Summary of MSDS Requirements
- They are required as a part of any compliance obligation to be available and displayed prominently in the workplace. The...
- They must be written in English and contain: the name of the chemical (same as on the label) the chemical and common...
- the name of the chemical (same as on the label)
- the chemical and common names of the substance
- any specific hazards
Full Answer
What is MSDS in OSHA?
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. MSDS requirements in the workplace. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation ...
Why is Hazard Information important?
It is also important for employees, since this information will enable workers to know how to work safely with the chemical (s). Hazard information, in the form of MSDSs and labeled containers, must be readily accessible to all workers when they are in their work areas during their workshifts.
What does OSHA believe about HCS?
OSHA believes that knowledge acquired under the HCS will help employers provide safer workplaces for their employees. When employers have information about the chemicals being used, they can take steps to reduce workplace exposures, substitute less hazardous materials, and establish proper work practices.
What is the OSHA hazard communication program?
In addition, all covered employers must have a written hazard communication program which describes how this information will be provided to their employees. OSHA believes that knowledge acquired under the HCS will help employers provide safer workplaces for their employees.
What is hazard communication information?
If, however, an employee's job goes beyond normal household use e.g., cleaning sinks all day, then the employee would be entitled to the hazard communication information (via a material safety data sheet and appropriate training) on the hazards that product may pose.
What is the OSHA standard number?
Standard Number: 1910.1200. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed.
Where to write to EPA for Superfund?
You may write to your Regional EPA Office at: EPA Region 7. 726 Minnesota Avenue.
Does a fertilizer MSDS have to list hazardous chemicals?
The MSDS does not have to list the amount that the hazardous chemical occurs in the product. Therefore, a single MSDS can be developed for the various combinations of K, P and N in your fertilizer, as long as the hazards of the various fertilizer mixtures are the same.
What Is an MSDS?
As you may know, many of the substances we are surrounded by in our daily lives are not completely safe. Humans use pesticides, herbicides, paints, detergents, shampoos, and many other products that contain various synthetic chemicals. Some of those chemicals are perfectly safe, some of them may or may not be safe, and some have known risks. However, just because something isn't safe in the long term doesn't mean that it's illegal. Very often, these substances are allowed because the risks are still fairly low when used in moderation.
Who can use MSDS?
An MSDS can be useful for firefighters, doctors, engineers, occupational hygienists, safety offices, and anyone completing an environmental impact analysis. When reading an MSDS, it is important to realize that only some of the information on it might be useful to you.
What is a reactivity hazard?
Reactivity hazards are about what happens when two chemicals are mixed together. Does the material react with water, acids, or even with the air?
What are the three things to look for in MSDS?
These include health hazards, which deal with first aid measures and what happens when someone accidentally swallows a chemical or gets it on their skin; fire hazards, including what is required to put out a fire caused by the burning of the material; and reactivity hazards, which are about what happens when two chemicals are mixed together.
What are the health hazards of a regular worker?
If you're just a regular worker, that means health hazards, fire hazards, and reactivity hazards . Health hazards include things like what happens when a chemical comes into contact with your skin or is accidentally swallowed. Health information will also tell you about first aid measures to deal with these problems.
What is MSDS documentation?
It includes technical information about the substance, instructions about protective equipment, and how to handle spills, dangerous exposures, storage , disposal, and fires. Some of these latter parts are helpful to emergency services, including doctors, nurses, and firefighters. It is therefore often required that MSDS documents are available to emergency services.
What is a fire hazard?
Fire hazards include whether something is combustible or flammable, and what is required to put out a fire caused by the burning of such material. Reactivity hazards are about what happens when two chemicals are mixed together.
How do I get MSDS sheets?
MSDS related to the purchased product must be supplied by the manufacturer. I general, there are two options to get an MSDS. They are:
What is MSDS in health?
An MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet is a technical document containing detailed and comprehensive information on the potential hazards related to health , fire, reactivity, emergency, and environmental issues . MSDS is an essential health and safety program that focuses on safe working with chemicals, hazardous materials, medical waste, or other toxic materials. The material data sheet provides all the hazard or safety information on the storage, use, handling, and emergency procedures of the material. These are mostly prepared by the manufacturer or supplier of the product and tells about the hazardous effects of the chemical, their safe usage procedure, handling information in case of accidents, etc. MSDS follows the requirements of WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) legislation, Canada, and OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standards (HCS). The main purpose of this document is to assist employees in understanding and interpreting this type of information.
Who is responsible for safety data sheets?
As per the Hazard Communication Standard, the chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers are responsible for providing the safety data sheets to the buyer.
Why is it important to know your safety data sheet?
Knowing SDS is important because one must know the hazards of the products he is using. It will help him to protect himself during emergency situations.
Why is MSDS so important?
An MSDS is very important as it provides detailed information about the potential hazard that the product may cause. Knowing all such hazards beforehand will increase safety at the workplace.
Where can I get MSDS sheets online?
You can visit their website https://www.ehs.com/resources/sds-search/ and search as SDS using the product name, manufacturer, CAS, or Product Code.
When should you read an SDS?
The SDS must be reviewed at least once every 5 years. It must add any new data as soon as they are available.
Do you need MSDS for every chemical?
While OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard is widespread in its application, it does not include every chemical and, therefore, you do not have to obtain and maintain MSDS’s for every chemical used or stored at your facility.
Do you need a MSDS for seeds?
29 CFR 1910.1200 (b) (5) (vi) – agricultural and vegetable seeds do not require a MSDS. These are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, not OSHA.
Do you need to maintain MSDSs?
Most facility safety professionals will agree, that from day one, they were told that a MSDS must be maintain for every chemical used and/or stored in the facility. As a basic rule this mind-set was okay. It certainly ensures that the facility will maintain a MSDSs for the chemicals they need to maintain a MSDS for. However, this practice will surely cost the facility addition money to manage the MSDA system, including additional time to perform chemical inventories and audits, updating MSDS binders or computer systems, and training employees.
Do you need a MSDS for vegetable seeds?
These chemicals are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, not OSHA. 29 CFR 1910.1200 (b) (5) (vi) – agricultural and vegetable seeds do not require a MSDS. These are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, not OSHA.
Do you need a MSDS for alcohol?
29 CFR 1910.1200 (b) (5) (iv) – beverage alcohols including wine and malt beverages do not require a MSDS. These chemicals are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, not OSHA.
Do you need a MSDS for food additives?
29 CFR 1910.1200 (b) (5) (iii) – foods, food additives, color additives, drugs, cosmetics, medical and veterinary devices and their ingredients do not require a MSDS. These chemicals are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), not OSHA.
Do you need a MSDS for warehouses?
29 CFR 1910.1200 (b) (4) – facilities where employees handle chemicals in sealed containers and do not open them under normal conditions (e.g., warehouses, retail stores, etc.) do not have to obtain or maintain a MSDS, excluding the following:
How many headers should be listed in an SDS?
The following sixteen headers should be listed in an SDS in the order given below:
What is SDS training?
An SDS can assist employers in developing worker protection programs (e.g. training) that are specific to the workplace while also taking steps to protect the environment outside of these programs. Additionally, SDSs provide information for consumers and suppliers on how materials should be handled and transported, ...
What are disposal considerations?
Disposal considerations – description of waste resides and information on their safe handling and methods of disposal, including the disposal of any contaminated packaging
What are the specific hazards arising from the chemical?
Specific hazards arising from the chemical (e.g. nature of any hazardous combustion products ) Special protective equipment and precautions for fire-fighters. Accidental release measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment, and emergency procedures.
What is toxicological information?
Toxicological information. Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact) Symptoms related to the physical, chemical, and toxicological characteristics. Delayed and immediate effects and also chronic effects from short and long term exposure.
