Material Safety Data Sheets Interpreting and Understanding Information on a MSDS

Requirements MSDS for hazardous chemicals must be in workplace employees must be able to interpret MSDS information MSDS may be in printed form or available electronically MSDS that is missing must be replaced within 30 days hazardous chemicals may not be used if a MSDS is not available MSDS shall be readily available for review by employees

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) What to look for? On this portion of the MSDS you will find: Section I - Name (Common and IUPAC) – formula, NFPA Hazard rating, etc. Section II - Ingredients Section III - Physical Data – i.e. M.P., B.P., physical appearance, solubility, etc. Section IV - Fire and Explosion Data, flash point, whether a material is combustible and what type of fire fighting equipment is suitable to use in case of fire.

And these sections contain… Section V – Health Hazard Data such as how you’ll feel if you reach the allowable threshold limits of the chemical; what first aid procedures to use if overexposed, etc. Section VI – Reactivity Data, very important! What materials could cause a serious reaction if they come into contact with this chemical; conditions to avoid, such as sunlight and temperature; stability of the component, etc. Section VII – Spill or Leak Procedures – what steps to take in case of spill or leak Section VIII – Special Protection data – what kind of personal protective gear needed to handle chemical Section IX – Special Precautions Any other precautions such as storage and handling.

Silver Nitrate MSDS *HMIS (Hazardous Materials Industrial Standards)

Silver Nitrate MSDS