Hazard
Communication - MATERIAL SAFETY DATA
SHEETS
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What Else Does a MSDS Contain?
Material Safety Data Sheets are divided into sections containing both general and specific information. Material Safety Data Sheets contain sections for Identification, Hazardous Ingredients, Physical Data, and Fire Fighting. Additional sections and information you can find in a Material Safety Data Sheet include:
Hazards Identification - Identifies types of exposure and common routes of entry. This section includes the chemical carcinogen, mutagen, and tetragen (genetic) classifications and describes health effects such as eye effects, skin effects, ingestion effects, and inhalation effects. Exposure limits for workers are listed with symptoms of overexposure. First aid measures for eye, skin, ingestion, and inhalation over-exposure are provided.
Stability and Reactivity - Identifies whether the chemical is classified stable or reactive. Section contains a list of any incompatible materials and any hazardous decomposition (by)products.
Handling and Storage - Instructions for safe chemical handling and storage. This section lists any mandatory procedures and specialized equipment required by the chemical. Regulatory classifications, notifications, and other information governing the transportation, accidental release, and disposal of the chemical are included.
Exposure Controls, Personal Protection - All engineering and administrative controls necessary to prevent employee overexposure or environmental damage. This section contains a list of appropriate and recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Common PPE items are protective gloves, safety goggles or glasses, lab coats, and personal respirators.
Is That All?
Manufacturers may include additional sections and information in their Material Safety Data Sheets and often do. Voluntarily adding sections and information does not release manufacturers from the obligation of including the mandatory sections and information. Material Safety Data Sheets are your best source for complete and accurate chemical information. Material Safety Data Sheets are readily available, accessible, and easy to understand.