2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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
7. Section 5
Section 5 provides the reactivity data for the
substance.
Stability
Conditions to Avoid
Incompatibility
Hazardous Decompositions or Byproducts
Hazardous Polymerization
8. 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
9. 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
10. Section 8
Section 8 contains information on control measures.
Respiratory Protection
Ventilation
Protective Gloves
Eye Protection
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment
Work/Hygienic Practices
