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In This Section

1. What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
2. Who are MSDS's for?
3. What does an MSDS look like?
4. Are there any tutorials that explain how to read an MSDS?
5. Where can I get MSDS's?

1. What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
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, andspill/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. We have seen them from 1 to 10 pages, with most being 2 to 4 pages.



2. Who are MSDS's for?

MSDS's are meant for: Employees who may be occupationally exposed to a hazard at work. Employers who need to know the proper methods for storage etc. Emergency responders such as fire fighters, hazardous material crews, emergency medical technicians, and emergency room personnel. MSDS's are not meant for consumers. An MSDS reflects the hazards of working with the material in an occupational fashion. For example, an MSDS for paint is not highly pertinent to someone who uses a can of paint once a year, but is extremely important to someone who does this in a confined space 40 hours a week. See the question "What are my rights to an MSDS?" in the next section of this FAQ for more information. That said, the Household Products Database by the U.S. National Library of Medicine is a terrific resource for consumers to educate themselves on the hazards of consumer products. For example, use it to select an environmentally-friendly ant killer, to find out who manufacturers a particular product, determine what chemicals are in your shampoo, or figure out what products use xylene! See also: Manufacturer and employer responsibilities when providing MSDSs electronically for more about employer and manufacturer responsibilities.

These 42 page MSDS pocket guides can be an effective part of your Hazard Communication Program. Get yours at www.SafetyEmporium.com!



3. What does an MSDS look like?
The formats of MSDS's tend to vary, but they usually convey the same basic kinds of information. For specific requirements see our Formats question.

To give you a feel for what kind of information can be found on an MSDS we have included two examples for you to examine:

• The toxic nerve gas, VX
• A more typical chemical such as Benzoic acid.



4. Are there any tutorials that explain how to read an MSDS?
There are a lot of these on the web. We have a 7 part-online quiz that addresses the content of OSHA format MSDS's. Other resources include:
• Denison University (ANSI Format)
• University of Missouri (excellent, ANSI format)
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (ANSI Format)
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (WHMIS Format)
• Oklahoma State (OSHA format)
• Refrigeration Technologies (OSHA Format)
• United Scenic Artists Local 829 (OSHA Format)

Also be sure to check out our MSDS HyperGlossary which explains hundreds of terms and acronyms commonly found on MSDS's. We also carry a 42-page MSDS pocket guide through our retail division, www.SafetyEmporium.com.



5. Where can I get MSDS's?

There are several places you can get them Your laboratory or workplace should have a collection of MSDS that came with the hazardous chemicals you have ordered (don't throw them away!) Most universities and businesses have a collection somewhere on site. Check with your Environmental or Occupational Health Office or science librarian. Some organizations use commercial services to obtain printed, FAX or on-line copies of MSDS's. You can get them from the distributor that sold you the material. If you can't find them then contact the manufacturer's customer service department. (Read this section about "downstream flow" of MSDS information) The Internet has a wide range of FREE resources. A handy list of 100 such sites is on our #1-ranked Where to Find MSDS's on the Internet page You can purchase software or internet subsciption services. Books such as the Merck Index and Prudent Practices in the Laboratory are not acceptable substitutes for MSDS's, but these can give practical information on toxicity, physical properties and incompatibles.

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