Material Safety Data SheetsMSDS

What are they used for?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. MSDS's include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. These are of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs.

MSDS's vary in length depending on their format, content, and font size.

Format

While the format can vary, there is an Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommended format that is commonly used.

This format includes 8 sections

Sections 1 and 2

Section one contains the manufacturer's name and address, as well as a phone number for information, an emergency telephone number, the date of preparation, and the signature of the person who prepared it.

Section 2 provides information of hazardous ingredients.

Section 3

Section 3 provides the physical and chemical characteristics.

Boiling Point Vapor Pressure Vapor Density Specific Gravity Melting Point Evaporation Rate Solubility in Water Appearance and Odor

Section 4

Section 4 provides information on fire and explosion hazards.

Flash Point Flammable Limits Extinguishing Media Special Fire Fighting Procedures Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Section 5

Section 5 provides the reactivity data for the substance.

Stability Conditions to Avoid Incompatibility Hazardous Decompositions or Byproducts Hazardous Polymerization

Section 6

Section 6 provides health hazard data. Routes of entry Carcinogenicity Signs and Symptoms of Exposure Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by

Exposure Emergency and First Aid Procedures

Section 7

Section 7 contains information on precautions for safe handling and use of the substance.

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Waste Disposal Method Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage Other Precautions

Section 8

Section 8 contains information on control measures. Respiratory Protection Ventilation Protective Gloves Eye Protection Other Protective Clothing or Equipment Work/Hygienic Practices

Sources

http://www.ilpi.com/msds http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/msds-osha174/

msdsform.html