MSDSMaterial Safety Data Sheets

Every Company That Manufactures Hazardous Chemicals in the U.S.

Must Prepare One.

MSDS

• Mandated by OSHA in their Hazard Communications Standard (HCS).

• Purpose: “to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazard is transmitted to employers and employees.”

Contents of MSDS

• Chemical Identity (title of MSDS)- provides identity of chemical as it is found on the label.

• Section I. Manufacturer’s name and contact info– Name– Address– Phone– Emergency phone numbers– Date MSDS was prepared

Contents of MSDS

• Section II. Hazardous Ingredients/Identity Information– Trade names– Synonyms– Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number– Chemical family (general type of chemical: acid,

organic etc.)– Molecular formula– Molecular weight

Components of MSDS

• Components and Contaminants– In some MSDS you’ll see a list of components of the

material– This info helps you understand whether or not the

chemical/product poses a significant toxic hazard.– Lists OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): the

lower the limit the more toxic the chemical is.– SARA Title III (Community Right to Know Law)

notation.

Components of MSDS

• Section III. Physical/Chemical Characteristics– Appearance– Odor– Boiling Point– Specific Gravity (Water = 1)– Vapor pressure (mm HG)– pH (less than 7 = acidic, greater than 7 = basic, 7 =

neutral)-Melting point-Vapor density-Evaporation rate-Solubility in water

Components of MSDS

• Section IV. Fire and explosion hazard data– Flash point– Flammable limits– Extinguishing media– Special fire fighting procedures– Unusual fire and explosion hazards

Components of MSDS

• Section V. Reactivity Data– Provides information about potential problems

in mixing or storing the chemical with another• Reactivity hazards• Storage or usage conditions to avoid• Warnings about incompatibles

Components of MSDS

• Section VI. Health Hazard Data– Details

• Routes of entry (inhalation, skin, ingestion)• Health hazards (acute = immediate, chronic = build

up over time)• Carcinogenicity• Signs and symptoms of exposure• Medical conditions aggravated by exposure• Emergency and First Aid

Components of MSDS

• Section VII. Precautions for Safe Handling and Use– Provides instructions for

• safe storage• Use• Disposal• What to do in case of spill or environmental release

Components of MSDS

• Section VIII. Control Measures– Respiratory protection (must be trained and

fitted)– Ventilation (local, mechanical exhaust, or

other)– Protective gloves– Eye protection– Other PPE (Protective Personal Equipment)