This document provides guidance on hazard communication and material safety data sheets (MSDS) for employees. It defines hazardous materials like flammable, toxic, and caustic substances. It explains that MSDS must be available for all such materials used. The document also reviews what information can be found in each section of a MSDS, such as hazardous ingredients, health effects, handling instructions, and more. It stresses the importance of reading MSDS and using proper protective equipment when working with chemicals.

1. March 2004
Material Safety Data Sheets
Hazard Communications
Training for Employees

2. Hazardous Communication Program
Procedures Effective: 11/20/00
This procedure is established to:
 ensure compliance with the applicable state and federal
standard;
 safeguard the health and safety of employees and the
public; and
 establish guidelines to follow for implementation and
maintenance of a hazard communication program.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be
readily available for all flammable, toxic
and caustic materials utilized within City
facilities.

3. DEFINITIONS
Flammable: A substance having a flash
point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit -
easily ignited and quick burning.
Toxic: A substance which has the capacity,
through chemical reaction or mixture, to
produce injury or harm to the body by
entry through absorption, ingestion,
inhalation, or injection.
Caustic: A substance with the capability of
burning, destroying or eating away
organic tissue by chemical reaction -
Corrosive.

4. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
 The MSDS is used by
chemical manufacturers
and vendors to convey
hazard information to
users.
 MSDS should be obtained
when a chemical is
purchased.
 A chemical inventory list,
and MSDS, for each
chemical are maintained
in a database & in binders.

5. READING THE MSDS
Information on the MSDS is organized in 16 sections as follows:
1 Identity The chemical name, trade name
and manufacturers name, address and
emergency phone number can be found
here.
2 Hazardous Ingredients Hazardous
ingredients are identified here.
3 Physical and Chemical Characteristics,
Boiling/Melting point, vapor pressure
and density, water solubility, and
appearance/odor can be found here.
4 Fire Data Flash point, flammable limits,
extinguishing media, unusual
fire/explosion hazards, and any special
fire fighting equipment are listed here.

6. Reading the MSDS, Continued
5 Health Data Routes of entry (inhalation,
ingestion, etc…), effects from short and
long term exposure, emergency and first
aid procedures fall in this section.
6 Reactivity Data Stability, incompatible
materials, hazardous decomposition are
among the topics in this area.
7 Spill or Leak Procedures You will find
clean-up procedures, waste disposal, and
precautions needed when
handling/storing materials here.
8 Spill Precaution Information Any
personal protective equipment (PPE),
ventilation, and work/hygiene practices
are noted here.

7. 9. Physical and Chemical Properties This
section will include information about the
physical and chemical properties of the
material. The following characteristics
should be detailed: appearance, odor,
physical state, pH, vapor pressure, vapor
density, boiling point, freezing/melting
point, solubility in water and specific
10. Stability and Reactivity This section
requires that potentially hazardous
chemical reactions be identified. It
addresses chemical stability, conditions to
avoid, incompatibility with other
materials, hazardous decomposition and
hazardous polymerization.
Reading the MSDS, Continued

8. Reading the MSDS, Continued
11. Toxicological Information This section
discusses data used to determine the
hazards that are given in Section 3,
"Hazard Identification." The following
information can be addressed: acute
data, carcinogenicity, reproductive
effects, target organ effects, etc.
12.Reactivity Data Stability, incompatible
materials, hazardous decomposition are
among the topics in this area.
13.Disposal Considerations This section
gives important information that may be
helpful in the proper disposal of the
material. The information can cover
disposal, recycling and reclamation.

9. 14. Transport Information This section is
designed to give basic shipping information.
The basic shipping information could
include: the hazardous materials description,
hazard class and the identification number
(UN or NA numbers).
15. Regulatory Information This section
discusses information on the regulations
under which the material falls. Examples of a
few regulatory agencies are: OSHA, TSCA
(Toxic Substance Control Act), CERCLA
(Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act), SARA Title
III (Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act).
Reading the MSDS, Continued

10. Reading the MSDS, Continued
16. Other Information This section should
include any other important information
concerning the material. This information
can include: hazard ratings, preparation
and revisions of the MSDS, and label
information.

11. Reactivity (Instability) -
Yellow
4 May detonate
3 Shock and heat may
detonate
2 Violent chemical change
1 Unstable if heated
0 Stable
Fire Hazard - Red
4 Flash Point below 73 F (Boiling Point below 100 F)
3 Flash Point below 73 F
2 Flash Point above 100 F, not exceeding 200 F
1 Flash Point above 200 F
0 Will not burn
Specific Hazard - White
OX or OXY Oxidizer
W (with line through it) Use no water
Health Hazard - Blue
4 Deadly
3 Extreme Danger
2 Hazardous
1 Slightly Hazardous
0 Normal Material
higher numbers = higher hazard
GASOLINE

12. Protecting Yourself…
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be needed
to protect yourself from chemical hazards
Use the proper PPE required for each chemical
Check the PPE before use to make sure it is not
damaged
Chemicals can be safely used if…
You know the hazards and how to protect yourself
They are used only for approved purposes
They are stored properly

13. March 2004
Know what you are working with
Know where MSDS are located and how to
use them
Ask your Supervisor or Safety Committee
Rep. if you have questions
Only trained employees may use chemicals
If you have not used an item in 6 months,
you must re-read the MSDS and understand it.
REVIEW

14. The End
Read the MSDS to use hazardous material safely.