subject: What is an Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)? [print this page] A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that informs users of potential hazards (environmental, health, fire etc.) and describes how to work safely with a chemical product. The document also contains information regarding emergency procedures and possible hazards of the product as well as how to use, store and handle it. The MSDS sheet discloses more detailed information than the product label. The intent of an MSDS is to communicate how to safely use the product, how to handle an accident should it occur,and how to recognize signs of overexposure.
Historically, the MSDS documents were designed with occupational hygienists & safety professionals as their intended readers. Currently, the intended readers are a much broader audience, they include: emergency responders, nurses, doctors, employers etc. An MSDS document should provide information in an easy-to-read format. The most important section of an MSDS provides information about the name of the chemical, possible hazards, in case of emergency instructions, and safe handling/storage instructions. It is important to be familiar with the product's hazards BEFORE using it.
Many MSDS documents will appear different because only a select amount of disclosed information is specified by law. The design of the document is left up to the company who writes the MSDS. Some companies may choose to include more that the required amount of information. Also, MSDS documents usually need to be updated every 3-5 years depending on the specific countries rules and regulations. However, if significant new information is revealed before the MSDS renewal period the supplier is required to provide an updated MSDS and label.
It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all controlled products have current MSDS documentation in the workplace. The MSDS must be accessible to employees who are exposed to the controlled product. The MSDS information may be available via computer as long as all necessary personal have access to the information and are trained on how to use the computer to access it. The computers must be kept in working order and employers are required to provide employees with hard copies of the MSDS upon request.
