Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS

What are they used for? A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. MSDS's include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. These are of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs. MSDS's vary in length depending on their format, content, and font size.

Format While the format can vary, there is an Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommended format that is commonly used.  This format includes 8 sections

Sections 1 and 2 Section one contains the manufacturer's name and address, as well as a phone number for information, an emergency telephone number, the date of preparation, and the signature of the person who prepared it. Section 2 provides information of hazardous ingredients.

Section 3 Section 3 provides the physical and chemical characteristics.  Boiling Point  Vapor Pressure  Vapor Density  Specific Gravity  Melting Point  Evaporation Rate  Solubility in Water  Appearance and Odor

Section 4 Section 4 provides information on fire and explosion hazards.  Flash Point  Flammable Limits  Extinguishing Media  Special Fire Fighting Procedures  Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Section 5 Section 5 provides the reactivity data for the substance.  Stability  Conditions to Avoid  Incompatibility  Hazardous Decompositions or Byproducts  Hazardous Polymerization

Section 6 Section 6 provides health hazard data.  Routes of entry  Carcinogenicity  Signs and Symptoms of Exposure  Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure  Emergency and First Aid Procedures

Section 7 Section 7 contains information on precautions for safe handling and use of the substance.  Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled  Waste Disposal Method  Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage  Other Precautions

Section 8 Section 8 contains information on control measures.  Respiratory Protection  Ventilation  Protective Gloves  Eye Protection  Other Protective Clothing or Equipment  Work/Hygienic Practices

Sources osha174/msdsform.html