Working with chemicals is always a dangerous business. While not all chemicals are potentially explosive, some can leave your skin burned and beyond repair. Others can blind or even asphyxiate you in a matter of seconds.
Although wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) protects you from a chemical’s potential hazards, nothing beats the indispensability of an MSDS. It serves as your lifeline, especially in the event of an accidental spill, fire and/or explosion.
Components of an MSDS
An MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet is a document that contains all information about a potentially hazardous substance. It’s not enough that this information be listed on the MSDS. Proper procedures must also be included on how to properly work with (use, handle, store, dispose, etc.) a particular substance. Instructions must also be indicated on how to respond to accidents that may be caused by the chemical.
How to Read an MSDS
You’ll find that different MSDS’s have various formats. The truth is, there is no one perfect format for all of them. The format actually varies from one source to another. The important thing is for an MSDS to have complete basic information about a hazardous substance.
Photo by Iván Melenchón Serrano
When making your own MSDS, remember that it is ILLEGAL to have any blanks on it. Instead of leaving a space blank when no information is available for a particular section, you must write “no information”.
OSHA actually recommends that an MSDS have 10 sections. The new suggested ANSI (the American National Standards Institute) format has the following 15 sections:
1. Product Identification
- name that appears on the chemical’s label along with name and address of the manufacturer
- chemical family, formula, synonyms or trade name
- a product or catalog number to differentiate the substance from chemicals of the same kind but different grades or mixes
2. Composition
- important information about the ingredients of the substance
- only hazardous ingredients need to be identified (down to 1% for a hazardous chemical and 0.1% for one considered to cause cancer)
- exposure limits are usually included here
3. Physical Data
- measurements obtained through standardized tests
- physical appearance like color
- odor
- boiling point, melting point, vapor density, evaporation rate, etc.
Photo by Daniele Musella
4. Fire Fighting Measures
- flash point and flammability limits to determine fire hazards
- hazards posed by the chemical when it burns
- what must be used to extinguish the chemical in the event that it burns
5. Hazards Identification and First Aid Measures
- health hazards posed by the chemical
- what to do if one gets exposed to these health hazards
- route of entry must be indicated for every health hazard (e.g. eyes, skin, lungs)
- target organ must also be indicated (body part that will experience health effects, especially those that may seem unconnected to the route of entry)
6. Stability and Reactivity
- how the chemical (whether in the form of solid, liquid, or gas) reacts when exposed to air or mixed with other chemicals
- shelf life
- reaction inhibitor
- conditions to avoid unstable chemicals from forming new chemicals through unintended exposure/reaction
7. Accidental Release Measures
- precautions, techniques and materials for cleaning up spills
8. Handling and Storage Measures
- special storage conditions
- types of containers
- chemical incompatibilities
Photo by Emmi
9. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
- recommended engineering controls
- proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, safety goggles, face shields, etc.
10. Toxicological Information
- specific forms of toxicity
- documented case studies for the chemical and its components
- results of tests on animals
- carcinogenicity may be included
11. Ecological Information
- potential impacts of the chemical if released into the environment
- information about chronic and acute toxicity the chemical may have on different kinds of plants and animals
- photolytic stability, soil mobility, and bioaccumulation (useful in case of a spill)
12. Disposal Considerations
- local, state and/or federal regulations for disposal
Photo by Pat Her
13. Transport Information
- labeling and packaging requirements for the chemical whenever it is transported
14. Regulatory Information
- notation if chemical is included in the list of chemicals specifically covered by any EPA or OSHA regulation
15. Other Information
- references
- latest revision date of MSDS
- emergency phone numbers
- any additional information employees must know
Accessibility to an MSDS
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide an MSDS to employees who work with hazardous substances. The MSDS must be always “readily accessible” to all employees.
Photo by Ronnie Bergeron
OSHA also requires employers to provide copies of their MSDS to local fire departments, as well as local and state emergency planning officials. This regulation is under Section 3 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
Click here to see various samples of MSDS.
Related Links:
Top 7 Tips on Using the 2006 Census to Improve Workplace Safety
MSDS in Your Hazard Communication Program: Your Guard against Hazardous Chemicals
Proper Management of Hazardous Chemicals: Plan and Training for Workers
PPE and How It Can Save Your Life – Part 1
