What is the Purpose of MSDS?

Referring to MSDS

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now referred to as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), provides comprehensive information about the hazards associated with a specific chemical substance. It's used to inform workers and emergency responders about potential health, fire, and reactivity hazards, as well as safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures. Keeping updated MSDS/SDS is vital for ensuring worker safety, effective emergency response, and regulatory compliance.

MSDS documents are typically stored in a readily accessible central location within a workplace where hazardous chemicals are used or stored. This ensures that all employees who may be exposed to these chemicals have immediate access to the information they need in case of an emergency or for safe handling practices.


Additional MSDS facts:

  • The purpose of MSDS is to provide specific information related to the chemical or product, such as its identity, hazards, composition, safe handling, storage, disposal, and emergency procedures. MSDSs are intended to inform and protect workers and the environment from potential exposure and harm. Source: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1995-01-25-0
  • MSDSs are required by various regulations and standards around the world, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) in Canada, and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) internationally. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_data_sheet
  • MSDSs follow a 16-section format that is internationally agreed and standardized by the GHS. The sections include identification, hazards, composition, first aid, firefighting, accidental release, handling, storage, exposure, physical, stability, toxicology, ecological, disposal, transport, and regulatory information. Source: https://ehs.research.uiowa.edu/chemical/safety-data-sheets-sdss
  • MSDSs are not primarily intended for use by the general consumer, but rather for the occupational setting where the chemical or product is used. However, consumers can also access MSDSs online or by contacting the manufacturer or supplier if they want to learn more about the substances and products they use. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_data_sheet
  • MSDSs are dynamic documents that need to be updated whenever there is new or revised information about the chemical or product, such as changes in its formulation, hazards, or regulations. MSDSs should also be reviewed periodically to ensure their accuracy and completeness. Source: https://www.hseblog.com/material-safety-data-sheet-msds/
 

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