Guide to MSDS
MSDS - GUIDE TO HAZARDOUS COMMUNICATIONS
I. The OSHA Hazard Communication / Right-to-Know standard has been established to improve the safety of all workers who must handle hazardous materials in the course of their jobs.
II. Your supervisor can show you where all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are stored. These must be available to you at any time, especially if you accidentally become exposed to a hazardous chemical.
III. Each MSDS is required to contain certain standard information to fully inform you about the product, its manufacturer, hazards to which you may be exposed, what precautions you should take to protect yourself and how to treat an individual who is exposed. Each section will be reviewed below.
Section I: Product Information
1. The product name
2. Manufacturer name and address
3. Emergency, 24-hour telephone number
Section II: Hazardous Ingredients
1. Specific chemical ingredient names, along with its common name
2. Worker safe levels of exposure, expressed as
a. OSHA’s permissible exposure limit
b. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value
3. CAS (Chemical Abstract Services) numbers for the chemicals are also listed.
Section III: Physical Data
1. Examples of the physical and chemical characteristics listed about the product are:
a. boiling point
b. melting point
c. product odor and appearance under normal condition
d. pH
e. type of material (liquid, solid, gas, paste or powder).
Section IV: Fire & Explosion Hazard Data
1. This section relates to the physical hazards of fire or explosion.
2. The flashpoint is listed. This is the temperature at which the product ignites.
3. The extinguishing medium is also listed. It lists what will safely put out the fire and any special fire fighting procedures.
Section V: Health Hazard Data
1. This section informs users of the product how they may be exposed to its hazards. For example:
a. inhalation
b. ingestion
c. skin contact
d. absorption, etc.
2. Also listed are possible health hazards, along with the signs and symptoms of exposure, such as
a. eye irritation
b. nausea
c. dizziness
d. skin rash, etc.
3. Emergency and first aid procedures are also explained here.
Section VI: Reactivity Data
1. How stable is this product? What other products are incompatible with it? This information is listed here.
2. Never mix one product with another unless it is stated on the manufacturer’s label.
Section VII: Spill or Leak Procedures
1. Section VII covers what to do if the substance spills or leaks.
2. No matter what the product, always notify your supervisor immediately should a spill or leak occur.
3. This section also covers proper disposal of the spilled chemical.
Section VIII: Special Protection Information
1. This section lists special protection equipment required when using the particular product.
a. goggles
b. gloves
c. face mask, etc.
Section IX: Special Precautions
1. These are special precautions to be taken when handling and storing products.
2. This section includes the tools and materials needed to pick up spills or put out a fire.
a. safety signs such as “Do not store near heat”
b. “Keep from freezing”
c. any other precautions listed in the MSDS.
Section IV. Safety and You
1. Your company, its suppliers and the government are all working together to protect you.
2. Remember, the only person who can keep you safe, every day, is YOU.
3. Take the time to learn about all the products with which you work, and how to handle them safely.
