Understanding the information contained in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) is a critically important aspect of health and safety in any organisation that deals with hazardous materials or dangerous substances. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what MSDSs are, which substances typically require MSDSs, and the information they contain.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?
A Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, is a comprehensive document outlining information about the hazards relating to a particular substance, as well as information on how to safely store, transport, handle, and dispose of it. Material Safety Data Sheets are compiled by the manufacturer of the substance and are more comprehensive than Transport Emergency (TREM) Cards, Hazard Labels, and Dangerous Goods Placards.
Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?
MSDS stands for ‘Material Safety Data Sheet’, while SDS stands for ‘Safety Data Sheet’. Both documents serve the same purpose, which is to outline the hazards relating to a specific chemical or substance, and can be used interchangeably. The difference is that while SDSs follow an internationally standardised format, the format of MSDSs can vary between organisations and manufacturers.
What kind of substances require Material Safety Data Sheets?
Any hazardous material (HAZMAT) or dangerous substance should be accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet. Examples of HAZMAT include:
Flammable substances
Toxic substances
Infectious substances
Corrosive substances
Radioactive substances
Asphyxiates
When are Material Safety Data Sheets used?
It is absolutely vital to have Material Safety Data Sheets for all dangerous goods and hazardous substances at your workplace or on your premises. Manufacturers should supply an MSDS when a dangerous substance is delivered, and this document must be kept on file and be easily accessible to all personnel at all times.
MSDSs should be consulted before handling hazardous substances as they outline safe handling procedures and the required personal protective equipment (PPE). In the case of an emergency or spill, MSDSs outline the reactivity, health, fire, and environmental hazards to be aware of. If the hazards associated with the substance can be neutralized, the components of this neutralizing agent can be found in the MSDS, as well as the correct disposal procedures. MSDSs also list telephone numbers where additional information can be obtained.
What information does a Material Safety Data Sheet contain?
MSDSs contain the following details:
Product Identification: States the name of the substance or chemical, including common synonyms and common names.
Composition/Information on Ingredients: Details the chemical name, concentration percentage, EINECS/ELINCS number, and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number.
Risk Phrases: Risk phrases (or R-phrases) are codes that indicate specific hazards and risks associated with a substance or chemical (for example, corrosive or flammable).
Emergency Overview: This section includes an overview of the main dangers, including the appearance of the substance, health and environmental hazards, flash point, etc.
Potential Health Effects: Describes the potential acute and chronic health risks resulting from exposure to the substance, including through contact with the eyes or skin and through ingestion, inhalation, injection, or absorption.
First Aid Measures: Provides guidance on first aid measures recommended for contact with the eyes or skin, and in the case of ingestion, inhalation, injection, or absorption.
Firefighting Measures: Outlines the fire risks associated with the chemical and recommended extinguishing methods.
Accidental Release Measures: Provides information on how to safely manage a spill or leak.
Handling and Storage: Gives instructions relating to the safe and proper protocols for handling and storing the dangerous substance.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: Outlines the recommended exposure limits, engineering controls, and PPE.
Physical and Chemical Properties: Provides detailed information regarding the physical and chemical properties of the substance, including physical state, appearance, viscosity, flash point, freezing/melting point, pH, etc.
Stability and Reactivity: Details the chemical stability conditions, conditions to avoid, incompatibilities with other materials, etc.
Toxicology Information: Includes information relating to carcinogenicity, epidemiology, neurotoxicity, etc.
Ecological Information: This section provides information on potential environmental hazards and outlines how the substance will behave in the event of accidental release into the environment.
Disposal Considerations: Provides guidance on the safe disposal of the chemical or substance.
Transport Information: Outlines classification details for transport by sea, air, rail, or road.
Regulatory Information: Indicates the product’s regulatory status and lists any applicable law and regulations.
Ensure your team receives HAZMAT training before handling dangerous substances.
According to the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993, employers have a duty to ensure that employees are trained on how to safely handle dangerous substances and how to respond in the event of an accidental spill or leak.
Protect your employees and comply with the OHS Act by sending your employees for HAZMAT training. Our specialised one-day HAZMAT course covers the following content:
Classification of Dangerous Goods: Gain an understanding of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), Transport Emergency Cards (TREM Cards), Hazardous Labels, and Dangerous Goods Placards.
Hazards Associated with Dangerous Goods: Learn about the risks dangerous substances pose to humans, animals, and the environment. Understand the different routes of entry into the human body.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Understanding how to use PPE correctly is a vital aspect of HAZMAT safety.
Safe Handling of Flammable Substances: Flammable substances carry a serious fire risk, and these substances and goods must be handled and stored according to strict protocols.
Spillage Control: In the event of an accidental spill or leak, it is essential that everyone follows the correct procedures to control the spill, prevent further damage, and avoid injury.
Formulating a Response Plan: A response plan outlines the policies and procedures that employees should follow in the event of a HAZMAT spill.
(Please note that our HAZMAT training does not cover the transportation of hazardous goods.)
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