MSDS

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.

Here is an example of instructions that can be found on a MSDS. This is from WD-40

Spill Response Procedures
Spill unlikely from aerosol cans. Leaking cans should be placed in plastic bag or open pail until pressure has dissipated.

Waste Disposal Method
Empty aerosol cans should not be punctured or incinerated; bury in land fill. Liquid should be incinerated or buried in land fill. Dispose of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

Information from the WD-40 Web site.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) specifies certain information that must be included on MSDSs, but does not require that any particular format be followed in presenting this information

  Format for Material Safety Data Sheets continued

The material safety data sheet (MSDS) is the way to make sure your cleaning staff have all the information they need about hazards and safe handling of chemicals used on the job. Simply giving the MSDS sheets to your cleaning staff is not enough; it is your responsibility to make sure proper training is available.

  Train Your Cleaning Staff to Read MSDS Sheets continued