Understanding Material Safety Data Sheets

University of Alaska Fairbanks Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management

September 2010

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires manufacturers or distributors of hazardous materials to assess the physical and health hazards of the chemical or product This information must be included in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which must be provided to the purchaser of the product with at least the initial shipment of the chemical

Outlined in the Hazard Communication Standard, Code of Federal Regulations (29CFR 1910.1200)

UNDERSTANDING MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

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An MSDS must be obtained and maintained for every chemical/product used in the workplace The MSDSs must be accessible to all personnel during their work hours

UNDERSTANDING MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

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The MSDS is typically organized into individual sections NOTE! Not all MSDSs are the same! Section numbers and contents can vary with each MSDS

MSDS Information by Section

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I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Product Name: Commercial or marketing name Synonym: Approved chemical name and/or synonyms Chemical Family: Group of chemicals with related physical and chemical properties Formula: Chemical formula, if applicable; i.e., the conventional scientific definition for a material CAS Number: Number assigned to chemicals or materials by the Chemical Abstracts Service. The number is unique to each chemical

MSDS Information: Section I

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I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION (CONT.)

Name,

address and phone number of the manufacturer Date MSDS was written National Fire Protection Association rating Storage Color Code

MSDS Information: Section I

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II. COMPONENT DATA (HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS/IDENTITY INFO)

Describes the percent composition of the substance, listing chemicals present in the mixture If it was tested as a mixture, lists chemicals which contribute to its hazardous nature Otherwise, lists ingredients making up more than 1% and all carcinogens

MSDS Information: Section II

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II. COMPONENT DATA (cont.)

The OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL) The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) will also be listed, if appropriate

MSDS Information: Section II

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II. COMPONENT DATA (cont.): OSHA PEL

Regulated

law!) Usually expressed in parts per million parts of air (ppm) or milligrams of dust or vapor per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) Usually a time weighted average (TWA) - concentration averaged over an eight-hour day

standard (its the

MSDS Information: Section II

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II. COMPONENT DATA (cont.): OSHA PEL

STEL

listed

or short term exposure limit may be

STEL

ceiling limit (C), is a concentration which may not be exceeded at any time A skin notation means that skin exposure (including mucous membranes or eyes) is significant in contributing to the overall exposure

is a 15 minute TWA that should not be exceeded

MSDS Information: Section II

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II. COMPONENT DATA (cont.): NIOSH REL & ACGIH TLV

Recommended

limits TLVs also use TWA, STEL, C Often limits are lower than OSHAs PEL
It

is UAFs policy to strive to meet the more conservative standards

MSDS Information: Section II

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III. PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING & STORAGE

This

section provides information for handling and storing a product. This information may be sometimes found under section VII (REACTIVITY)

MSDS Information: Section III

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IV. PHYSICAL DATA

Outlines

the physical properties of the material information may be used to determine conditions for exposure

The

MSDS Information: Section IV

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IV. PHYSICAL DATA (cont.) following information is usually included:

Boiling

The

Point: temperature at which liquid changes to vapor state Melting Point: temperature at which a solid begins to change to liquid Vapor Pressure: a measure of how volatile a substance is and how quickly it evaporates

MSDS Information: Section IV

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IV. PHYSICAL DATA (cont.)

Vapor

Density (air=1): weight of a gas or vapor compared to weight of an equal volume of air Specific Gravity (water=1): ratio of volume weight of material to equal volume weight of water Solubility in Water: percentage of material that will dissolve in water, usually at ambient temperature

MSDS Information: Section IV

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IV. PHYSICAL DATA (cont.)

Appearance/Odor: color, physical state at room temperature, size of particles, consistency, odor, as compared to common substances Odor threshold refers to the concentration required in the air before vapors are detected or recognized

MSDS Information: Section IV

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IV. PHYSICAL DATA (cont.)

Decomposition

Temperature: The temperature at which a substance will break down or decompose into smaller fragments % Volatile by Volume: Percentage of a liquid or solid, by volume, that evaporates at a temperature of 70 F

MSDS Information: Section IV

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IV. PHYSICAL DATA (cont.)

Evaporation

Rate: rate at which a material will vaporize (change from liquid to vapor) compared to the rate of vaporization of a specific known material, usually n-butyl acetate. Expressed as a ratio

Viscosity:

is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow

MSDS Information: Section IV

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IV. PHYSICAL DATA (cont.)

pH:

describes the acidic or basic nature of a material. Scale ranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic/alkaline) for an aqueous solution
Pertinent Physical Data: information such as freezing point is given, as appropriate

Other

MSDS Information: Section IV

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V. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Includes

general information about appropriate personal protective equipment for handling this material

is vital that this information be followed

It

MSDS Information: Section V

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V. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (cont.)

Eye

Protection: recommendations are dependent upon the irritancy, corrosiveness, and special handling procedures

Skin

Protection: describes the particular types of protective garments and appropriate glove materials to provide personnel protection

MSDS Information: Section V

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V. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (cont.)

Respiratory

Protection: appropriate respirators for conditions exceeding the recommended occupational exposure limits EHS&RM (474-5413 or 4746771) for information prior to the use of ANY respiratory protection equipment

Contact

MSDS Information: Section V

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V. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (cont.)

Ventilation:

The use of some products may require specific ventilation requirements

General

Exhaust: A system for exhausting air containing contaminants from a general work area. May be referred to as dilution ventilation

MSDS Information: Section V

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V. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (cont.): Ventilation

Local

Exhaust: A system for capturing and exhausting contaminants from the air at the point where the contaminants are produced i.e., capture style hoods for welding, grinding, sanding and operations or laboratory fume hoods for working with hazardous chemicals

MSDS Information: Section V

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VI. FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Contains

information regarding the recommended extinguishing media to be used in the event of a fire involving the material
may also provide information regarding unusual fire and explosion hazards associated with the material

It

MSDS Information: Section VI

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VI: FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Auto-ignition

Temperature: the approximate temperature at which a flammable gas-air mixture will ignite without spark or flame the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to ignite when a source of ignition is present

Flashpoint:

MSDS Information: Section VI

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VI. FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA (cont.) A term used by NFPA, DOT and OSHA to classify liquids on the basis of a flash point range of 100 F to 200 F

Combustible:

MSDS Information: Section VI

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VI. FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Flammable

Flammable:

Liquid is defined by NFPA as a liquid with a flash point below 100 F The OSHA definition is essentially the same The DOT definition of flammable liquid means it has a flash point of 141 F or less The EPA identifies liquids with a flash point of 140 F or less as flammable liquids

MSDS Information: Section VI

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VI. FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Flammable:
Flammable

Solids, other than explosives, are solids that will ignite readily or are liable to cause fires under ordinary conditions of transportation through friction or retained heat from manufacturing or processing and which burn so vigorously as to create a serious transportation hazard (DOT Classification).

MSDS Information: Section VI

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 VI. FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Flammable Limits:
LEL

MSDS Information: Section VI

(Lower Explosive Limit): Lowest fuel-to-air concentration in which the flammable vapor will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source is present. At concentrations below the LEL, the mixture is too "lean" to burn UEL (Upper Explosive Limit): Highest fuel-to-air concentration in which the flammable vapor will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source is present. At concentrations above the UEL the mixture is too "rich" to burn LEL/UEL concentrations are typically expressed as a lower and upper percentage range in air

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 VI. FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Extinguishing

Media: appropriate extinguishing agent(s) for the material Fire-fighting Procedures: Appropriate equipment and methods are indicated for limiting hazards encountered in fire situations Fire or Explosion Hazards: Hazards and/or conditions which may cause fire or explosions are defined

MSDS Information: Section VI

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VII. REACTIVITY DATA

Includes

information regarding the stability of the material and any special storage or use considerations Information may also be found in Section 3 Handling and Storage.

MSDS Information: Section VII

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VII. REACTIVITY DATA (cont.)

Stability:
Unstable"

indicates that a chemical may decompose spontaneously under normal temperatures, pressures, and mechanical shocks Rapid decomposition produces heat and may cause fire or explosion Conditions to avoid are listed in this section
Incompatibility:
Certain

chemicals, when mixed may create hazardous conditions. Incompatible chemicals should not be stored together.

MSDS Information: Section VII

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VII. REACTIVITY DATA (cont.)

Decomposition

Products: chemical substances which may be created when the chemical decomposes or burns a chemical reaction in which smaller molecular constituents combine with themselves to form larger, long-chain molecular structures. Rapid polymerization may produce enough heat to cause containers to explode

Polymerization:

MSDS Information: Section VII

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VIII. First Aid

Describes

first aid procedures to be taken in the event of an exposure

Caution

needs to be exercised so that those applying first aid do not become exposed to the material for which they are attempting treatment

In

the event of an exposure, call 911 to request medical assistance

MSDS Information: Section VIII

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IX. TOXICOLOGY & HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Defines

the medical signs and symptoms that may be encountered with normal exposure or overexposure to the material or its components on the toxicity of the substance may also be presented

Information

MSDS Information: Section IX

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IX. TOXICOLOGY & HEALTH HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Acute

Effect: An adverse effect on a human or animal body resulting from a single exposure with symptoms developing almost immediately or shortly after exposure Effect: An adverse effect on a human or animal body resulting from prolonged or repeated exposure with symptoms that develop slowly over a long period of time

Chronic

MSDS Information by Section IX

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IX. TOXICOLOGY & HEALTH HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Corrosive:

A liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alterations in human skin tissue Irritation: An inflammatory response or reaction of the eye, skin or respiratory system Allergic sensitization: A process whereby on first exposure a substance causes little or no reaction, but upon repeated exposure may cause a marked adverse response

MSDS Information: Section IX

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IX. TOXICOLOGY & HEALTH HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Carcinogen:

A substance or agent capable of causing or producing cancer in humans or animals Mutagen: A substance or agent capable of altering genetic material in a living organism Teratogen: A substance or agent to which exposure to a pregnant female can result in malformations to the skeleton or soft tissue of the fetus

MSDS Information: Section IX

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IX. TOXICOLOGY & HEALTH HAZARD DATA (cont.)

Results

of animal studies are most often given.

LD50 (lethal dose 50): is the dose of a substance which will cause the death of 50% of the experimental animals LC50 (lethal concentration 50): is the concentration of the substance in air which will cause the death of 50% of the experimental animals

MSDS Information: Section IX

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IX. TOXICOLOGY & HEALTH HAZARD DATA (cont.)

LDLO

(Lethal Dose Low): The lowest dose of a substance introduced by any route other than inhalation reported to have caused death in humans or animals LCLO (Lethal Concentration Low): The lowest concentration of a substance in air that has been reported to have caused death in humans or animals

MSDS Information: Section IX

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IX. TOXICOLOGY & HEALTH HAZARD DATA (cont.)

TDLO (Toxic

Dose Low): The lowest dose of a substance to which humans or animals have been exposed and reported to produce a toxic affect other than cancer. upon LD50, LC50, LDLO, LCLO and TDLO, an estimate of the potential effects on human health is obtained.

Based

MSDS Information: Section IX

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X. TRANSPORTATION DATA
This

section contains information pertinent to DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials. These regulations can be found in 49 CFR parts 100 to 177 Please contact EHS&RM (474-5617 or 4746771) if more information is needed or if shipping hazardous materials

MSDS Information: Section X

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XI. SPILL & LEAK PROCEDURES

Outlines general procedures, precautions and methods for cleanup of spills. Clean-up procedures for spills and leaks of hazardous materials are governed by a number of regulatory agencies. Do not put yourself or others at risk if you are not trained or equipped to clean-up a spill. Contact EHS&RM for assistance or to report a spill.

MSDS Information: Section XI

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XII. WASTE DISPOSAL DATA

Contains guidelines for the disposal of the product or product container if it becomes a waste. Hazardous waste is regulated by the EPA, (Environmental Protection Agency) under RCRA (Resource Conservation Recovery Act) regulations found in 40 CFR parts 260-272.
Provisions for civil and criminal penalties for the improper storage and disposal of hazardous waste are included in these regulations.

MSDS Information: Section XII

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XIII. ADDITIONAL REGULATORY INFORMATION

Contains information relevant to compliance with other Federal or state laws such as TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act), FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act) and others.

MSDS Information: Section XIII

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XIV. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This section, if present, will contain additional information regarding the product, which was not indicated in previous sections.

MSDS Information: Section XIV

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 XIV. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This section, if present, will contain additional information regarding the product, which was not indicated in previous sections.

XV. MAJOR REFERENCES Lists some of the major references that have been consulted in preparation of the MSDS.

MSDS Information: Sections XIV & XV

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Where to go for more information?

http://www.uaf.edu/safety/laboratory-safety/material-safety-data-shee/

Understanding Material Safety Data Sheets

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