INDUSTRIAL SAFETY: MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

Composition/Information on Ingredients

Chemical or substance type. (eg. Mono-constituent, etc.) Common name, synonyms, etc. CAS number, EC number, etc. Impurities and stabilizing additives which are themselves classified and which contribute to the classification of the substance.

First-Aid Measures

Description of necessary measures, subdivided according to the different routes of exposure, i.e. Inhalation, skin and eye contact and ingestion. Most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed. Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed, if necessary

Identification

GHS Product Identifier Other means of Identification Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use Supplier's details (including name, address, phone number etc.) Emergency phone number

Hazard(s) Identification

GHS classification of the substance/mixture and any national or regional information. GHS label elements, including hazard and precautionary statements. (Hazard symbols may be provided as a graphical reproduction of the symbols in black and white or the name of the symbol e.g. flame, skull and crossbones.) Other hazards which do not result in classification (e.g. dust explosion)

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable (and unsuitable) extinguishing media. Specific hazards arising from the chemical (e.g. nature of any hazardous combustion products). Special protective equipment and precautions for firefighters.

Odor, Vapor pressure , Odor threshold, Vapor density, pH, Relative density

Examples of properties shown in the SDS:

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Values, Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health limits, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Recommended Exposure Limit

Exposure limit include (4): 1. is a legal limit in the United States for exposure of an employee to a chemical substance or physical agent 2. refer to airborne concentrations of chemical substances and represent conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, over a working lifetime, without adverse effects. 3. workplace exposure limits that are meant to protect workers when they are exposed to a toxic chemical in the course of their work. 4. is an occupational exposure limit that has been recommended by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

GHS is an acronym for _____ It is a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals.

Regulatory Information

Information in this section is aimed primarily at regulatory compliance personnel. Useful references to applicable health, safety and environmental laws and regulations may be provided, along with information on the regulatory status of the product. The WHMIS classification for the product may also be given.

Identification, Hazard Identification, Composition/Information of Ingredients, First Aid measures, Fire-fighting measures, Accidental release measures, Handling and Storage, Exposure controls/personal protection, Physical and Chemical properties, Stability and Reactivity, Toxicology Information, Ecological Information, Disposal Considerations, Transport Considerations, Regulatory Information, Other Information including information on preparation and revision of the MSDS

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) FORMAT AND GUIDELINES (16)

Compressed gases, Flammable and Combustible Liquids, Oxidizing Materials, Poisonous or Infectious Materials, Corrosive Materials, Dangerously Reactive Materials

MSDS sheets are created for a variety of hazard materials including:

Defining health, physical and environmental hazards of chemicals, Creating classification processes that use available data on chemicals for comparison with the defined hazard criteria, Communicating hazard information, as well as protective measures, on labels and MSDS.

The GHS is a logical and comprehensive approach to:

Mixture

The chemical identity and concentration or concentration ranges of all ingredients which are hazardous within the meaning of the GHS and are present above their cut-off levels.

Handling and storage

This section indicates how is a chemical handled and stored properly. It states the precautions for safe handling. For example, keeping the chemical away from flame or heat. Aside from that, conditions that should be followed are also stated in this section.

Accidental release measures

This section indicates the appropriate measures to be done when accidental release of a chemical has happened. It tells us the appropriate equipment to be used when handling the chemical spill. Emergency procedures are also indicated which includes instructions for evacuation. Other than that, it also tells us what to avoid from happening with regards to the chemical environmental effects. The appropriate cleanup procedures are also stated in this section.

Physical and chemical properties

This section indicates the physical and chemical properties of a chemical. Although, it may not contain all properties associated with the chemical because it may not be relevant or is not available.

Stability and reactivity

This section indicates the reactivity of a chemical to other chemicals and to certain conditions. It also indicates how these reactions proceed (i.e. reacts violently) which also entails the possibility of having hazardous reactions. It indicates at what conditions the chemical will become unstable (e.g. exposure to moisture) and what are the incompatible materials to a particular chemical.

Other Information

This section is used to provide supplementary information which the author of the data sheet considers important for the safe use of the material (e.g. label text, hazard ratings). Reference sources used in preparing the data sheet are sometimes listed. The date the MSDS was prepared (or the last time it was reviewed or revised) should be indicated. The data sheet will be updated when new information becomes available. You should check that the MSDS you are using is less than 3 years old. If it isn't, you need to request an updated MSDS from the supplier or manufacturer. You can also use the manufacturer and/or distributor telephone number(s) provided to obtain more safe handling information if you need it.

Toxicological Information

This section of the MSDS contains toxicity information, either for the ingredients of the product or the product in general. This information can be quite technical and difficult to interpret. It is used to support the conclusions presented in Potential Health Effects provided in Section 2 - Hazards Identification. If you are uncertain whether the information is relevant to your workplace and your job, you should ask a knowledgeable health and safety professional. When reading about the effects of the material on animals, it is important to remember that the effects are not necessarily the same for people.

Transport Information

This section of the MSDS is intended for those responsible for shipping the material. If there are special precautions necessary during shipment, they will be provided. The TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) PIN number (product identification number) will also be provided if the product meets the TDG criteria. The supplier may also include the TDG classification.

Disposal Considerations

This section of the MSDS is intended mainly for environmental professionals. General waste disposal information will normally be included. The MSDS does not usually contain all the steps and precautions necessary for adequate hazardous waste disposal. As well, the MSDS often does not give the federal, provincial, or local regulations which must be followed. The appropriate authorities for your area should be contacted for this information.

Exposure controls/personal protection

This section states the control parameters and appropriate engineering controls. For control parameters, it refers to the exposure limits of a chemical to a person or worker.

Material Safety Data Sheet

is a safety document required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that provides important physical characteristics, ecological, health, safety and toxicological information on chemical substances or mixtures of ingredients used at the workplace, transported and may be utilized by the consumer.

Ecological Information

is not specifically required under WHMIS. If included, this section contains information that is useful in evaluating the environmental impact of the material if it is released (e.g. toxicity to fish, birds, plants and microorganisms). This information is intended mainly for environmental professionals and other company staff evaluating use, disposal or spill control.