We deal with a wide range of chemicals, ranging from dangerous materials to lithium batteries & cosmetics.
This knowhow and performance provide solutions to improve your value chain and your business.
What is a MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet?
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential health effects of exposure to chemicals, or other potentially dangerous substances, and on safe working procedures when handling chemical products. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program. It contains hazard evaluations on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures related to that material. The MSDS contains much more information about the material than the label and it is prepared by the supplier. It is intended to tell what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur.
What information is on the MSDS?
Each MSDS must contain sixteen sections:
Product information |
roduct identifier (scientific name, common name), |
|
Composition / Information on Ingredients |
- |
|
Hazards Identification |
data on flammability, reactivity, chronic hazards,... |
|
First-Aid Measures |
description of recommended first-aid measures in case an incident occurs, for example, in case of ingestion or inhalation of the substance, or in case of contact of the chemical product with eyes or skin |
|
Fire Fighting Measures |
recommended fire fighting apparatus, methods and products, flash point of the substance, fire-fighting class, upper and lower flammable limit (ULF - LFL), dangerous combustion products, recommendations for preventing explosions and fires |
|
Accidental Release Measures |
measures to be taken in case of the accidental release of the chemical substance or mixture into the environment: soil, rivers, waterways, sources of potable and non potable water, sea, etc. |
|
Information on Recommended Handling and Storage Conditions |
recommended procedures for the handling, storage and usage of the chemical substance or mixture |
|
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection |
this section often contains the exposure limits per country (classified by form of exposure or overexposure), as well as the personal protection equipment (PPE) recommended or required by law (respiratory protection, skin protection, eye protection, face mask, etc.) |
|
Physical and Chemical Properties |
product properties such as vapor pressure, vapor density, specific weight, water solubility, appearance, odor type, boiling point, pH value, viscosity, evaporation rate, freezing point,... |
|
Stability and Reactivity Data |
information on the stability of the substance, conditions to avoid, incompatibility with other substances or materials, hazardous decomposition products, etc. |
|
Toxicological Information |
information on the acute and chronic toxicity of the chemical substance, possibly data on the known carcinogenic properties, or labo tests |
|
Ecological Information |
information on the ecotoxicity of the chemical product, analysis of its components, biodegradability in different environments, etc. |
|
Disposal Considerations |
this section often contains references to local legal requirements regarding the disposal of hazardous chemical products |
|
Transport Information |
shipping name, hazard class, UN number, package group |
|
Regulatory Information |
classification of the substance according to TSCA, SARA, CERCLA,..., S- and R-Phrases |
|
Other Information | this section often presents a list of abbreviations used in the MSDS, references to EU Directives enEuropean or international (ISO) standards, version management of the MSDS, a disclaimer,... | |
[Quoted from Translink]
