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MSDS Explained

Workers and emergency response personnel expose themselves to various substances throughout the course of their work. Many of these materials are harmless and pose no risk of exposure. Others, such as muriatic acid or mineral spirits, can be dangerous if handling and storage procedure guidelines are unknown. For purposes of identifying the characteristics of all fluids, powders and chemicals found in the work place, the Material Safety Data Sheet is available.

  1. MSDS Contents

    • A Material Safety Data Sheet contains all pertinent information related to a substance or material used in the work place. It lists the procedures for handling, storing, cleaning and using the product safely. Aside from listing its contents, an MSDS also communicates physical characteristics about the product such as toxicity, fire point and melting point.

    MSDS Targeted Audience

    • MSDS sheets are intended for workers and emergency responders who may expose themselves to hazardous materials at work. They are used by fire fighters and hazardous clean-up crews to help identify and properly address a situation involving hazardous materials.

    History

    • In 1986, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) first began requiring MSDS information be made available to workers and personnel who might encounter a substance in the work place.

    Format

    • A standard format does not exist for the MSDS sheet in the U.S. However, OSHA recommends the standard format established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) be used in the development of all safety data sheets. The ANSI standard lists 16 sections to be included (as applicable) into every MSDS sheet published. Elements of the format include:

      Substance identity
      Chemical composition
      Hazard identification
      First aid measures
      Fire fighting measures

    Requirements

    • The Hazard Communication Standard of the U.S. code of federal regulations dictates that all chemicals be evaluated and the resulting information communicated to all workers concerning their potential hazards. The responsibility for enforcing this code rests on OSHA. The Environmental Protection Agency, as well as many state agencies, also has rules and laws that govern the use of MSDS information.

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