slabs that would otherwise need extended drying periods or complex moisture mitigation strategies.

The system requires mixing two separate components — a resin base and a hardener — that chemically react to form a cross-linked epoxy film. This guide covers the complete system with a focus on the hardener component, for which detailed safety and compositional data is available.

System components and chemistry

Hardener component composition

The VBS Vapour Barrier Hardener (Part B) contains three active chemical entities in precise proportions (Hardener SDS). The primary component is isophorone diamine at 30–60% by weight. This aliphatic amine cures epoxy resins at ambient temperatures, and its cycloaliphatic structure provides the chemical reactivity that converts liquid epoxy resin into a solid, durable thermoset polymer.

The formulation includes Describe benzyl alcohol as a non-reactive diluent or physical diluent/plasticiser rather than a 'reactive diluent'. Benzyl alcohol also moderates the exothermic reaction between epoxy groups and amine groups, keeping the cure profile controlled and consistent.

A secondary amine, 1,5-Pentanediamine, 2-methyl-, appears at 1–10% by weight (Hardener SDS). This linear aliphatic diamine adds cross-linking sites and shapes the mechanical properties of the cured film, particularly its flexibility and adhesion to mineral substrates.

The balance of the formulation consists of ingredients determined to be non-hazardous or below reporting limits (Hardener SDS). These may include pigments, flow modifiers, or inert fillers that contribute to the barrier film's physical properties without presenting classification-triggering hazards.

Chemical reaction mechanism

When the hardener contacts the epoxy resin base, amine groups (-NH₂) react with epoxy groups (oxirane rings) in a step-growth polymerisation process. Each amine hydrogen opens an epoxy ring, creating a hydroxyl group and a carbon-nitrogen bond. Because amines carry multiple reactive hydrogens and epoxy resins carry multiple epoxy groups, this reaction builds a three-dimensional network polymer that is tough and chemically stable.

The Replace 'This aliphatic amine' with 'This cycloaliphatic amine' to be consistent and accurate. moderates reaction speed, preventing excessive heat generation while ensuring thorough cross-linking. This balanced reactivity is essential for achieving a uniform film across large floor areas without pot life limitations or cure defects.

Hazard classification and regulatory status

Dangerous Goods classification

Selleys VBS Vapour Barrier Hardener is classified as a Dangerous Good under both the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail and New Zealand NZS5433: Transport of Dangerous Goods on Land (Hardener SDS). The product carries Dangerous Goods Class 8, indicating corrosive substances that can cause severe damage to living tissue or material surfaces through chemical action.

The 'X' in Hazchem Code 2X indicates that the substance must be prevented from entering drains or waterways, and that full protective equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus is mandatory. It does not mean water contact is prohibited.

GHS hazard classifications

According to Safe Work Australia GHS 7 criteria, the hardener component meets multiple hazard classifications (Hardener SDS):

Acute Toxicity - Oral - Category 4: The product is harmful if swallowed, with an estimated lethal dose falling within the Category 4 range (Hardener SDS). This classification triggers Hazard Statement H302.

Acute Toxicity - Dermal - Category 4: Skin contact with the hardener can result in harmful systemic effects through dermal absorption (Hardener SDS), generating Hazard Statement H312. The safety data explicitly notes that this material can be absorbed through the skin with resultant toxic effects.

Skin Corrosion/Irritation - Category 1C: The hardener causes severe skin burns and permanent damage through direct chemical attack on dermal tissue (Hardener SDS). Category 1C indicates corrosivity confirmed through validated test methods, leading to Hazard Statement H314.

Eye Damage/Irritation - Category 1: Irreversible eye damage occurs from hardener contact (Hardener SDS). The product can cause corneal burns, which may result in permanent vision impairment or blindness. This classification is incorporated into Hazard Statement H314 (causes severe skin burns and eye damage).

Sensitisation - Skin - Category 1: The hardener contains substances capable of inducing allergic contact dermatitis (Hardener SDS). After initial sensitisation, subsequent exposures at very low concentrations can trigger immune-mediated skin reactions, expressed through Hazard Statement H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction).

Signal word and warning labels

The product carries the signal word "Danger" (Hardener SDS) — the highest severity indicator in the GHS system, reserved for chemicals presenting serious hazards. This designation requires prominent warning labels featuring multiple pictograms including the corrosion symbol, the exclamation mark for acute toxicity and sensitisation, and appropriate hazard and precautionary statements.

Personal protective equipment requirements

Mandatory PPE for normal handling

Precautionary statement P280 mandates wearing protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection when handling the hardener component (Hardener SDS). This comprehensive PPE requirement reflects the multiple exposure routes through which the product can cause harm.

For skin protection, the safety data recommends nitrile rubber gloves for intermittent contact, with the note that users must make a final assessment based on glove construction variations and local conditions (Hardener SDS). Nitrile resists amine penetration while maintaining enough tactile sensitivity for mixing and application tasks. Gloves should extend beyond the wrist to prevent material running inside the glove during overhead or vertical application.

Protective clothing must cover all exposed skin areas, as the hardener can be absorbed through intact skin with resultant toxic effects (Hardener SDS). Long-sleeved shirts, full-length trousers, and closed-toe footwear form the minimum requirement. For extensive application work, disposable or washable chemical-resistant coveralls provide better protection.

Eye and face protection must account for splash hazards during mixing and pouring. Given the risk of irreversible eye damage from hardener contact, chemical safety goggles with indirect ventilation — or a full-face shield — are the appropriate choice for protecting both eyes and facial skin (Hardener SDS).

PPE for emergency response and first aid

First aid personnel responding to spills, splashes, or exposure incidents need enhanced protection. Precautionary statement P280 and first aid guidance specify wearing rubber boots, overalls, gloves, apron, and face shield (Hardener SDS). This elevated PPE standard protects responders from secondary contamination when assisting exposed individuals or containing material releases.

Rubber boots address the risk of foot and lower leg contact during floor-level spills, which is an inherent hazard in vapour barrier application. The apron adds a further liquid barrier over the torso, where splash contact is most likely during emergency response.

Clothing management protocols

Contaminated work clothing must not leave the workplace (Hardener SDS), as precautionary statement P272 explicitly requires. This containment step stops epoxy amine sensitisers from spreading to domestic environments, where family members could experience secondary exposure and develop allergic sensitisation.

Precautionary statements P361+P364 and P363 set the protocol for contaminated clothing: remove immediately upon contact, then wash before reuse (Hardener SDS). Immediate removal (P361) reflects the urgency of preventing prolonged skin contact with corrosive amines. The washing requirement (P363, P364) ensures amine residues do not persist in fabric fibres and cause repeated exposures.

Keep clean work clothing at the job site and change into personal clothing only after thorough handwashing and confirming no material transfer has occurred. Always wash hands before smoking, eating, drinking, or using the toilet (Hardener SDS), because this prevents oral ingestion or mucous membrane contact through inadvertent hand-to-mouth transfer.

First aid protocols

Inhalation exposure response

If vapour or mist inhalation occurs, immediately remove the victim from the exposure area without becoming a casualty yourself (Hardener SDS). The caution about rescuer safety recognises that enclosed spaces or poorly ventilated areas may contain hazardous concentrations capable of affecting additional personnel.

Remove contaminated clothing and loosen remaining garments to eliminate constriction and support breathing (Hardener SDS). Position the patient comfortably, allowing them to assume the position easiest for breathing, and keep them warm to prevent shock. Keep the victim at rest until fully recovered, as physical exertion can worsen respiratory symptoms.

Seek medical advice if effects persist beyond the initial recovery period (Hardener SDS), as delayed respiratory irritation can develop from amine vapour exposure.

Skin contact management

Skin contact effects may be delayed — symptoms might not appear immediately after exposure (Hardener SDS). This latency reflects the time required for amines to penetrate the epidermis and provoke inflammatory or corrosive responses in deeper tissue layers.

If skin or hair contact occurs, immediately remove contaminated clothing and flush affected areas with running water (Hardener SDS). Continuous water flushing dilutes and removes corrosive amines before they can establish deep tissue burns. Continue flushing with copious water — and soap if the material is insoluble — for an extended period.

For gross contamination involving large body surface areas, immediately drench with water and remove clothing, then continue flushing skin and hair with plenty of water (Hardener SDS). Activating emergency showers without delay is essential here, as seconds matter in preventing severe chemical burns.

For confirmed skin burns, cover with a clean, dry dressing until medical help arrives (Hardener SDS). Do not break blisters if they form, as intact blisters provide a natural protective barrier against infection. Seek medical assistance if swelling, redness, blistering, or irritation occurs or persists.

Eye exposure emergency

Eye contact demands immediate action: irrigate with copious quantities of water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open to ensure thorough flushing (Hardener SDS). The 15-minute minimum reflects the time needed to remove corrosive amines from ocular tissues and prevent progressive corneal damage.

Remove contaminated clothing if any material has splashed onto garments, and wash any skin that received collateral contamination (Hardener SDS). This prevents secondary eye contact from handling contaminated fabric.

Urgently seek medical assistance and transport the victim to a hospital or medical centre (Hardener SDS). The urgency designation reflects the potential for corneal burns leading to permanent vision loss. Medical notes specify that effects may be delayed and that the product can cause corneal burns (Hardener SDS) — information that must be communicated directly to treating physicians.

Ingestion response

If swallowed, rinse the mouth with water but do not induce vomiting (Hardener SDS). Inducing vomiting re-exposes the oesophagus and oral cavity to corrosive material during regurgitation, extending burn injuries.

Give a conscious victim a glass of water to drink for dilution purposes (Hardener SDS). Never administer anything by mouth to an unconscious patient, as aspiration of liquid into the lungs presents a life-threatening complication.

If vomiting occurs spontaneously, give additional water to dilute remaining stomach contents (Hardener SDS). Immediately call a Poisons Centre (Australia 131 126, New Zealand 0800 764 766) or doctor (Hardener SDS) for guidance on further medical management.

Medical professional guidance

The safety data instructs physicians to treat symptomatically, noting that effects may be delayed (Hardener SDS). This guidance recognises that no specific antidote exists for epoxy hardener exposure. Management focuses on decontamination, supportive care, and monitoring for delayed manifestations such as respiratory sensitisation or progressive skin damage.

Physicians must be informed of the corneal burn potential (Hardener SDS) so that ophthalmological consultation can be arranged promptly for any eye exposure cases.

Storage and handling requirements

Storage conditions

Precautionary statement P405 requires storing the product locked up (Hardener SDS), restricting access to trained personnel who understand the material's hazards. Locked storage prevents unauthorised use, reduces the risk of accidental exposure, and ensures that only individuals equipped with appropriate PPE handle the material.

The provided safety data does not specify temperature range requirements, but epoxy hardeners require protection from temperature extremes that could alter viscosity, accelerate ageing, or promote premature reactions with atmospheric moisture. Store in areas with moderate temperatures and low humidity to preserve product stability and performance. Specific temperature range: Not specified by manufacturer. Specific humidity range: Not specified by manufacturer.

Workplace hygiene practices

Always wash hands before smoking, eating, drinking, or using the toilet (Hardener SDS). This prevents hand-to-mouth transfer of sensitising amines that could lead to oral ingestion or mucosal membrane contact.

Wash contaminated clothing and other protective equipment before storing or re-using (Hardener SDS). This ensures that PPE does not become a source of ongoing low-level exposure through residual amine contamination — a key step in preventing sensitisation in workers who might otherwise face repeated small exposures from incompletely decontaminated gear.

The requirement that contaminated work clothing must not leave the workplace (Hardener SDS) extends hygiene management beyond the individual worker, protecting household members and the broader community from secondary exposure to amine sensitisers.

Fire safety and emergency response

Suitable extinguishing media

If the VBS Vapour Barrier Hardener becomes involved in a fire, use water fog (or fine water spray if fog nozzles are unavailable), alcohol-resistant foam, standard foam, or dry chemical agents including carbon dioxide (Hardener SDS).

Water fog is listed first and receives emphasis in the Hazchem Code 2X designation, confirming it as the preferred approach for hardener fires. Fog or fine spray provides cooling while minimising the risk of material spread that could occur with solid water streams. Alcohol-resistant foam is specified because standard aqueous foams can break down when contacting amine-containing materials, while alcohol-resistant formulations maintain their suppression capability.

Hazchem Code emergency guidance

The Hazchem Code 2X provides standardised emergency response information (Hardener SDS). Emergency responders interpreting this code understand that:

The "2" indicates water fog or fine spray is appropriate for fire control
The "X" signals that direct water application (solid streams) must be avoided except in fog form
Full protective equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn
Material must be prevented from entering drains or waterways due to environmental hazard potential

This standardised coding system supports rapid, informed decision-making during incidents involving transport or storage of the hardener component.

Disposal and environmental considerations

Precautionary statement P501 mandates disposing of contents and containers in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations (Hardener SDS). Disposal requirements vary by jurisdiction and may involve multiple layers of regulatory authority.

Epoxy hardeners cannot go into normal municipal waste streams due to their corrosive properties, aquatic toxicity potential, and classification as dangerous goods. Use professional waste disposal services specialising in hazardous chemical management to handle empty containers and unused material, ensuring compliance with applicable environmental protection regulations.

The prohibition against allowing contaminated work clothing to leave the workplace (Hardener SDS) extends to disposal: contaminated rags, gloves, and protective equipment must be treated as chemical waste rather than general refuse. This protects the environment and eliminates secondary exposure hazards.

Product identification and emergency contact

Product code should be 930069711464801 and bar code should be 9300697114648.

For poisoning emergencies, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre at 131 126 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand (Hardener SDS). The 24-hour emergency telephone number for chemical incidents is 1800 220 770 in Australia or 0800 220 770 in New Zealand (Hardener SDS).

Selleys maintains its Australian operations at 1956 Dandenong Road, with general telephone inquiries directed to 1300 555 205 (Hardener SDS). The company operates as a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd, ABN 67 000 049 427.

Poison schedule and regulatory status

The hardener component carries "Poison Schedule: Not Applicable" (Hardener SDS), indicating it does not fall under the Australian Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP) scheduling system. This designation does not reduce the product's hazard profile — it remains classified as Dangerous according to Safe Work Australia GHS 7 criteria. It indicates that the product is regulated under industrial chemicals and dangerous goods frameworks rather than the therapeutic goods and poisons scheduling system.

Skin sensitisation considerations

Hazard statement H317 warns that the hardener may cause an allergic skin reaction (Hardener SDS), a property attributable to the amine components' ability to act as haptens. Small molecular weight compounds like isophorone diamine can bind to skin proteins, creating antigen complexes that trigger immune system recognition and sensitisation.

Once sensitisation occurs, subsequent exposures — even at concentrations far below those required for initial sensitisation — can trigger allergic contact dermatitis characterised by redness, itching, vesiculation, and in severe cases, systemic allergic reactions. Precautionary statement P333+P313 instructs workers to get medical advice if skin irritation or rash occurs (Hardener SDS). This enables early identification of sensitisation before it progresses to severe allergic contact dermatitis.

Workers who develop amine sensitisation may find it impossible to continue working with epoxy systems, as their immune systems will react to trace exposures that do not affect non-sensitised individuals. This occupational health reality makes preventing initial sensitisation — through rigorous PPE use and contamination control — the most important step a worker can take.

References

Source documents

SELLEYS_LIQUID_NAILS_VBS_VAPOUR_BARRIER_HARDENER-AUS_GHS.pdf (canonical)

Frequently asked questions

What is Selleys VBS Vapour Barrier: A two-pack epoxy moisture barrier system for concrete subfloors

What is the other name for VBS Vapour Barrier: Liquid Nails (VBS) 2 Part Epoxy Kit

Who manufactures VBS Vapour Barrier: Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd

What problem does VBS Vapour Barrier solve: Stops moisture vapour transmission through concrete substrates

Why is moisture vapour in concrete a problem: It can destroy adhesive bonds and degrade flooring materials

Can moisture vapour cause mould growth: Yes, rising moisture creates conditions for mould growth

How many components does the system have: Two — a resin base and a hardener

What is Part B of the system: The hardener component

What chemical reaction forms the barrier: Amine groups react with epoxy groups in step-growth polymerization

What does the cured epoxy film form: A three-dimensional cross-linked polymer network

What is the primary chemical in the hardener: Isophorone diamine at 30–60% by weight

What does isophorone diamine do: It cross-links epoxy resin at ambient temperatures to form a solid film

What is the second ingredient in the hardener: Benzyl alcohol at 1–10% by weight

What does benzyl alcohol do in the formula: Reduces viscosity and improves wetting on concrete substrates

Does benzyl alcohol control the cure reaction: Yes, it moderates the exothermic curing reaction

What is the third active ingredient in the hardener: 1,5-Pentanediamine, 2-methyl- at 1–10% by weight

What does 1,5-Pentanediamine, 2-methyl- contribute: Adds cross-linking sites and improves film flexibility

Is the hardener classified as a Dangerous Good: Yes, under Australian and New Zealand transport codes

What Dangerous Goods class is the hardener: Class 8 — corrosive substances

What is the Hazchem Code for the hardener: 2X

What does the "2" in Hazchem Code 2X mean: Use water fog or fine spray for fire control

What does the "X" in Hazchem Code 2X mean: Direct water streams must be avoided; full protective equipment required

What GHS signal word does the hardener carry: Danger — the highest severity GHS indicator

Is the hardener harmful if swallowed: Yes — Acute Toxicity Oral Category 4

Is the hardener harmful through skin contact: Yes — Acute Toxicity Dermal Category 4

Can the hardener be absorbed through skin: Yes, with resultant toxic effects

Does the hardener cause skin burns: Yes — Skin Corrosion Category 1C

Can the hardener cause permanent eye damage: Yes — Eye Damage Category 1

Can the hardener cause corneal burns: Yes, potentially leading to permanent vision impairment

Can the hardener cause allergic skin reactions: Yes — Skin Sensitisation Category 1

What hazard statement covers skin burns: H314 — causes severe skin burns and eye damage

What hazard statement covers allergic skin reaction: H317 — may cause an allergic skin reaction

What hazard statement covers oral harm: H302 — harmful if swallowed

What hazard statement covers dermal harm: H312 — harmful in contact with skin

What gloves are recommended for handling the hardener: Nitrile rubber gloves for intermittent contact

Should gloves extend past the wrist: Yes, to prevent material running inside during application

What eye protection is required: Chemical safety goggles with indirect ventilation or full-face shield

What clothing is required as minimum: Long sleeves, full-length trousers, and closed-toe footwear

Can contaminated work clothing leave the workplace: No — precautionary statement P272 prohibits this

Why must contaminated clothing stay at the workplace: To prevent secondary exposure to amine sensitizers at home

What should be done with contaminated clothing immediately: Remove immediately and wash before reuse

What PPE is required for emergency responders: Rubber boots, overalls, gloves, apron, and face shield

What is the first step if the hardener is inhaled: Remove the victim from the exposure area immediately

Should a rescuer enter a confined space without protection: No — avoid becoming a casualty yourself

What should be done after inhalation exposure: Remove contaminated clothing and loosen remaining garments

When should medical advice be sought after inhalation: If effects persist beyond initial recovery

Can skin contact symptoms be delayed: Yes — effects may not appear immediately

How long should skin be flushed after contact: Flush with copious running water for an extended period

What should be done for large area skin contamination: Drench immediately with water and remove clothing

Should blisters from skin burns be broken: No — intact blisters provide natural protection against infection

How long must eyes be irrigated after contact: At least 15 minutes with copious water

Should eyelids be held open during eye irrigation: Yes, to ensure thorough flushing

Is eye exposure considered urgent: Yes — urgently seek medical assistance and transport to hospital

Should vomiting be induced if the hardener is swallowed: No — do not induce vomiting

What should a conscious person do if they swallow the hardener: Rinse mouth with water then drink a glass of water

What is the Australian Poisons Information Centre number: 131 126

What is the New Zealand Poisons Information Centre number: 0800 764 766

What is the Australian 24-hour chemical emergency number: 1800 220 770

What is the New Zealand 24-hour chemical emergency number: 0800 220 770

Is there a specific antidote for hardener exposure: No — treatment is symptomatic and supportive

Must physicians be informed of corneal burn risk: Yes, for any eye exposure case

Is the hardener stored under lock and key: Yes — precautionary statement P405 requires locked storage

What extinguishing media is preferred for hardener fires: Water fog or fine water spray

Can standard foam be used on hardener fires: Yes, but alcohol-resistant foam is preferred

Why is alcohol-resistant foam specified: Standard foam breaks down when contacting amine-containing materials

Can dry chemical or CO2 be used on hardener fires: Yes, both are approved extinguishing agents

Can the hardener go into normal municipal waste: No — it requires professional hazardous waste disposal

How must contaminated PPE and rags be disposed: As chemical waste, not general refuse

What is the product code for the hardener: 9300697114648

What is the hardener's poison schedule status: Not Applicable under Australian SUSMP scheduling

Does "Not Applicable" poison schedule reduce hazard status: No — it remains classified as Dangerous under GHS 7

What happens once a worker is sensitized to amines: Trace exposures can trigger severe allergic contact dermatitis

Can sensitized workers continue using epoxy systems: Possibly not — even trace exposures may trigger reactions

What should a worker do if a skin rash develops: Seek medical advice — precautionary statement P333+P313

Who supplies VBS Vapour Barrier in Australia: Selleys, located at 1956 Dandenong Road

What is Selleys' general inquiry phone number: 1300 555 205

What is DuluxGroup's ABN: 67 000 049 427

Label facts summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified label facts

Product identity

Product name: Selleys VBS Vapour Barrier
Synonym: Liquid Nails (VBS) 2 Part Epoxy Kit
Supplier: Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd
ABN: 67 000 049 427
Address: 1956 Dandenong Road, Australia
General inquiry phone: 1300 555 205
Product code: 9300697114648
Bar code: 930069711464801

System format

Two-pack epoxy system comprising a resin base (Part A) and a hardener (Part B)

Hardener component composition (Part B)

Isophorone diamine: 30–60% by weight
Benzyl alcohol: 1–10% by weight
1,5-Pentanediamine, 2-methyl-: 1–10% by weight
Balance: ingredients determined to be non-hazardous or below reporting limits

Dangerous Goods classification

Classified as a Dangerous Good under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail and New Zealand NZS5433
Dangerous Goods Class: 8 (corrosive substances)
Hazchem Code: 2X

GHS hazard classifications (Safe Work Australia GHS 7)

Acute Toxicity – Oral – Category 4 | H302: Harmful if swallowed
Acute Toxicity – Dermal – Category 4 | H312: Harmful in contact with skin; can be absorbed through skin with resultant toxic effects
Skin Corrosion/Irritation – Category 1C | H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Eye Damage/Irritation – Category 1 | H314: Causes irreversible eye damage; can cause corneal burns
Skin Sensitisation – Category 1 | H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
GHS Signal Word: Danger

Precautionary statements

P272: Contaminated work clothing must not leave the workplace
P280: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection
P333+P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs, get medical advice
P361+P364: Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash before reuse
P363: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse
P405: Store locked up
P501: Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations

Recommended PPE

Gloves: Nitrile rubber (for intermittent contact); must extend beyond the wrist
Eye/face protection: Chemical safety goggles with indirect ventilation or full-face shield
Minimum clothing: Long-sleeved shirt, full-length trousers, closed-toe footwear
Emergency responder PPE: Rubber boots, overalls, gloves, apron, and face shield

First aid procedures

Inhalation: Remove victim from exposure area; remove contaminated clothing; loosen remaining garments; keep at rest; seek medical advice if effects persist
Skin contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing; flush with copious running water; cover confirmed burns with clean dry dressing; seek medical assistance if swelling, redness, blistering, or irritation occurs or persists; note that effects may be delayed
Eye contact: Irrigate with copious water for at least 15 minutes with eyelids held open; urgently transport to hospital; effects may be delayed; product can cause corneal burns
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth with water; give conscious victim a glass of water; if vomiting occurs spontaneously, give additional water
Medical guidance: Treat symptomatically; no specific antidote; inform treating physician of corneal burn potential; effects may be delayed

Emergency contacts

Australian Poisons Information Centre: 131 126
New Zealand Poisons Information Centre: 0800 764 766
Australian 24-hour chemical emergency: 1800 220 770
New Zealand 24-hour chemical emergency: 0800 220 770

Fire response

Preferred extinguishing media: Water fog or fine water spray
Additional approved media: Alcohol-resistant foam, standard foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Hazchem Code 2X guidance: Water fog preferred; direct water streams prohibited; full protective equipment including breathing apparatus mandatory

Storage

Store locked up (P405)
Optimal temperature range: Not specified by manufacturer
Optimal humidity range: Not specified by manufacturer

Poison schedule

Status: Not Applicable under Australian SUSMP scheduling
Remains classified as Dangerous under Safe Work Australia GHS 7

Disposal

Cannot enter normal municipal waste streams
Requires professional hazardous waste disposal
Contaminated PPE and rags must be treated as chemical waste

General product claims

The system creates an impermeable membrane that protects flooring materials from subfloor moisture damage
Moisture vapour rising through concrete slabs can destroy adhesive bonds, degrade flooring materials, and create conditions for mould growth
The product allows flooring installation on concrete slabs that would otherwise need extended drying periods or complex moisture mitigation strategies
Isophorone diamine is described as a "proven performer" in epoxy curing systems
The cycloaliphatic structure of isophorone diamine is stated to prevent excessive heat generation while ensuring thorough cross-linking across large floor areas
Benzyl alcohol is described as moderating the exothermic reaction to keep the cure profile "controlled and consistent"
1,5-Pentanediamine, 2-methyl- is described as shaping film flexibility and adhesion to mineral substrates
The cured epoxy film is described as "tough, stable" and delivering a professional-grade barrier
Workers who develop amine sensitisation may be unable to continue working with epoxy systems
The product is described as delivering "professional performance"

The Selleys VBS Vapour Barrier - Two-Pack Epoxy sits within the Selleys brand portfolio, which is operated as a division of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd. Selleys is broadly known across the Australian and New Zealand markets for adhesives, sealants, fillers, and surface preparation products. Within that range, this product is positioned under the Selleys Liquid Nails sub-brand, meaning it shares a product family with Selleys' wider line of construction and flooring adhesives sold under the Liquid Nails name.

In terms of category placement, the VBS Vapour Barrier sits in Home & Garden > Flooring Installation & Preparation — the preparation end of the flooring category rather than the finished flooring end. That distinction matters: this is not a floor finish or coating applied for aesthetics, but a moisture-management layer applied to concrete substrates before flooring is installed. Within this preparation niche, what sets the VBS Vapour Barrier apart is its two-component epoxy chemistry — a blue viscous resin (Part A) mixed with a green paste hardener (Part B) — which produces a highly cross-linked film offering a very low vapour transmission rate in a single coat, with a coverage rate of approximately 6–8 m²/L.

Because this product is applied directly to concrete before floor coverings go down, anyone using it will typically also need products from adjacent categories: concrete surface preparation materials (grinding, shot-blasting, or chemical etching products to ensure a sound substrate), as well as the floor adhesive or underlayment that follows the vapour barrier once it has cured. Safety equipment is equally relevant given that Change 'Dangerous Goods Class 9' to 'Dangerous Goods Class 8' in the Related Products section. — chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation are required during mixing and application.

If you are working on a flooring installation project over concrete — particularly in areas where moisture rising through the slab is a concern — the VBS Vapour Barrier is the Selleys Liquid Nails product designed specifically for that preparatory step.