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What
is an MSDS?...(And why is it so important?)
"An
MSDS (Material Safety and Data Sheet) is a document supplied to
you when you buy or otherwise acquire a chemical that contains
a hazardous substance as defined by OSHA
(The Occupational Safety and Health Administration). The law
requires that you maintain (and make available to employees) a copy
of this MSDS.
Hey!
I'm on your side! I don't like government paperwork any more than
you do. Two other things I don't like either: sick employees and
stiff fines. Both could put us out of business.
The
first thing you want to do when unpacking a shipment of filler,
thinner, paint...whatever, is look for the MSDS in the box. Make
sure it finds its way to your MSDS file folder. If you don't have
an organized file--start one immediately."
You
should keep MSDS's in your files for two good reasons:
-
To
help protect your employees from injury and exposure hazards.
Apparently odorless chemicals can be deadly over the long
term.
-
To
protect you from fines for failure to comply with the law.
We've all heard horror stories of super-strict enforcement
practices.
Keeping
a neat file of MSDS's is not enough!
-
Read
the MSDS before you really need to. Reading first aid warnings
while someone is choking is bad timing!
-
Make
sure everyone who uses a chemical product understands its
dangers and the precautions they must take while using it.
(Failure to give this info to employees can have legal ramifications
for you)
Below
is a brief description of the different sections of a MSDS and some
of the terms used. For a more comprehensive introduction to various
terms used in MSDSs, go to our Page of MSDS
Terms.
DETAILS
OF MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET DEFINITIONS
Recipients
of Material Safety and Data Sheets should consult the OSHA Safety
and Health Standards (29CFR1910), particularly Subpart G- "Occupational
Health and Environment Control" and Subpart I - "Personal
Protective Equipment" for general guidance on control of
potential occupational health and safety hazards.
Name
of manufacturer, Manufaturer's Address, Emergency Phone Number,
Tradename of Product(s) with applicable stock number(s) are supplied
in the top portion of each MSDS.
SECTION
1 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Components are listed in this section if they present a physical
or health hazard and are present at or above 1% in the mixture.
Components identified as carcinogens by NTP, IARC, and OSHA are
listed if they are present at or above 0.1% in the mixture. Other
components are listed if deemed appropriate. Identities of components
listed generically are declared trade secrets by the raw material
suppliers.
Exposure recommendations are for individual components. Unless
specifically listed as an OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
and/or an American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists
Threshold Limit Value (TLV), all exposure limits are those on
which OSHA and ACGIH concur.
SECTION
2 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling Point - Of product, if known. If unknown,
the lowest value of the component is listed for mixtures.
Vapor Pressure - Of product, if known. If unknown,
the lowest value of the component is listed for mixtures.
Vapor Density - Compared to Air=1. If specific
vapor density of product is not known, the value is expressed
as lighter or heavier than air.
Evaporation Rate - Indicated as faster or slower
than Ethyl Ether or Butyl Acetate
Specific Gravity - Compared to water=1. If specific
gravity of product is not known, the value is expressed as less
than or greater than water.
Appearance and Odor - Describes the physical
appearance, color and smell of the product.
SECTION
3 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Flash Point - Method Identified
Flammability Limits - For product, if known.
The lowest and highest value of the components is listed for mixtures.
Extinguishing Media - Following National Fire
Protection Association criteria.
Special Fire Fighting - Minimum equipment to
protect firefighters from toxic products of vaporization, combustion,
or decomposition in fire situations.
Unusual Fire Hazard - Known or expected hazardous
products resulting from heating, burning, or other reactions.
D.O.T. Category - Describes the classification for shipping by
road.
SECTION
4 REACTIVITY HAZARD DATA
Stability - If known, conditions to avoid to
prevent hazardous or violent decomposition.
Conditions to avoid - If known, conditions to
avoid to prevent hazardous reactions.
Hazardous Polymerization - If known, conditions
to avoid to prevent hazardous polymerization resulting in a large
release of energy.
SECTION
5 HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Primary Route(s) of Entry - Based on properties
and expected use.
Effects of Overexposure (Acute) - Potential local
and systemic effects due to single or short term overexposure
to the eyes and skin, or through inhalation or ingestion.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure - If known, warning
signs which may indicate exposure to the skin or eyes, or through
inhalation or ingestion.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Overexposure
- If known, peexisting conditions which may contribute to the
effects of overexposure to the eyes and skin, or through inhalation
or ingestion
Emergency and First Aid Procedures - Procedures
to be followed when dealing accidental overexposures.
SECTION
6 CONTROL AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES
Protective equipment which may be needed when handling the product.
Ventilation - Describes the need for forced mechanical
ventilation if required.
SECTION
7 SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Reasonable precautions to be taken and methods of containment,
cleanup, and disposal. RCRA hazardous wastes and CERCLA hazardous
substances are listed in this section.
SECTION
8 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION
Hazardous materials identification system rating, based on ratings
of individual components, and D.O.T. emergency response code are
provided in this section.
SECTION
9 SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AND COMMENTS
Covers any relevant points not previously mentioned, or reinforces
those previously covered.
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