What are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is an administrative information sheet which sole function is for the control of work-related dangers that go hand in hand when working with hazardous chemicals. Basically, these are divided into several sections. Contents may vary from one organization to the next. The MSDS must include basic information about the properties (physical and chemical), its ingredients, health- risks (carcinogens, teratogenic effects, etc.), risk of exposure to the employees handling OF chemicals and what emergency precautions to perform if the case warrants it.
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication mandates that the manufacturer and employer must have MSDS information available and accessible to all employees for the prevention of future violations of safety measure in the workplace. These include the posting of MSDS in the workplace, in all sections. Violations of the MSDS policies may be fined to up to more than $70,000 per incident.
The following section is an example of how an MSDS is written and this is considered the minimum requirement as per OSHA format.
Section I: Product Identification
Identification of the product in terms of name, trade or generic name, chemical formula, manufacturer and an emergency phone number.
Section II: Hazardous Ingredients
Identity Information should list the chemical components of the products in percentage value covering 1% or 0.1% for risk of carcinogens.
Section III: Physical and Chemical Properties
A description of the product in terms of boiling and melting points, vapour pressure and density, physical attributes (appearance, odour, specific gravity, evaporation rate, and solubility).
Section IV: Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
This is a list of causal factors resulting to fire and/or explosion, procedures in handling emergencies, and technical data (i.e. flashpoints) that may assist in the prevention of any untoward events.
Section V: Stability and Reactivity Data
A list of incompatible materials that may cause adverse effects to the product in terms of packaging, reaction to other chemicals, stability, and storage instructions.
Section VI: Health Hazard Data
Symptomatic description from exposure, list of possible entry points into the body, emergency procedures and precautions when identified.
Section VII: Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
Proper storage and handling (i.e. proper equipment), and waste disposal for the prevention of spills and leakage,
Section VIII: Control Measures
Policies that should control, prevent, and minimize emergency situations. These include proper use of equipment, and following of strict protocols set by both the administrative and engineering departments.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has a different format recommended for the MSDS. The following section is what is considered the standard in written MSDS.
Section 1. Chemical Product & Company Information
Section 2. Composition/Information on Ingredients
Section 3. Hazards Identification
Section 4. First Aid Measures
Section 5. Fire Fighting Measures
Section 6. Accidental Release Measures
Section 7. Handling and Storage
Section 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Section 9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Section 10. Stability and Reactivity
Section 11. Toxicological Information
Section 12. Ecological Information
Section 13. Disposal Considerations
Section 14. Transport Information
Section 15. Regulatory Information
Section 16. Other Information
Although the ANSI format is recommended, it should be noted that the OSHA format meets all the minimum requirements and can withstand legal parameters. Failure of a written MSDS in a workplace; be it in the form of and MSDA handbook, MSDA pamphlet, or an MSDS information board is tantamount to the expulsion of a licence to operate. |
