Hazard Communication - MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

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What are Material Safety Data Sheets?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are several pages of text describing a chemical's characteristics and potential hazards. Manufacturers create Material Safety Data Sheets and distribute them to their customers at no charge. Material Safety Data Sheets describe how to recognize, handle, store, and dispose of a chemical. (see a sample MSDS: Bleach .pdf)

Material Safety Data Sheets vary in appearance because different manufacturers create them but all Material Safety Data Sheets contain the same useful information. Information contained in Material Safety Data Sheets is governed by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and must contain specific information. Consistency and uniformity guidelines assists readers understand the chemical information presented in Material Safety Data Sheets.

May I Read A Material Safety Data Sheet?

Yes! The concept of the Material Safety Data Sheet is the heart of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29CFR1910.1200). Material Safety Data Sheets are an employee's best source of information about chemicals. Under the Hazard Communication Standard all employees have the right to know about the chemicals in their work area. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard insures your right to read Material Safety Data Sheets. Material Safety Data Sheets must be made available to you by your employer and they must be free of charge.

Further, no hazardous material will be used at NC State unless the employee has access to the MSDS for that material.

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Employer Written Program

Labeling

Types of Exposure

Hazard Evaluation

Employee Training

Hazard Communication