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MSDS is an acronym for Materials
Safety Data Sheet, a safety data sheet (SDS), or product safety data sheet
(PSDS). It is a safety document that contains safety data about the physical
properties of a particular hazardous substance. MSDS material safety data sheet
used for effectively communicating types of hazards for a variety of
chemicals. Most chemicals go under one
or more dangerous goods classes, such as dg class 2 compressed gases, dg class 3 flammable and combustible liquids, etc.
Have you seen MSDS before?
The following is a clear meaning
of a MSDS.
What is a material safety data sheet (MSDS)?
A purpose of a Materials Safety
Data Sheet MSDS is to contain information about the physical properties of the
chemicals (hazardous substances), their health effects, and safety measures on
handling, storing, transporting, and disposal of the chemicals, as well as
first aid and emergency responses.
By whom is MSDS provided?
Chemical manufacturers or suppliers prepare MSDSs to meet the legal requirements of the countries in which they market products and distribute materials, with the guidance of international standards such as those published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO).
These requirements and standards
are in convergence with an internationally harmonized system for SDS format and
content—the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS). The information
contained in the SDS is the same as the MSDS, except the SDSs are required to
be presented in a consistent user-friendly, 16-section format.
SDS
must be prepared for every chemical substance or product that has been
classified as hazardous under the GHS. The chemical manufacturers or suppliers of MSDS should review the
information periodically (not longer than three years from the last date of
issue of the SDS, revise and update within six months after the review).
What is the importance of MSDS?
MSDS is a universal hazard
communication tool which intended to supplement the alert information provided
on labels. Furthermore, it helps in ensuring the safe use of hazardous
chemicals.
Materials Safety Data Sheet
enabling users to:
1.
Identify the hazards of the chemical
2.
Assess the risk involved in handling the chemical
3.
Take the precautionary measures to eliminate or minimize the risk
How do you Get MSDS Sheets?
To obtain MSDS, you can get them
from the manufacturer or suppliers.
Usually, manufacturers or
suppliers sending MSDS with the chemical order (paper copy or e-mail
attachment). Otherwise, you can visit their website and download it or request
a copy.
What must SDS contain?
Material safety data sheet must
provide at least nine sections of content and approximately sixty items of
information distributed among those categories. In this article, I am going to explain
SDS contents because SDS covers more information than MSDS.
Some SDS subheadings relate to information that is
national or regional, for example, "EC number" and "occupational
exposure limits". manufacturer or supplier should include information
under such SDS subheadings that is appropriate and relevant to the countries or
regions for which the SDS is intended and into which the product is being
supplied.
Before starting to explaining the SDS
content, it is important to know the meaning of GHC.
Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
In 2003, the United Nations (UN) adopted
the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
(GHS). GHS prescribes criteria for the classification of health, physical and
environmental hazards, and specifies what information should be included on
labels and SDSs of hazardous chemicals.
Safety data sheet (SDS) must contain sixteen sections of content in the following sequence:
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Section 1 |
Identification of the substance or mixture and the supplier |
|
The Elements
|
(a) GHS
product identifier; (b) Other
means of identification; (c) Recommended
use of the chemical and restrictions on use; (d)
Supplier's details (including name, address, phone number etc.); (e)
Emergency phone number |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of the element (a) Product
identifier Product Name Clorox®
Regular-Bleach1 |
|
Section 2 |
Hazards identification |
|
The Elements
|
(a) GHS
classification of the substance/mixture and any national or regional
information; (b) GHS
label elements, including precautionary statements. (Hazard symbols may be
provided as a graphical reproduction of the symbols in black and white or the
name of the symbol e.g. "flame", "skull and crossbones"); (c) Other
hazards which do not result in classification (e.g. "dust explosion
hazard") or are not covered by the GHS. |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of the element (b) See the image below |
|
Section 3 |
Composition/ information on ingredients |
|
The Elements
|
Substance (a) Chemical identity; (b) Common name, synonyms, etc.; (c) CAS number and other unique
identifiers; (d) Impurities and stabilizing additives
which are themselves classified and which contribute to the classification of
the substance. Mixture The
chemical identity and concentration or concentration ranges of all
ingredients which are hazardous within the meaning of the GHS and are present
above their cut-off levels. NOTE: For
information on ingredients, the competent authority rules for CBI take
priority over the rules for product identification. Note : CBI means "confidential business
information". |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of Substance elements ( a,b,c,d) See the image below |
|
Section 4 |
First-aid measures |
|
The Elements
|
(a) Description
of necessary measures, subdivided according to the different routes of
exposure, i.e. inhalation, skin and eye contact and ingestion; (b) Most
important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed. (c) Indication
of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed, if necessary. |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of elements (b) Most Important Symptoms and Effects Burning of eyes and skin. |
|
Section 5 |
Fire-fighting measures |
|
The Elements
|
(a) Suitable
(and unsuitable) extinguishing media. (b) Specific
hazards arising from the chemical (e.g. nature of any hazardous combustion
products). (c) Special
protective equipment and precautions for fire-fighters. |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of elements (c) Protective equipment and
precautions for firefighters As in any fire, wear
self-contained breathing apparatus pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent) and
full protective gear. Note : MSHA means the "Mine
Safety and Health Administration ". NIOSH means the
" National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health". |
|
Section 6 |
Accidental release measures |
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The Elements
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(a) Personal precautions, protective
equipment and emergency procedures. (b) Environmental precautions. (c) Methods
and materials for containment and cleaning up. |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of elements (a) Personal Precautions,
protective equipment and emergency procedures. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and
clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation. Use personal protective equipment as
required. For spills of multiple products, responders should evaluate the
MSDSs of the products for incompatibility with sodium hypochlorite. Breathing
protection should be worn in enclosed and/or poorly-ventilated areas until
hazard assessment is complete. |
|
Section 7 |
Handling and storage |
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The Elements
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(a) Precautions
for safe handling. (b)Conditions
for safe storage, including any incompatibilities. |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of elements (b) Conditions for safe storage,
including any incompatibilities Storage Store away from children. Reclose cap
tightly after each use. Store this product upright in a cool, dry area, away
from direct sunlight and heat to avoid deterioration. Do not contaminate food
or feed by storage of this product. Incompatible Products Toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers,
acids, and products containing ammonia. |
|
Section 8 |
Exposure controls/personal protection |
|
The Elements
|
(a) Control
parameters e.g. occupational exposure limit values or biological limit values. (b) Appropriate
engineering controls. (c) Individual
protection measures, such as personal protective equipment. |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of elements (b) Individual protection measures,
such as personal protective equipment Eye/Face Protection If splashes are likely to occur: Wear
safety glasses with side shields (or goggles) or face shield. Skin and Body Protection Wear rubber or neoprene gloves and
protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt. Respiratory Protection ·
If irritation is
experienced, NIOSH/MSHA approved respiratory protection should be
worn. ·
Positive-pressure supplied
air respirators may be required for high airborne contaminant concentrations. ·
Respiratory protection must
be provided in accordance with current local regulations. Hygiene Measures ·
Handle in accordance with
good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands after direct contact.
·
Do not wear
product-contaminated clothing for prolonged periods. Remove and wash
contaminated clothing before re-use. ·
Do not eat, drink, or smoke
when using this product. |
|
Section 9 |
Physical and chemical properties |
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The Elements
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(a) Appearance
(physical state, colour etc); (b) Odour; (c) Odour
threshold; (d) pH; (e) Melting
point/freezing point; (f) Initial
boiling point and boiling range; (g) Flash
point; . . (r)
Viscosity. |
|
Example |
I will give you an example of elements (g) Flash Point Not flammable |
|
Section 10 |
Stability and reactivity |
|
The Elements
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(a) Reactivity (b) Chemical
stability; (c) Possibility
of hazardous reactions; (d) Conditions
to avoid (e.g. static discharge, shock or vibration); (e) Incompatible
materials; (f) Hazardous
decomposition products. |
|
Example |
I will give you an
example of elements (d) Conditions to avoid None known based on information supplied. |
|
Section 11 |
Toxicological information |
|
The Elements
|
Concise
but complete and comprehensible description of the various toxicological
(health) effects and the available data used to identify those effects,
including: (a) Information
on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact); (b) Symptoms
related to the physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics; (c) Delayed
and immediate effects and also chronic effects from short- and long-term
exposure; (d) Numerical
measures of toxicity (such as acute toxicity estimates). |
|
Example |
I will give you an
example of elements (a) Information on likely routes of
exposure Product Information Inhalation Exposure to vapor or mist may irritate
respiratory tract and cause coughing. Inhalation of high concentrations may
cause pulmonary edema. Eye Contact Corrosive. May cause severe damage to eyes. Skin Contact May cause severe irritation to skin. Prolonged
contact may cause burns to skin. Ingestion Ingestion may cause burns to gastrointestinal
tract and respiratory tract, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. |
|
Section 12 |
Ecological information |
|
The Elements
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(a) Ecotoxicity
(aquatic and terrestrial, where available); (b) Persistence
and degradability; (c) Bio
accumulative potential; (d) Mobility
in soil; (e) Other
adverse effects. |
|
Example |
I will give you an
example of elements (a) Ecotoxicity ·
Very toxic to aquatic life with
long lasting effects. ·
This product is toxic to fish,
aquatic invertebrates, oysters, and shrimp. ·
Do not allow product to enter
storm drains, lakes, or streams. |
|
Section 13 |
Disposal considerations |
|
The Elements
|
Description
of waste residues and information on their safe handling and methods of
disposal, including the disposal of any contaminated packaging. |
|
Example |
I will give you an
example of this element Disposal methods Dispose of in accordance with all applicable
federal, state, and local regulations. Do not contaminate food or feed by
disposal of this product. |
|
Section 14 |
Transport information |
|
The Elements
|
(a) UN
number; (b) UN
proper shipping name; (c) Transport
hazard class(es); (d) Packing
group, if applicable; (e) Environmental
hazards (e.g.: Marine pollutant (Yes/No)); (f) Transport
in bulk (according to 11 of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code); (g) Special
precautions which a user needs to be aware of, or needs to comply with, in
connection with transport or conveyance either within or outside their
premises. |
|
Example |
I will give you an
example of this element Transport information DOT Not restricted. TDG Not restricted for road or
rail. ICAO Not restricted, as per Special
Provision A197, Environmentally Hazardous Substance exception. IATA Not restricted, as per Special
Provision A197, Environmentally Hazardous Substance exception. IMDG/IMO Not restricted, as per IMDG
Code 2.10.2.7, Marine Pollutant exception. Note : Dot means the " Department
of Transport". TDG means the " Transportation of Dangerous
Goods" ICAO means the " The
International Civil Aviation Organization" IATA means the " The
International Air Transport Association" IMDG means the "The
International Maritime Dangerous Goods " |
|
Section 15 |
Regulatory information |
|
The Elements
|
Safety,
health and environmental regulations specific for the product in question. |
|
Example |
I will give you an
example of this element International Regulations Canada WHMIS Hazard Class E - Corrosive material Note : (WHMIS) means "The
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System " |
|
Section 16 |
Other information including information on preparation and revision of
the SDS |
|
The Elements
|
Safety,
health and environmental regulations specific for the product in question. |
|
Example |
I will give you an
example of this element Revision Date June 12, 2015 Note : This SDS is not valid anymore but use
as example |
Summary
Chemical manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain or develop
an MSDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Distributors are
responsible for ensuring that their customers are provided a copy of these
MSDSs.
The role of MSDSs is to provide detailed information on each hazardous
chemical, including its potential hazardous effects, its physical and chemical
characteristics, and recommendations for appropriate protective measures.
The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical;
the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures;
and safety precautions for handling, storing and transporting the chemical. The
information contained in the SDS is in English. (although it may be in other languages
as well).
The information contained in the
SDS is the same as the MSDS, except
the SDSs are required to be presented in a consistent user-friendly, 16-section
format.
Further
reading:
-
Globally Harmonized System of Classification
and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), United
Nation