1. The hazardous communication standard uses two primary ways to communicate the chemical hazards to the employees: the label on the chemical container and the material safety data sheet (MSDS) or safety data sheet (SDS) as GHS is phased in. The following Safety Yalk will focus on reading and understanding the data sheets. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) MSDS/SDSs are the primary sources of information on a chemical’s hazardous properties. MSDS sheets have a random format and will be replaced by December 2016 with a standardized 16 section GHS format called the Safety Data Sheet or SDS. The chemical safety data sheets for PPD are stored in labeled three-ring binders in the main PPD building and in each custodian’s closet. In the future, all MSDS/SDS sheets will be accessed electronically, and the system is currently being populated. 16 Sections of the SDS 1.ID of the substance and supplier 2.Hazards identification (labeling Info) 3.Composition/ingredients 4.First aid measures 5.Firefighting measures 6.Accidental release measures 7.Handling and storage 8.Exposure controls/PPE 9.Physical and chemical properties 10.Stability and reactivity 11.Toxicological 12-15. Non-mandatory 16. Other information

2. Understanding Terminology on an MSDS/SDS: Vapor Pressure:How fast a liquid chemical evaporates. The higher the number, the more quickly the chemical becomes a gas. Vapor Density:The relative weight of a gas compared to air. Less than 1: the gas is lighter then air (floats); greater than 1: the gas is heavier than air (sinks). Specific Gravity:The relative weight of a liquid as compared to water. Less than 1: the liquid is lighter than water; greater than 1: the liquid is heavier than water. Solubility: Ability of a chemical to dissolve/mix with water. pH value: Specifies how acidic or basic a liquid is based on a solution’s hydrogen ion concentration. (see example scale below) Flammable Range: Percentage in air required to support combustion. Defined as the lower (LEL) and upper explosive limit (UEL). Auto-ignition Temp: Lowest temperature needed for spontaneous combustion. Flash Point: Lowest temp needed to form ignitable mixture in air. Melting Point:Temp at which a solid turns to a liquid. Boiling Point:Temp at which a liquid turns to a gas.

3. Review / Discussion Questions: 1.Where are the MSDS/SDS sheets for the chemicals you use stored? 2.Are they easily accessible? Are any missing? 3.Discuss the terminology and why they may be important for making safe decisions. 4.When should you review and MSDS/SDS, why? Printed NameSignature Questions, concerns or comments contact the EHS Director at extension 5504.