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A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a form containing data regarding the properties of a particular substance. An important component of workplace safety, it is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill handling procedures. The exact format of an MSDS can vary from source to source. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are a widely used system for cataloging information on chemicals. MSDS information may include instructions for the safe use and potential hazards associated with a certain chemical. MSDS (material safety data sheets) can be found anywhere chemicals are being used.
There is also a duty to properly label substances on the basis of physico-chemical, health and/or environmental risk. Labels include hazard symbols such as the Saint Andrew's Cross (a black diagonal cross on an orange background which is used in the European Union to denote a harmful or irritant substance).
Various MSDS Material Safety Label Examples
General MSDS Safety Label Examples
MSDS Triangle Label Symbol Examples
MSDS Prohibited Material Safety Label Examples
MSDS Circle Safety Label ExamplesAn MSDS for a substance is not primarily intended for use by the general consumer, focusing instead on the hazards of working with the material in an occupational fashion. For example, a Material Safety Data Sheet for a cleaning solution is not highly pertinent to someone who uses a can of the cleaner once a year, but is extremely important to someone who does this in a confined space for 40 hours a week. Material Safety Data Sheets are required to state the chemical's risks (especially to humans), safety aspects and impact(s) on the environment.
Usage by country
In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that MSDS be available to employees for potentially harmful substances handled in the workplace under the Hazard Communication regulation. The MSDS is also required to be made available to local fire departments and local and state emergency planning officials under Section 311 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. In Canada, the program known as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) establishes the requirements for MSDSs in workplaces and is administered federally by Health Canada under the Hazardous Products Act, Part II and the Controlled Products Regulations. WHMIS and MSDS requirements are also enforced by provincial Ministries or Departments of Labour. In the U.K., the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 - known as CHIP Regulations - impose duties upon suppliers, and importers into the EU, of hazardous materials. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations govern the use of hazardous substances in the workplace in the UK and specifically require an assessment of the use of a substance. Regulation 12 requires that an employer provides employees with information, instruction and training for people exposed to hazardous substances. This duty would be very nearly impossible without the data sheet as a starting point. It is important for employers therefore to insist on receiving a data sheet from a supplier of a substance.
Various Major MSDS Sheet (Material Safety Data Sheet) Internet Links
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