Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

An MSDS is an important document created by the manufacturer that provides safety and handling procedures for a product. While the information presented within will vary for each product, these documents typically follow the same format, making them easier to understand and read. For more information about the contents of each section, please refer to the guide below.

According to OSHA regulations, the manufacturer must produce an MSDS, complete with accurate, up-to-date information. Distributors are responsible for ensuring that their customers receive a copy of the MSDS. Employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and MSDSs for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately. In addition, MSDSs must be readily available to employees in their work areas during work shifts.

A Guide to Looking at MSDSs

Section I- Material Identification

Provides the product name in addition to the name, address, and emergency telephone number of the manufacturer. This information must be included.

Section II- Hazardous Ingredients/Identity Information

Provides information about chemical ingredients in the product. State laws vary regarding which chemicals must be listed on the MSDS. A few laws require an evaluation of all chemicals, while many do not.

Chemicals can be known by a trade name (product brand name), generic name (family or group of chemicals), the chemical or specific name (describes the specific chemical) or the CAS Number (given by the Chemical Abstract Service to specify each chemical). The chemical name of all hazardous ingredients that make up more than 1% of the mixture must be listed on the MSDS. However, any ingredients that are considered trade secrets may be withheld from the ingredient information.

For each hazardous ingredient, the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) must be listed as well. This includes the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and possibly the limits recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Section III- Physical/Chemical Characteristics

This includes information about the chemical’s appearance and odor, as well as physical properties that indicate how easily a chemical will evaporate and release potentially harmful vapors in the air. This information includes:

• Boiling point- the temperature at which a liquid becomes gas. Lower boiling points mean that it is easier to inhale- chemicals with boiling points below 212 degrees F should raise concern.
• Vapor pressure- indicates how easily a liquid will evaporate. Volatile chemicals will evaporate quickly, meaning that air concentrations can also accumulate quickly.
• Vapor density- look for a vapor density of less than one, indicating that a gas will tend to rise in air, instead of concentrating in the bottom of a confined space.
• Appearance and odor- this is useful information in case a substance spills or leaks.
• Specific gravity- indicates that a substance will sink in water if greater than one, or float if less than one.
• Evaporation rate- indicates the rate at which a substance will evaporate.

Section IV- Fire and Explosion Hazard Data

This provides information regarding fire hazards and fire extinguishing precautions associated with a product. The flash point indicates the temperature at which a substance can be ignited by a spark. Products that have a flash point below 100 degrees F are considered flammable, and those with a flash point between 100 and 200 degrees F are considered combustible.

Section V- Reactivity Data

Indicates the consequences of mixing chemicals together with other chemicals or of improper handling and storage.

Section VI- Health Hazard Data

Indicates the health effects of exposure to the product, including the consequences of acute and chronic exposure, as well as the target organs, signs of exposure, and medical conditions aggravated by exposure. MSDSs often exclude chronic health information. Also provides routes of entry and emergency first aid procedures. Please be aware that many MSDSs do not always contain complete and accurate health hazard information.

Section VII- Precautions for Safe Handling and Use (Spill or Leak Procedures)

Indicates proper protective equipment to use with the product and precautions to take in case of spilling or leaks. Safe handling, storage, and disposal methods may also be included in this section.

Section VIII- Control Measures

This required section includes control measures to help reduce or eliminate the hazard, as well as safe work practices and personal protective equipment.

*Please note: All blocks in the MSDS must be completed, even if the information is “NOT KNOWN” or “NOT APPLICABLE (NA)”.

For more information about reading MSDSs, please refer to the following sites:

• Interactive Learning Paradigms Incorporated 
• University of Missouri
• Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• Lawson’s Interactive MSDS Guide 
• MSDS Search 
• Colgate University Health and Safety Fact Sheet
• OSHA