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Material Safety Data Sheets
Explanation of Material Safety Data Sheets
Introduction
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a detailed
information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer or
importer of a chemical that describes the physical and
chemical properties, physical and health hazards, routes of
exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency
and first-aid procedures, and control measures. Information
on an MSDS aids in the selection of safe products and helps
prepare employers and employees to respond effectively to
daily exposure situations as well as to emergency situations
Sections of an MSDS and Their Significance
What Information is provided on an MSDS?
• Company Information
• Hazardous Ingredients
• Physical Data
• Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
• Health Hazard Data
• Reactivity Data
• Spill or Leak Procedures
• Special Protection Information
• Special Precautions
OSHA specifies the information to be included on an MSDS,
but does not prescribe the precise format for an MSDS. A
non-mandatory MSDS form that meets the Hazard Communication
Standard requirements has been issued and can be used as is
or expanded as needed. The MSDS must be in English and must
include at least the following information:
Section I. Chemical Identity
• The chemical and common name(s) must be provided for
single chemical substances.
• An identity on the MSDS must be cross-referenced to the
identity found on the label.
Section II. Hazardous Ingredients
• For a hazardous chemical mixture that has been tested as a
whole to determine its hazards, the chemical and common
names of the ingredients that are associated with the
hazards, and the common name of the mixture must be listed.
• If the chemical is a mixture that has not been tested as a
whole the chemical and common names of all ingredients
determined to be health hazards and comprising 1 percent or
greater of the composition must be listed.
• Chemical and common names of carcinogens must be listed if
they are present in the mixture at levels of 0.1 percent or
greater.
• All components of a mixture that have been determined to
present a physical hazard must be listed.
• Chemical and common names of all ingredients determined to
be health hazards and comprising less than 1 percent (0.1
percent for carcinogens) of the mixture must also be listed
if they can still exceed an established Permissible Exposure
Limit (PEL) or Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or present a
health risk to exposed employees in these concentrations.
Section III. Physical and Chemical
Characteristics
• The physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous
substance must be listed. These include items such as
boiling and freezing points, density, vapor pressure,
specific gravity, solubility, volatility, and the product's
general appearance and odor. These characteristics provide
important information for designing safe and healthful work
practices.
Section IV. Fire and Explosion Hazard
Data
• The compound's potential for fire an explosion must be
described. Also, the fire hazards of the chemical and the
conditions under which it could ignite or explode must be
identified. Recommended extinguishing agents and
fire-fighting methods must be described.
Section V. Reactivity Data
• This section presents information about other chemicals
and substances with which it reacts. Information on any
hazardous decomposition products, such as carbon monoxide,
must be included.
Section VI. Health Hazards
• The acute and chronic health hazards of the chemical,
together with signs and symptoms of exposure, must be
listed. In addition, any medical conditions that are
aggravated by exposure to the compound, must be included.
The specific types of chemical health hazards defined in the
standard include carcinogens, corrosives, toxins, irritants,
sensitizers, mutagens, teratogens, and effects on target
organs (i.e., liver, kidney, nervous system, blood, lungs,
mucous membranes, reproductive system, skin, eyes, etc.).
• The route of entry section describes the primary pathway
by which the chemical enters the body. There are three
principal routes of entry: inhalation, skin, and ingestion.
• This section of the MSDS supplies the OSHA PEL, the ACGIH
TLV, and other exposure levels used or recommended by the
chemical manufacturer.
• If the compound is listed as a carcinogen (cancer-causing
agent) by OSHA, the National Toxicology Program (NTP), or
the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), this
information must be indicated on the MSDS .
Section VII. Precautions for Safe
Handling and Use
• The standard requires the preparer to describe the
precautions for safe handling and use. These include
recommended industrial hygiene practices, precautions to be
taken during repair and maintenance of equipment, and
procedures for cleaning up spills and leaks. Some
manufacturers also use this section to include useful
information not specifically required by the standard, such
as EPA waste disposal methods and state and local
requirements.
Section VIII. Control Measures
• The standard requires the preparer of the MSDS to list any
generally applicable control measures. These include
engineering controls, safe handling procedures, and personal
protective equipment. Information is often included on the
use of goggles, gloves, body suits, respirators, and face
shields.
Where to find MSDS on the Web:
http://www.ilpi.com/msds/index.html
MSDS Site Search:
http://www.setonresourcecenter.com/MSDS/index.htm
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