Material Safety Data Sheets

Chemical labels are extremely useful for determining the immediate, acute hazards associated with a material, but the best way to learn how to use a chemical safely, is to obtain and become familiar with its material safety data sheet, or MSDS. This short document represents a key element in the Hazard Communication Standard because it allows the laboratory worker to be forewarned of any dangers involved with use of the material. This MSDS includes information regarding the physical and chemical characteristics of the material, emergency response instructions, and the hazards specific to that substance.

The MSDS must be written in English, though it may be translated for non-English speaking employees. It must be provided by the chemical manufacturer for materials that are purchased, or by the person responsible for producing the material if it is produced locally. Consumer goods, if used as intended as would the average consumer, are not required to have an MSDS on file.

MSDSs must be maintained in a location that is in immediate access to the laboratory. Though this requirement has gotten mired down in definitions of what constitutes "immediate", the responsible action would be to have these documents available in such a location where they may be used at any time by the lab personnel.

The format of the MSDS has slowly become standardized around a 16 section format which is followed by most manufacturers. Though the information presented by each manufacturer will be comparable, the MSDSs from different companies will all "look" a little different. It is important that all lab personnel become familiar with the basic format and learn how to interpret the information provided.

Interpretation of Information

There are a number of items which must be completed for every MSDS. These items are divided into sections which address specific issues as follows :

Section 1 - Materials and Company Identification
- Chemical name - usually the IUPAC or CAS name is given. Other common names and trade names may also be given.
- CAS registry number - not required by OSHA, but most state right-to-know laws require it.
- Date prepared - OSHA requires date literature was prepared or date of latest update.
Section 2 - Material Composition and Information on Ingredients
- Composition of mixtures - includes all hazardous materials over 1%, and all carcinogenic materials over 0.1%.
- OSHA PEL - either a time weighted average limit for an 8-hour day or a maximum concentration exposure limit for the items on the OSHA list. In ppm or mg/m3.
- ACGIH TLV - maximum exposure limits recommended by the American Congress of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
Section 3 - Hazards Identification
- Health effects - target organs or systems adversely affected by overexposure
- Carcinogenicity of material and test results
- Acute and chronic effects
Section 4 - First Aid Measures
- Treatment for exposure - inhalation, ingestion, eye contact, skin contact
Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures
- Fire and explosion data - usually includes :
  - flashpoint - temperature at which the chemical vapor can be ignited
  - auto ignition temperature - temperature at which chemical ignites spontaneously in air
  - flammability limits - concentrations in air above and below which it cannot burn
  - recommended extinguishing material
  - unusual fire and explosion hazards
- Provides basic instructions for addressing fire situation
- May include NFPA diamond markings
Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures
- Procedures for cleaning up small and large spills
- Cites specific regulations surrounding chemical spills
Section 7 - Handling and Storage
- Provides information regarding safe storage of materials
- Provides information regarding safe usage of materials
Section 8 - Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
- Types of protective equipment including gloves, clothing, eye protection, respiratory protection
- This section will indicate if a hood, glovebox or extra ventilation is needed.
- Administrative controls such as preplacement and periodic medical exams
- Also will indicate type of shower or eyewash facility that should be available
Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Characteristics
- Usually includes such chemical information as boiling point, melting point, vapor pressure, specific gravity, solubility in water, and evaporation rate
- Physical attributes such as physical state, appearance and odor
Section 10 - Stability/Reactivity
- Indicates stability of material, what causes instability, incompatibilities and if hazardous decomposition products are possible.
- Also may include conditions to avoid
Section 11 - Toxicological Information
- includes one or more of the following :
  - LD50 (lethal dose 50) - lethal single dose (usually oral) in mg/kg (milligrams of chemical per kilogram of animal body weight) of a chemical that results in the death of 50% of a test animal population
  - LC50 (lethal concentration 50) - concentration dose expressed in ppm for gases or micrograms of material per liter of air for dusts or mists that results in the death of 50% a test animal exposure administered in one exposure
- May include information about reproductive effects
Section 12 - Ecological Information
- May be used to provide information on the effects the material may have on plants and animals
- Provides information regarding the environmental fate of the material
Section 13 - Disposal Considerations
- Appropriate waste disposal methods
Section 14 - Transport Information
- Provides basic shipping requirements - shipping name and classification, packaging requirements and quantity limitations
Section 15 - Regulatory Information
- Cites pertinent EPA and OSHA regulations
Section 16 - Other Information
- Cites references used for construction of the document
- May indicate author of document
- May provide legal disclaimer

REMEMBER :

Chemical manufacturers are required to provide you with material safety data sheets (MSDS).

ALSO, REMEMBER :

You have the right to be informed of all known hazards associated with the chemicals you are working with.

HOWEVER :

You have the responsibility to learn how to use the information provided.

Created and maintained by Nancy Magnussen
last revised 2 Aug 1997
nancy@isc.tamu.edu