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MSDS and Labels
MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet is a safety data sheet with information on health and environmental risks and other properties of certain chemical products and mixtures. MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. It can also be referred to as the safety data sheet (SDS), or product safety data sheet (PSDS).
The EU stipulates that an MSDS must exist for such products; They must also contain the ILO's recommendations in 16 headings, such as the product's name and mixture, hazardous properties, first aid measures, exposure limitation, and how to handle and store it. An MSDS must be placed next to the product to be easily accessible to anyone who may use it. Manufacturers must provide MSDS for their products (where there are requirements for MSDS) used in professional contexts.
Sample MSDS
There are 16 sections in a safety data sheet. Let’s walk through each one:
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Identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as its intended use. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier.
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Outlines the hazards of the chemical and appropriate warning information.
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Identifies the ingredient(s) of the chemical product identified on the SDS, including impurities and stabilising additives.
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Describes the initial treatment protocol for untrained responders to incidents of chemical exposure.
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Provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical.
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Details the appropriate response to chemical spills, leaks, or releases, including containment, and cleanup to prevent or minimise exposure to people, property, or the environment.
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Provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals.
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Lists chemical exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimise worker exposure.
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Identifies the physical and chemical properties associated with the product.
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Describes the reactivity hazards of chemical and chemical stability information. This section is broken into three parts: reactivity, chemical stability, and others.
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Identifies toxicological and health effects info, if applicable.
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The environmental impact of a chemical(s) if released to the environment.
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This section covers proper disposal, recycling, or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices.
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This explains classification information for shipping and transporting of the hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea.
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The safety data sheet identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific to the product.
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Tells you when the SDS was originally prepared or the last known revision date. This section of the SDS may also state where changes have been made to the previous version.
Chemical Labels
All chemical products must also be labeled. Labels with a black danger symbol on a white background are called warning labels. The warning label shall contain information on trade names, chemical names for substances or preparations, hazard symbol, risk phrases (R), protective phrases (S), the name and address of the seller or supplier, and EC number.
Hygienic Limit Values
Hygienic limit values are used to assess air quality in the workplace. The hygienic limit value for a chemical substance indicates the highest content that can occur in the inhaled air, without a person having any problems. However, it is never possible to determine a level that is guaranteed to be safe for everyone because people are differently sensitive. Anyone who has swallowed an unknown substance suspected of being at risk of poisoning should be given something to drink. Depending on what it says in MSDS, it can be one to two glasses of milk. The liquid can help bind the substance in the body. Never induce vomiting in people with affected general conditions (circulation, breathing, consciousness) as it may lead to seizures. Anyone who has accidentally swallowed corrosive substances or oil can quickly get the harmful substances into the lungs during vomiting.