Material Safety Data Sheets
MSDS
What are they used for?


A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to
provide both workers and emergency personnel with
the proper procedures for handling or working with
a particular substance. MSDS's include information
such as physical data (melting point, boiling point,
flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid,
reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment,
and spill/leak procedures. These are of particular use
if a spill or other accident occurs.
MSDS's vary in length depending on their format,
content, and font size.
Format

While the format can
vary, there is an
Occupational Safety &
Health Administration
(OSHA) recommended
format that is
commonly used.

This format
includes 8 sections
Sections 1 and 2


Section one contains the manufacturer's name and
address, as well as a phone number for information,
an emergency telephone number, the date of
preparation, and the signature of the person who
prepared it.
Section 2 provides information of hazardous
ingredients.
Section 3

Section 3 provides the physical and chemical
characteristics.

Boiling Point

Vapor Pressure

Vapor Density

Specific Gravity

Melting Point

Evaporation Rate

Solubility in Water

Appearance and Odor
Section 4

Section 4 provides information on fire and explosion
hazards.

Flash Point

Flammable Limits

Extinguishing Media

Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards
Section 5

Section 5 provides the reactivity data for the
substance.

Stability

Conditions to Avoid

Incompatibility

Hazardous Decompositions or Byproducts

Hazardous Polymerization
Section 6

Section 6 provides health hazard data.

Routes of entry

Carcinogenicity

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by
Exposure

Emergency and First Aid Procedures
Section 7

Section 7 contains information on precautions for
safe handling and use of the substance.

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or
Spilled

Waste Disposal Method

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage

Other Precautions
Section 8

Section 8 contains information on control measures.

Respiratory Protection

Ventilation

Protective Gloves

Eye Protection

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment

Work/Hygienic Practices
Sources


http://www.ilpi.com/msds
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/msdsosha174/msdsform.html