1. Safety Training Presentations
The MSDS
29 CFR
I. Background for the Trainer:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to have a written Hazard Communication Plan. Bring your company’s written Hazard Communication program for employees to review and so you can refer to its contents during the training.
Bring your company’s MSDS maintenance system (i.e., binders) so employees can learn how to access an MSDS at your facility.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
The material safety data sheet (MSDS), is one of the key components of the Hazard Communication Standard. The MSDS is the primary tool used by chemical manufacturers to communicate the hazards of their chemicals to distributors and end users of that chemical.
This training session will help you understand the importance of the sometimes mysterious MSDS.
You will learn how to access an MSDS, interpret the information contained in the MSDS, and understand how to use that information to protect yourself from the hazards of that particular chemical.

2. MSDS Goals The importance of the MSDS Reading an MSDS Quiz
I. Speaker’s Notes:
We will start by discussing the importance of having and utilizing MSDSs, why they can be confusing, and how to access them when needed.
Then we will review the sections of an MSDS so we will all have a good understanding of the information contained in them.
Finally, we will wrap up this session with a quiz.

3. Right to Know
You, the employee, have a right to know about the hazardous chemicals you use on the job and how to work safely with those chemicals.
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Hazard Communication Standard is based on the premise that employees have a right to know about the hazardous chemicals they use on the job and how to work safely with those chemicals.
This right-to-know information is conveyed in a number ways, including the MSDS, container labels, signs, training, etc.
The MSDS is the foundation to this information because the information on the labels, on signs, and in the training is typically based on the information found in the MSDS.

4. HazCom and the MSDS
Chemical manufacturers must determine a chemical’s hazards and provide an MSDS.
Employers must make the MSDS available and train employees on the hazards of the chemical and how to protect themselves from those hazards.
Employees must read the MSDS so that they can identify the hazards and understand how to work safely with the chemical.
I. Speaker’s Notes:
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard utilizes the MSDS as a key component of chemical safety. The chemical manufacturer, employer, and employee all play a role in the use of an MSDS for chemical safety.
Chemical manufacturers must determine a chemical’s hazards and provide an MSDS. The Hazard Communication Standard also requires manufacturers to label chemical containers
Employers must make the MSDS available and train employees on the hazards of the chemical and how to protect themselves from those hazards. Employers also must identify and label hazardous material containers and have a written Hazard Communication Program
Employees must read the MSDS so that they can identify the hazards and understand how to work safely with the chemical. Employees are also required to read the labels on chemicals prior to using the chemical, follow employer instructions and warnings, and participate in the hazard communication training.

5. MSDS—Foundation of Chemical Safety
Identifies the hazardous ingredients
Describes physical and health hazards
Discusses procedures and equipment that enable you to work safely with the chemical
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The MSDS is the foundation of working safely with chemicals. It contains many useful pieces of information; however, the following are critical to each employee who opens a drum, dips an oily part into a solvent tank, or maintains a chemical tank farm.
The MSDS will tell you what hazardous ingredients are contained in the chemical and what level of exposure creates a dangerous situation for the worker.
The MSDS will also describe physical hazards, such as flammability and corrosiveness, as well as health hazards including toxicity. Symptoms of overexposure are also contained in the MSDS. Workers must understand how overexposure to the chemical will make them feel so that they can seek medical attention as described in the MSDS.
Most importantly, the MSDS will describe how workers can protect themselves from the hazards of the chemical. Safe procedures might include not smoking near the open container, having mechanical ventilation when using the chemical, or not storing it near acids. Equipment allowing the worker to safely use the material often includes personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves, protective eyewear, or other chemical-resistant clothing.

6. MSDS Confusion No standardized format ANSI standard
Chemical Manufacturers Association
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The MSDS can sometimes be very confusing because OSHA does not officially recognize any standard format. Each manufacturer must include the required information, but how that information is arranged or formatted is up to each individual manufacturer. This means that first-aid and other emergency information may be on the first page of one MSDS, on the last page of the next MSDS, and in the middle of another MSDS. Also MSDSs can range from 1 page to 20 pages, so the information can either be short and condensed or long and detailed. In summary, this makes finding information on each MSDS a challenge.
Many years ago, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) proposed an MSDS format to OSHA for the agency to consider as standard. OSHA has not officially endorsed the proposal.
Many members of the Chemical Manufacturers Association follow a standard format, so the MSDSs from some of the larger chemical manufacturers are arranged similarly.
It may take you a while to learn how to quickly find the information you need; however, once you understand how to effectively use MSDSs, you will be able to work with chemicals in a much safer manner.

7. Accessing an MSDS List of chemicals Binders Fax systems
Computer systems
I. Background for the Trainer
Discuss specifically how employees can access an MSDS at your workplace.
Have one or two employees demonstrate how to look up or find an MSDS.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to have a list of the hazardous chemicals that are in the workplace. Some employers will have a list that also acts as an index to their MSDS system.
Employers are to provide access to MSDSs at all times. Therefore, if a workplace operates 24 hours a day, the MSDSs cannot be in someone’s office who only works during the day and locks the office door at night.
Some companies will use a binder system. The MSDSs may be stored alphabetically, by chemical type, or assigned an in-house number that is referenced in the index. These binders must be available to all employees at all times, which means they are in lunchrooms, on the production floor, or in some other common area.
Other companies have contracted with companies that store their MSDSs and will automatically fax a copy to anyone requesting one. This means that employees must have access to fax machines at all times so that they can retrieve an MSDS.
And some companies utilize computer-based MSDS systems that are on company intranets or CD-ROMs. Employees can pull up an MSDS on the computer screen and look at it or print out hard copies. This is an efficient system; however, employees must be trained in using the computer and printer so that they can retrieve an MSDS whenever they need one.

8. MSDS Goals The importance of the MSDS Reading an MSDS Quiz
I. Background for the Trainer
Select a couple of MSDSs that represent chemicals used by many of the employees, make copies, and distribute them now.
At each of the following slides, challenge employees to find the information discussed on the slide in the MSDSs that you distributed.
Discuss some of the specific information contained on the MSDSs and field questions.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Are there any questions regarding why we have and use MSDSs and how to access them?
Now we will review the sections of an MSDS so that we will all have a good understanding of the information contained in them.

9. Manufacturer’s Information
Manufacturer’s name, address, and phone number
Emergency phone number
Date of MSDS
Name of the chemical
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Almost every Material Safety Data Sheet will start with manufacturer’s information such as the name, address, and telephone number. Now you can contact the manufacturer with questions or requests for updated MSDSs.
A 24-hour emergency phone number will also be listed. Sometimes this number is answered by the manufacturer, and other times the number is contracted out to organizations such as ChemTrec (Chemical Transportation Emergency Center). This number can be used to ask questions about chemical spills or employee contact or over-exposure. Doctors who are treating workers who were over-exposed to a chemical may also call this emergency number.
The date of the MSDS is very important. You do not want to have an MSDS that is old because it may not accurately represent the hazards of that chemical. The manufacturer may have changed some of the constituents of the chemical, or maybe new studies have recently been published or new information discovered that could make a big difference in how workers need to handle the chemical safely.
The name of the chemical will also be listed at the beginning of the MSDS. Sometimes this will be a specific chemical name such as “acetone” or “sulfuric acid”. Some manufacturers will give their chemical product a special name such as “XYZ123 Super Special Solvent”. Match the manufacturer’s product name on the MSDS with the product name listed on the container’s label. Sometimes, the manufacturer will give the chemical product a product number. Matching the product number will help make sure you have properly matched the MSDS with the container label.

10. Hazardous Ingredients
Hazardous chemical names
Percentage of chemical in the product
Nonhazardous ingredients
Trade secrets
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The next section on an MSDS is often a listing of the hazardous ingredients or components of the chemical product. Any ingredient that has been identified by OSHA as hazardous will be listed in this section. For basic products, this section may only have one or two constituents listed while complex products will have quite a few hazardous ingredients listed.
This section will also give you an idea of how much of each hazardous ingredient is contained in the chemical product. Often a range is provided such as 10 percent to 20 percent or less than 5 percent.
Nonhazardous ingredients may also be listed; however, most manufacturers will merely state that the remaining constituents in the product are not hazardous according to OSHA.
Occasionally, a manufacturer will not list a hazardous ingredient’s name because it is a trade secret. Instead of stating the chemical’s name it will state “trade secret”. Despite not having to list the chemical’s name, the manufacturer still has to provide information on the trade secret chemical such as hazards, safety information, and first-aid procedures.

11. Exposure Limits PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit)
STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit)
TLV (Threshold Limit Value)
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Exposure limits are also usually listed with the Hazardous Ingredients. Each hazardous ingredient will have separate exposure limits listed.
Exposure limits can be compared to taking medicine. If you took two pills when the doctor prescribed one pill every eight hours, you would be overdosing on the medicine, which could be harmful.
If you exceed the listed exposure limits, you are essentially overdosing, which could be harmful. If exposures are greater than those listed, your employer needs to evaluate engineering controls to reduce your exposure or you will need to wear PPE.
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) is the value set by OSHA for an eight-hour day. If you are exposed to a chemical concentration, averaged over an eight-hour day, greater than the OSHA PEL, then you are being overexposed.
STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) is the maximum hazardous chemical concentration that you can be exposed to in a 15-minute period, according to OSHA studies.
TLV (Threshold Limit Value) is similar to the PEL except this value is set by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Usually, their research agrees with the OSHA PEL, however sometimes they do differ. If that is the case, then the lower number is used to determine if workers are being overexposed to the hazardous chemicals.

12. Routes of Entry Skin or eye contact Inhalation Swallowing Penetration
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Understanding how a chemical product can enter your body and the health effects associated with the chemical exposure is probably the most important part of working with chemicals. The MSDS is your best source for this information.
Once you understand how the chemical can enter your body, you can take measures to prevent exposure by wearing the appropriate PPE.
Chemicals can enter your body through contact with your skin or eyes. A liquid chemical might be splashed in your eyes and enter your body through the mucous membranes. Chemicals, both liquids and solids, may damage your skin if you only make contact with them. Even though your skin is an effective barrier against many chemicals, some chemicals will be absorbed through your skin and enter your body.
Many chemicals will enter your body when inhaled. Vapors, fumes, or dusts will enter your body when you breathe them in. Some of these chemicals will enter your bloodstream through your lungs and other chemicals will just stay in your lungs and do damage to your lungs over time.
Swallowing chemicals is another common route of exposure. While you are not likely to pick up a chemical and start drinking it, chemicals can get on cigarettes, food, or beverages and then be ingested. Make sure you wash before eating, drinking, or smoking. Also, do not have open containers of food or drink around chemicals.
Penetration occurs when a chemical enters the body where the skin is broken by a needle, sharp piece of glass, metal, etc.

13. Health Effects Acute health effects Chronic health effects
Existing medical conditions
Target organs
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Acute effects are short-term health effects or symptoms of exposure. These health effects usually occur shortly after exposure and begin to disappear once the worker is removed from the chemical exposure. However, symptoms of overexposure to some chemicals may not occur until several hours after the exposure. Examples of acute health effects include skin or eye irritation or redness, headache, nausea, etc.
Chronic effects are long-term health effects that develop as a result of years of overexposure to a chemical. Examples include chemical sensitization, allergies, lung or liver damage, cancer, etc. Some chemicals will impact you only over years of exposure and do not have acute effects. Employees will often ignore potentially chronic effects because they don’t think that a chemical is hurting them if they don’t have any short-term health effects. This is a dangerous attitude for employees to have.
Many chemicals will also affect existing medical conditions. Asthma attacks may increase when exposed to chemicals. Blood pressure may rise. Frequency of headaches or stomachaches may increase because of chemical exposure. Employees will often ignore these symptoms, because they may already have medical conditions and may not attribute their worsened medical condition to chemical exposure.
Organs will be targeted by certain chemicals. These chemicals will do damage to specific organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs when workers are overexposed. The MSDS will often list targeted organs. Workers with pre-existing medical problems associated with these organs need to take extra precautions.

14. Symptoms of Exposure Eye redness Rashes or dermatitis
Shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness
Nausea, stomachache
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Workers must understand the symptoms of overexposure to chemicals that they work with so that they know when they are overexposed and can take first-aid measures. Again, the MSDS is the best source for exposure symptoms.
Chemical liquids, solids, and vapors that get in the eyes can cause redness, irritation, and even injury to the cornea.
Chemicals contacting the skin can cause rashes, redness of the skin, dermatitis, chemical burns, numbness, thermal burns, etc.
When breathing chemicals, symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, headache, nausea, lung damage, unconsciousness, or even death.
Chemicals that are ingested can cause nausea, stomachache, dizziness, headache, throat and stomach burns, vomiting, liver or kidney damage, unconsciousness, or death.

15. First-Aid Measures Eyes: Flush with water for 15 minutes
Skin: Wash with soap and water
Inhalation: Move to fresh air
Ingestion: Get emergency medical assistance
Notes to physician
I. Background for the Trainer
Discuss your company’s emergency response procedures. Employees must know how to report and handle medical emergencies. Where are first-aid kits and emergency showers/eyewash stations located?
II. Speaker’s Notes:
The MSDS contains specific first-aid measures to use when overexposed. The information on the slide are recommended first-aid measures for most chemicals. However, since each chemical is different, consult the MSDS before working with a chemical so that you understand the specific first-aid measures needed before an emergency happens.
Most chemicals’ MSDSs recommend flushing the eyes with water for minutes and then seeing a physician.
When chemicals get on the skin, almost every MSDS will recommend washing with soap and water. However, some chemicals may react with water and do more damage. Read the MSDS to understand first-aid measures.
Moving an inhalation victim to fresh air is recommended by almost every MSDS. Follow- up with a visit to a physician. The MSDS will also tell you whether it is safe to give artificial respiration to an exposed victim who has stopped breathing.
It’s usually recommended that victims of chemical ingestion seek emergency medical attention, drink large amounts of water or milk, and not induce vomiting.
Almost every MSDS will have a small section containing notes to physician. This section contains recommended treatment methods, whether antidotes are needed, etc. The physician can also call the emergency number on the MSDS. Always give the physician a copy of the MSDS when a worker is overexposed to a chemical.

16. Fire and Explosion Data
Flashpoint
Flammability limits
Hazardous combustion products
Extinguishing media
Firefighting protective equipment and instructions
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The flashpoint is the temperature at which a liquid will give off enough vapors to burn. A low flashpoint indicates a more flammable substance. For example, a solvent may have a flashpoint of 50 degrees F; this means that the solvent vapors could easily ignite and burn at room temperature. An oil with a flashpoint of degrees F would have to be heated before it would give off enough vapors to burn.
The upper and lower flammability limits are the range of chemical concentration in the air that can readily catch fire. Concentrations of the chemical in the air above or below this range are less likely to burn.
When a chemical burns it will often give off hazardous or irritating compounds such as smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes. Workers should understand the hazardous combustion products of chemicals so that they know the dangers associated with smoke from a fire in the workplace.
Extinguishing media may list water, dry chemical, foam, carbon monoxide, etc. Employees should check this list to make sure the appropriate fire extinguishers are mounted in the area that the chemical is use. Attempting to extinguish a fire with the wrong media can have disastrous results.
The MSDS will also list firefighting equipment and methods. This information is reserved for firefighting professionals who are properly trained. However, the MSDS should be provided to firefighters who are responding to a fire in your workplace.

17. Stability and Reactivity
Chemical stability
Conditions to avoid
Incompatibility with other substances
Hazardous decomposition products
Hazardous polymerization
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Chemical stability describes how a chemical might change when subjected to different conditions such as a change in temperature, a change in pressure, or shock when the chemical container is dropped or struck. You will find that most chemicals are described as “stable when under recommended storage conditions.”
Conditions to avoid go hand-in-hand with chemical stability. This section will describe conditions that could cause the chemical to become unstable in such terms as “avoid freezing,” “avoid high temperatures,” “avoid open sparks or flames,” or “do not drop.” This information also helps determine safe storage and handling procedures
Incompatibility with other substances helps the user understand what chemicals should not be stored or worked with in the same area as this chemical, unless the reaction is intended as part of a process. Descriptions might include “avoid contact with strong acids,” “keep away from strong oxidizers such as hydrogen peroxide,” or “reacts violently with water”.
Hazardous decomposition products describes whether the chemical will create new hazardous chemicals as it reacts or breaks down. This will often depend on the storage conditions or whether the product is exposed to certain other chemicals.
Polymerization is the ability of a substance to react with itself and release heat or explode. Most chemicals will not polymerize; however, some may when conditions change, such as when exposed to heat.

18. Handling and Storage Storage requirements Dispensing requirements
Handling requirements
Decontaminant or antidote
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Handling and storage is also another very important part of the MSDS for users of the chemical. If not handled and stored correctly, the chemical may heat up, react, or build up pressure inside the container.
Storage recommendations will include keeping the containers tightly closed when not in use, which is a requirement of the hazard communication standard. Other storage recommendations might be to store the chemical in a “cool area,” “out of direct sunlight,” “away from moisture,” “in an area with secondary containment,” “in a well-ventilated room,” “in a room with explosion-proof lighting or electrical fixtures, or “material must be grounded”.
Dispensing of chemicals can also be dangerous, particularly when dispensing flammable materials that could be ignited by a spark created by the build-up of static electricity. Follow recommended dispensing procedures such as “proper grounding,” or the use of “spark-proof tools”. The MSDS may also recommend the type of pump to use when dispensing or the materials that the pump or dispensing hoses should be made of.
Handling recommendations will suggest procedures such as “avoid skin contact with material,” “use only in well-ventilated areas,” or “do not drop – shock sensitive”. The MSDS will also give warnings such as “product on surface will create slippery conditions” or “heated product may give thermal burns”.
The storage and handling section may also advise having a decontaminant, for spill response, or antidote, for worker exposure, available. If so, determine what decontaminant or antidote is needed and make sure it is available and emergency responders and first-aid trained personnel know where these products are located.

19. Physical and Chemical Data
Molecular formula
Appearance and odor
Physical state pH
I. Speaker’s Notes:
This section of the MSDS contains terms that are often only used by scientists or chemists; however, this information is useful to all of us if we take the time to understand what the terms mean and how the information will help us understand the hazards of the chemical and how to work with it safely.
Note that not every MSDS has all of these categories of information and some MSDSs will contain information not discussed on this slide.
The molecular formula, alternate chemical names, and chemical family is information that is primarily used by chemists and other technicians. The molecular formula can be used to determine what the molecule looks like, weighs, and how it will react with other materials.
The appearance and odor of the chemical is critical for the user to know. This information helps the user recognize a chemical when trying to determine the contents of a chemical spill or helps the user know when he or she is being overexposed to a chemical. In some cases, if you can smell the chemical, you are already overexposed, because the odor threshold is greater than the STEL, PEL, or TLV.
The physical state also helps you recognize or determine whether a chemical is a solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature
The pH will tell you if the chemical will burn your skin or eat other materials including metals, concrete, wood, etc. A pH of 7 is neutral while a low pH such as 2 or lower is an acid and a high pH such as 12 or greater is a caustic or base. These materials will burn your skin and should be handled with appropriate PPE.

20. Physical and Chemical Data (cont.)
Boiling or melting point
Vapor pressure
Vapor density
Solubility
Density or specific gravity
The boiling and melting points tell you at what temperature the material will change phases or physical states from liquid to gas or from solid to liquid. This information is helpful when storing the chemical and for chemical processes.
The vapor pressure and evaporation rate will tell you how fast a material will volatilize or put vapors into the air. The higher the vapor pressure, the faster the chemical will evaporate. This is important for the chemical user because they need to know if the material is emitting flammable or toxic vapors or gases.
Vapor density describes whether the vapors of a chemical will rise or stay close to the ground. Vapor density below one will rise and vapor density above one will stay close to the ground and congregate in pits or ditches, creating hazardous environments.
Solubility refers to whether a chemical will dissolve in water. Some chemicals will not dissolve in water; rather, they might dissolve in a solvent or some other solution.
Density and specific gravity describe how heavy a material is and whether it will float or sink in water. Density is often described in pounds per gallon of material. Water’s density is 8.34 pounds per gallon. Therefore a 5-gallon pail of water weighs more than 41 pounds. Water is assigned a specific gravity of 1 (which equals lb./gal.). The specific gravity of other materials is related to the specific gravity of water. A heavier, or more dense, chemical will have a specific gravity greater than one and will sink in water. A lighter, or less dense, chemical (e.g., oil) will have a specific gravity of less than one and float in water.

21. Personal Protection and Exposure Controls
Engineering controls to prevent or reduce exposure
PPE
Eye and face protection
Skin protection
Respiratory protection
Medical surveillance
I. Speaker’s Notes:
This section is probably one of the most import sections of an MSDS. Once you understand a chemical’s hazards, how it will enter your body, and symptoms of exposure—you must know how to protect yourself from those hazards.
Before using PPE, OSHA requires that companies evaluate the use of engineering controls to reduce exposures. Engineering controls include ventilation systems, vapor extraction systems, dust control systems, noise reduction enclosures, mechanical methods for dipping parts into chemicals for etching or cleaning, etc.
The MSDS will often describe the type of PPE needed when working with the chemical.
Eye and face protection may be as simple as safety glasses. Goggles may be necessary when working with dusts or liquids, and face shields are required when working with chemicals in a potential splash situation.
The MSDS will also spell out the type of skin protection to use. It will define what material gloves, suits, boots, etc., should be made of to adequately protect against that chemical. Other considerations include how the chemical is used. If only gloves are needed, the MSDS will indicate what material thickness and arm length will provide the needed protection.
Respiratory protection is needed if ventilation is not adequate. The MSDS will often describe what type of respirator is adequate. A dust mask may be sufficient, or an air-purifying respirator with cartridges may be necessary. Some MSDSs will even describe the type of cartridge filters to use. For more hazardous chemicals, an air-supplied respirator may be required.
Some of the more toxic chemicals suggest medical surveillance for workers handling the chemicals. The physician may require annual checkups to look for any damage caused by exposure to the chemical. If workers develop symptoms of overexposure, the physician may recommend removal from that work environment.

22. Spill Response Isolate the area Trained personnel only
Contain the spill
Clean up the spill
Disposal procedures
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The MSDS may also provide some information that is helpful to spill responders.
Almost every hazardous material spill requires personnel to evacuate the area either because of health hazards, such as respiratory concerns, or physical hazards, such as slippery surfaces.
Only trained personnel are allowed to respond to a chemical spill offensively. These personnel know how to evaluate the scene, determine appropriate PPE, and respond to the spill in a safe manner.
Contain the spill and stop the release. Obviously preventing the spill from reaching the environmentally sensitive areas is a high priority. Responders will use spill containment materials to protect both personnel and the environment.
The MSDS will also describe how the spill should be cleaned up. Sometimes pumping the liquid or using an absorbent to soak up the liquid and placing the absorbent in drums or bags are adequate methods. Some chemicals may require a decontamination solution and others can be cleaned with soap and water. The MSDS will usually provide those details.
Finally, the MSDS might provide some information regarding the proper way to dispose of waste materials. Although most MSDSs will give generic information such as “dispose of waste material according to federal, state, and local information,” an occasional MSDS will give helpful information such as “not a regulated waste material under current federal standards.”

23. Other Information Toxicological Ecological Transportation
Additional regulatory and reporting requirements
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The remainder of the MSDS may have additional miscellaneous information.
Toxicological information usually includes the results of toxicity testing that was done on animals to help determine how hazardous the chemical would be on humans. There may also be information on the how the chemical has affected humans that were exposed to the chemical prior to the development of safety and environmental regulations were developed. This section may also contain information on the potential for cancer-causing or reproductive defects.
Ecological information includes the chemical’s degradation or persistence in the environment. There may also be data on how the chemical harms aquatic organisms.
The transportation section will provide information regarding the Department of Transportation (DOT) such as the proper shipping name for the chemical, reportable quantities, etc.
Finally there may be a section or two about other regulatory requirements, such as other OSHA, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), or state-reporting requirements.

24. NFPA and HMIS Information
Health = Blue
Flammability = Red
Reactivity = Yellow
Other hazards or special handling = White
Scale: 0 (no hazard) to 4 (extreme hazard)
I. Speaker’s Notes:
There are color- and number-coded labeling systems such as those developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) developed by the paint manufacturing industry. These labeling systems are quick ways to determine the potential hazards of a chemical product.
Many manufacturers are beginning to put this information on the MSDS. Some will put it at the top of the first page, others will put it in the health hazards or fire and explosion sections, while others might put it on the back page of the MSDS.
Some manufacturers will have a diagram of the colored diamonds or bars with the numbers. Others will just list the number next to the words health, flammability, or reactivity. And some manufacturers will just say something like “HMIS H1 F3 R0,” which indicates it has a health rating of 1, flammability rating of 3, and reactivity rating of 0.
Remember that higher the number (e.g., 3 or 4), the more severe the hazard in that category.

25. Goals The importance of the MSDS Reading an MSDS Quiz
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Are there any questions regarding the different sections of an MSDS and the information contained in them?
Let’s wrap up this training session with a summary and a quiz.

26. Summary MSDS is the foundation of chemical safety 24-hour access
Symptoms of exposure and first aid
Storage and handling
Personal protective equipment
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Although often confusing and mysterious, the MSDS is the foundation of chemical safety.
MSDSs must be accessible to all employees at all times.
It is important for employees to understand the symptoms of overexposure to a chemical and the proper first aid for that exposure.
Understand the storage and handling requirements of a chemical.
Protect yourself from the hazards of the chemical with PPE.

27. Quiz
1. When seeking emergency medical help for overexposure to a chemical, what should be provided to the physician? _______________________________________________
2. A low flashpoint, such as 50 degrees F, means the chemical’s vapors are not likely to ignite at room temperature. True or False
3. Describe how you would obtain an MSDS at your company:_______________________________________
4. Typical first-aid for someone who feels dizzy after breathing a chemical is:____________________________
5. Chemical manufacturers that list “trade secret” as a hazardous ingredient are exempt from providing safety information on that chemical. True or False
I. Background for the Trainer
Distribute the hard copy of the quiz.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
The quiz is used to help reinforce the information we discussed and ensure that everyone has a good grasp of Material Safety Data Sheets.

28. Quiz (cont.)
6. Nausea, skin rash, headache, tightness in the chest may all be:______________________________________
7. Before requiring the use of PPE, employers must evaluate the use of engineering controls to reduce exposure to chemical hazards. True or False
8. Why is it important for employees to know the appearance and odor of the chemicals they are using?
9. What is the importance of PEL, STEL, and TLV?
10. If the MSDS does not have the information you need, where can you obtain that information?

29. Quiz Answers 1. The physician should be provided with the MSDS.
2. False. A low flashpoint means the chemical is very flammable and the vapors are more likely to ignite.
3. Facility-specific: binder, computer, fax system, etc.
4. Inhalation victims should get some fresh air.
5. False. Chemical manufacturers still must discuss the hazards, safety information, and first-aid procedures for “trade secret” ingredients.

30. Quiz Answers (cont.) 6. Symptoms of exposure 7. True
8. Knowing the appearance and odor of a chemical will help employees recognize chemical spills.
9. PEL, STEL, and TLV are exposure limits that must not be exceeded unless wearing appropriate PPE.
10. Call the 24-hour emergency phone number shown on the MSDS.