M.S.D.S.

MSDS

MSDS Provides Information• What is it• Who makes or sells it• Where the company is located• Why it’s hazardous• How you can be exposed to the hazard• What conditions could increase the hazard• How to handle the substance safely• What protection to use while working with it• What to do if you are exposed• What to do if there’s a spill or emergency

MSDS Label

Section 1• Tells you the name of the chemical

• The name and address of the company that makes the chemical

• The phone numbers to call for information or in an emergency

MSDS Identity

Section 2

• Hazardous ingredients

• Chemical identity information

• Common names

MSDS Characteristics

Section 3

• You can control potential hazards by understanding their characteristics

• Boiling and melting point• Vapor pressure and vapor density and

evaporation rate (so you know if the chemical vapors are heavier than air, collect near the floor)

• Solubility in water (so you know if a chemical will dissolve in water, sink, or float)

• Normal appearance and odor

MSDS

Section 4FLASH POINT-Tells you the

minimum temperature at which the vapors from a liquid may be able to ignite and cause a fire.

FLAMMABILITY LIMITS indicate the concentration of the substance, in the form of a gas or vapor, that’s needed for it to ignite.

The MSDS also tell you what to use-ABC, CO2, foam, etc.-to put out a fire, and if these are any special hazards or fire-fighting procedures to follow.

MSDS

• Section 5

REACTIVITY DATA-explains what could happen if this chemical is combined with other chemicals, or with water or air.

SOME THINGS JUST DON’T MIX WELL

MSDS

• Section 6

Health Hazard Data

This section, is one of the most important parts

of the MSDS to you. It tells how a chemical could enter your body.

• Inhaling

• Swallowing

• Through the skin

MSDS

Then it lists specific possible health hazards-things that could happen to you if you’re exposed to the chemical.

• Some effects, like skin burns, are acute: They show up right after exposure.• Others, like lung cancer, are chronic: They’re the result of exposures that show up later (months

or years) after repeated exposures over a long period of time.

The MSDS also tells you about signs and symptoms of exposure to watch out for:

• Headache,• Nausea, • Dizziness,• Rashes• Dermatitis (rashes)

MSDS

• The MSDS will state if the chemical could make an existing medical condition like asthma worse.

• If the chemical is believed to be a carcinogen (causes cancer), that will also be listed.

• Finally, if you are exposed to the substance, this sections of the MSDS gives you emergency and first-aid procedures to follow until medical help arrives.

MSDS

• Section 7This section tell you how to carefully use a substance.

It begins by explaining what to do if there’s a spill, leak, or any accidental chemical release.

This is also the section that tells you how to handle and store the substance safely (away from heat, etc.) , as well as any other precautions you might need to follow to protect yourself and those around you.

In addition, this section also cover the correct way to dispose of the hazardous substance (You may need to ask your supervisor for specific information on disposal).

MSDS-Control Measures

• Section 8 PROTECT YOURSELF

Read this section very carefully,

This section covers the protective equipment you might need, as well as the work and hygiene practices and the ventilation required to keep your exposure as low as possible.

The MSDS will explain what types of equipment to use when you work with this substance, such as:

• Type of respirator• Gloves• Eye protection• Other protective clothes and equipment

When in doubt, ask your supervisor, and follow instructions.

You control the risks

• Chemicals must be treated with respect.

• Use the recommended Personal Protective Equipment.

• Follow the directions on using the substance.

• Make sure you are using proper ventilation before you start the job.