MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

The data about a chemical or mixture of chemicals used at a facility is presented on a Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS. While there is not a specific format required by OSHA for MSDS sheets, many follow a common format. OSHA provides guidance for the subjects that must be covered. There is no single mandatory form for the MSDS, so workers and the public will see many different types. What is consistent about MSDSs is the types of information required to be included on each form.

Distributors of chemicals shall ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets, and updated information, are provided to other distributors and employers with their initial shipment and with the first shipment after a Material Safety Data Sheet is updated.

The distributor shall either provide Material Safety Data Sheets with the shipped containers, or send them to the other distributor or employer prior to or at the time of the shipment.

But there are problems with MSDSs. Not all of the information is presented the same way because there is not one specific format. There is often disagreement on the data on the different MSDSs. A review of several different MSDSs for the same chemical can show different information. There is nothing that requires a detailed accounting of all information on an MSDS. Some are "bare-bones," others have more information. There can be disagreement about what constitutes safe levels of exposure or the proper instructions for medical attention.

OSHA developed the MSDS form as part of the Hazard Communication Standard, or Worker Right-To-Know regulation. OSHA wanted to make sure workers had one easy reference for most of the information on a hazardous substance. An MSDS tells:
[LINK http://www.ilpi.com/msds/index.chtml]

OSHA developed the MSDS form as part of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), or Worker Right-To-Know regulation. OSHA wanted to make sure workers had one basic reference for most of the information on a hazardous substance. An MSDS tells:

The OSHA regulations are posted on the Internet. MSDS Regulations are in Part G. http://www.osha-slc.gov:80/OshStd_data/1910_1200.html

The MSDS information that the OSHA guidance requires first examines if the chemical is a single substance or a mixture. If it is a single substance, the chemical and common name(s) of the chemical are required.

If the hazardous chemical is a mixture which has been tested as a whole to determine its hazards, the chemical and common name(s) of the ingredients which contribute to these known hazards, and the common name(s) of the mixture itself must be provided.

If the hazardous chemical is a mixture which has not been tested as a whole, the MSDS must provide:

1. The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards, and which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except that chemicals identified by OSHA regulations as carcinogens (cancer-causing agent) shall be listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater; and,

2. The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards, and which comprise less than 1% (0.1% for carcinogens) of the mixture, if there is evidence that the ingredient(s) could be released from the mixture in concentrations which would exceed an established OSHA permissible exposure limit** (OSHA PEL) or ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) Threshold Limit Value, or could present a health risk to employees; and,

3. The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to present a physical hazard when present in the mixture;

4. The physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical (such as vapor pressure, flash point);

5. The physical hazards of the hazardous chemical, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity;

6. The health hazards of the hazardous chemical, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and any medical conditions which are generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical;

7. The primary route(s) of entry;

8. The OSHA permissible exposure limit, ACGIH Threshold Limit Value, and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the Material Safety Data Sheet, where available;

9. Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions), or by OSHA;

10. Any generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use which are known to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet, including appropriate hygienic practices, protective measures during repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment, and procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks;

11. Any generally applicable control measures which are known to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the Material Safety Data Sheet, such as appropriate engineering controls, work practices, or personal protective equipment;

12. Emergency and first aid procedures;

13. The date of preparation of the Material Safety Data Sheet or the last change to it; and,

14. The name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible party preparing or distributing the Material Safety Data Sheet, who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.