1. MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets
Every Company That Manufactures
Hazardous Chemicals in the U.S.
Must Prepare One.

2. MSDS
• Mandated by OSHA in their Hazard
Communications Standard (HCS).
• Purpose: “to ensure that the hazards of all
chemicals produced or imported are
evaluated, and that information concerning
their hazard is transmitted to employers
and employees.”

3. Contents of MSDS
• Chemical Identity (title of MSDS)- provides
identity of chemical as it is found on the label.
• Section I. Manufacturer’s name and contact info
– Name
– Address
– Phone
– Emergency phone numbers
– Date MSDS was prepared

4. Contents of MSDS
• Section II. Hazardous Ingredients/Identity
Information
– Trade names
– Synonyms
– Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number
– Chemical family (general type of chemical: acid,
organic etc.)
– Molecular formula
– Molecular weight

5. Components of MSDS
• Components and Contaminants
– In some MSDS you’ll see a list of components of the
material
– This info helps you understand whether or not the
chemical/product poses a significant toxic hazard.
– Lists OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): the
lower the limit the more toxic the chemical is.
– SARA Title III (Community Right to Know Law)
notation.

6. Components of MSDS
• Section III. Physical/Chemical Characteristics
– Appearance
– Odor
– Boiling Point
– Specific Gravity (Water = 1)
– Vapor pressure (mm HG)
– pH (less than 7 = acidic, greater than 7 = basic, 7 =
neutral)
-Melting point
-Vapor density
-Evaporation rate
-Solubility in water

7. Components of MSDS
• Section IV. Fire and explosion hazard
data
– Flash point
– Flammable limits
– Extinguishing media
– Special fire fighting procedures
– Unusual fire and explosion hazards

8. Components of MSDS
• Section V. Reactivity Data
– Provides information about potential problems
in mixing or storing the chemical with another
• Reactivity hazards
• Storage or usage conditions to avoid
• Warnings about incompatibles

9. Components of MSDS
• Section VI. Health Hazard Data
– Details
• Routes of entry (inhalation, skin, ingestion)
• Health hazards (acute = immediate, chronic = build
up over time)
• Carcinogenicity
• Signs and symptoms of exposure
• Medical conditions aggravated by exposure
• Emergency and First Aid

10. Components of MSDS
• Section VII. Precautions for Safe
Handling and Use
– Provides instructions for
• safe storage
• Use
• Disposal
• What to do in case of spill or environmental release

11. Components of MSDS
• Section VIII. Control Measures
– Respiratory protection (must be trained and
fitted)
– Ventilation (local, mechanical exhaust, or
other)
– Protective gloves
– Eye protection
– Other PPE (Protective Personal Equipment)