Material Safety Data Sheets
MSDS
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
