MSDS
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Wikipedia-Article "MSDS"
A material safety data sheet or MSDS is a form containing data regarding the properties of a particular substance. An important component of workplace safety, it is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill handling procedures. The exact format of an MSDS can vary from source to source.
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are a widely used system for cataloging information on chemicals. MSDS information may include instructions for the safe use and potential hazards associated with a certain chemical. MSDS can be found anywhere chemicals are being used.
There is also a duty to properly label substances on the basis of physico-chemical, health and/or environmental risk. Labels include hazard symbols such as the Saint Andrew's Cross (a black diagonal cross on an orange background which is used in the European Union to denote a harmful or irritant substance).
An MSDS for a substance is not primarily intended for use by the general consumer, focusing instead on the hazards of working with the material in an occupational fashion. For example, an MSDS for a cleaning solution is not highly pertinent to someone who uses a can of the cleaner once a year, but is extremely important to someone who does this in a confined space for 40 hours a week.
The MSDS is required to state the chemical's risks, safety and impact on the environment.
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Usage by country
In the U.S., OSHA requires that MSDS be available to employees for potentially harmful substances handled in the workplace under the "Employee right to know" rules.
In Canada, the program known as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) establishes the requirements for MSDSs in Canadian workplaces under the Hazardous Products Act, Part II and the associated Controlled Products Regulations, both of which are administered by the federal Department of Health, WHMIS Division.
In the UK the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 - known as CHIP Regulations - impose duties upon suppliers, and importers into the EU, of hazardous substances. This includes a duty to supply a safety data sheet with 16 sections: product and supplier identification, composition/ingredients, hazard identification, first aid measures, fire fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage considerations, exposure controls/personal protective equipment, physical/chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological info, ecological info, disposal considerations, transport info, regulatory info, other info.
The COSHH Regulations 2002 govern the use of hazardous substances in the workplace in the UK and specifically require an assessment of the use of a substance. Regulation 12 requires that an employer provides employees with information, instruction and training for people exposed to hazardous substances. This duty would be very nearly impossible without the data sheet as a starting point. It is important for employers therefore to insist on receiving a data sheet from a supplier of a substance.
Phrases
The European Union (EU) requires that Risk and Safety Statements ( R- and S-phrases) and a symbol appear on each label and safety data sheet for hazardous chemicals.
- R-phrases consist of the letter R followed by a number. See List of R-phrases.
- S-phrases consist of the letter S followed by a number. See List of S-phrases.
Water Hazard Classes
The German Federal Water Management Act requires that substances be evaluated for negative influence on the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of water. These are classified into numeric water hazard classes (WGK or WHC depending whether you use the English or German acronym).
- WGK nwg: Non-water polluting substance
- WGK 1: Slightly water polluting substance
- WGK 2: Water polluting substance
- WGK 3: Highly water polluting substance