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What is a MSDS?
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are documents that give information about
chemical or other materials deemed hazardous by OSHA. The District
should have a MSDS on file for every chemical that we use and keep them on the
premises for at least 30 years. MSDSs are sometimes difficult to read due to
the technical nature of the document, but they are potentially a good way to
avoid incidents or accidents involving chemicals. Refer to How to Read a MSDS below
for assistance. To obtain a MSDS for chemicals or other hazardous materials,
please contact the EH&S at ext. 4803. Some MSDSs are also available via the
Internet.
How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Effective protection you can depend on, the Material Safety Data Sheet, or
MSDS, is written
information that can help protect you from overexposure to chemicals you find
on the job.
The MSDS is part of SRJC's Hazard Communications Program. Each chemical company
can design its own MSDS form, and the sections may be in different order. But,
the basic kinds of information on any MSDS will be the same.
Chemical Name
Lists the identity of the substance (the name on the label), date the MSDS
was prepared, the name and address of the manufacturer, and usually a phone
number for emergencies and more information.
Hazardous Ingredients/Chemical Identity
Includes names of substance in the chemical that might be dangerous and safe
exposure limits such as Permissible Exposure Limit or PEL (set by OSHA) or the
Threshold Value Limit or TVL. Also lists common names for the chemical.
Physical Characteristics
Describes many physical qualities of the chemical and lets you know what's
usual or safe. For example, how the chemical looks and smells; boiling and melting
temperatures (important in case a chemical might become a gas you could breathe);
evaporation rate (known as percent volatile); how easily the chemical dissolves;
and how heavy it is (this tells you if it will sink, float, or dissolve in water).
Fire and Explosion Data
Tells you the lowest temperature when the chemical could catch fire (flash
point). Lets you know if it's flammable (catches fire below 100 degrees F) or
combustible (catches fire above 100 degrees F). Lists the best way to put out
a fire involving that chemical.
Reactivity
Describes what happens if this chemical comes in contact with air, water, or
other chemicals. Describes conditions (like heat) or materials (like water)
that can cause the chemical to react by burning, exploding, or releasing dangerous
vapors. The chemical is called "incompatible" or "unstable"
with these conditions or substances.
Health Hazards
Lists ways the chemical might enter you body, like splashing on your skin or
being breathed in as vapor as well as possible symptoms of overexposure. Lets
you know if overexposure might make existing medical conditions worse and describes
emergency first aid procedures.
Usage, Handling, And Storage
Describes how to clean up an accidental spill, leak, or release, including
special procedures. Tells you how to handle, store and dispose of chemicals
safety. Remember, if there is an accident, notify your supervisor immediately,
and take care of it yourself only if you are trained to do so and are wearing
the proper equipment.
Special Protection And Precautions
Explains special Personal Protective Equipment to use when working with the
chemical special procedures, extra health or safety information, signs that
should be posted, and other information not covered in other sections.
Required Information on a MSDS:
(A) The Chemical Name
(B) Any Common Names
(C) The CAS Number of the Hazardous Substance
(D) The Potential for Explosion
(F) The Potential for Reactivity
(G) Acute and Chronic Health Effects
(H) Potential Routes of Exposure
(I) Symptoms of Overexposure
(J) Proper Precautions
(K) Handling Practices
(L) Necessary Personal Protective Equipment
(M) Other Safety Precautions in the Use of or Exposure to the Hazardous
Substance
(N) Emergency Procedures for Spills
(O) Emergency Procedures for Fire
(P) Disposal Procedures
(Q) First Aid Procedures Risks Posed by the Hazardous Substance
(R) A Description in Lay Terms of the Specific Potential Health
(S) The Month and Year the Information was Compiled
(T) Name and Address of the Manufactures Responsible for Preparing the Information
Questions about MSDSs at SRJC? E-mail EH&S at ehsweb@santarosa.edu
or call 527-4803.
Last Revised 08/24/07
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