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.

A Basic MSDS Outline

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a form containing data regarding the properties of a particular substance. An important component of product stewardship and 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
• spill handling procedures.

The exact format of an MSDS can vary from source to source. We have a wide selection of DVDs covering specific gasses and chemicals here.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are required by OSHA for cataloging the hazards associated with chemicals, chemical compounds, and chemical mixtures in the workplace. MSDS information includes instructions for the safe use and potential hazards associated with a particular material or product.

MSDS labeling is required by OSHA 1910.1200

OSHA also requires proper labeling of substances on the basis of physical/chemical, health and/or environmental risk. It is commonly called the-right-to-know. MSDS labels should also include standard hazard symbols or graphics for easy identification.

The purpose of MSDS labeling

An 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 setting. For example, an MSDS 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. In some jurisdictions, the MSDS is required to state the chemical's risks, safety and impact on the environment.

Addition Hazcom Products:

Material Safety Data Sheets are only a part of an effective and compliant HazCom written plan as required by OSHA. Be sure to take a minute to look at these best-selling HazCom videos:

Hazard Communications - Right-To-Know
Hazard Communication: Regulation & Risk - Employee Training

Or view all the HazCom and MSDS videos here.