Reading a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Material safety data sheets are detailed descriptions that explain the hazards
and safety precautions of the chemicals they accompany.

MSDSs are used to inform workers of the proper procedures for handling and working with chemicals. They also feature information about a chemical’s physical data, toxicity, health effects, reactivity, storage, disposal, and the proper protective equipment (PPE) for handling spills.

MSDSs must be available to employees at all times during their work shifts. Determining how MSDSs are made available can be accomplished on a case-by-case basis. As long as employees can get the information they need, any method of access is acceptable. MSDSs can be bound together in a centralized location, or they can be made accessible via company computer systems.

MSDSs must remain up-to-date for all chemicals available in a workplace, and employees must always have access to them.

The Hazard Communication standard does not require a specific format for the content of an MSDS, so different manufacturers may have MSDSs that appear drastically different but still present the necessary data.

ANSI published a voluntary template for MSDSs that breaks into 16 short sections in order to allow employees quick access to needed information.

The 16 sections include:

• Identification

• Hazard(s) identification

• Composition/information on ingredients

• First-aid measures

• Fire-fighting measures

• Accidental release measures

• Handling and storage

• Exposure controls/personal protection

• Physical and chemical properties

• Stability and reactivity

• Toxicological information

• Ecological information

• Disposal considerations

• Transport information

• Regulatory information

• Other information

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