subject: What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)? [print this page] A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a document designed to provide employees with the necessary information to safely use a chemical or mixture. Generally, many important statements are included in an MSDS, including: chemical product and company identification, the composition of the ingredients, hazards identified, first aid measures, firefighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage procedures, personal protective equipment needed, physical and chemical properties, reactivity and stability information, toxicological statements, ecological information, disposal considerations, transport information and regulatory statements. This data is typically presented in a 16-section format, but can vary from a one-page format to over 10 pages, depending on the creator of the MSDS. Every jurisdiction has specific requirements as to what must be included on the MSDS and it is best to consult a professional to ensure your MSDS is compliant with local regulations.
Every chemical or mixture that is available or used in an industrial or institutional setting must have an accompanied MSDS stating the hazards associated with the product. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that an MSDS is available for each chemical product being used in his/her company. The MSDS sheets can be available in paper form or in a database on the computer, as long as they are easily accessible by workers. The MSDS should also be available to emergency responders or medical personnel who may be able to react in a more appropriate manner if they know all the hazards a product poses.
There are many places you can get an MSDS if you require one. Typically, you could get the MSDS from the distributor or manufacturer who sold you the product. However, to ensure that your MSDS is compliant and up-to-date, it is best to refer to a professional organization to prepare your material safety data sheet. A professional would be knowledgeable about every regulation that may apply to the jurisdiction in which your company is located and be able to prepare a MSDS fit to those regulations.
