A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)—also known as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)—is a document that provides detailed information on a chemical substance or product, focusing on its potential hazards and how to work with it safely.
🔹 Purpose of an MSDS
To inform workers and emergency personnel about the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
To comply with occupational safety regulations such as OSHA (in the US), or other global standards like GHS (Globally Harmonized System).
🔹 Key Sections of an MSDS (Typically 16 Sections as per GHS)
Identification
Product name, manufacturer, emergency contact info.
Hazard Identification
Classification (flammable, corrosive, etc.), hazard symbols, warning labels.
Composition / Ingredients
Chemical identity, concentration, CAS numbers.
First-Aid Measures
Instructions for exposure via inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable extinguishing media, special hazards, protective gear.
Accidental Release Measures
Spill response, personal precautions, environmental measures.
Handling and Storage
Safe practices for handling and storing the material.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
PPE (gloves, goggles, etc.), exposure limits, engineering controls.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance, odor, boiling point, pH, solubility, etc.
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical stability, possible hazardous reactions.
Toxicological Information
Health effects, symptoms of exposure, LD50, carcinogenicity.
Ecological Information
Environmental impact, degradation, bioaccumulation.
Disposal Considerations
Safe waste disposal practices.
Transport Information
UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group.
Regulatory Information
Applicable laws and safety regulations.
Other Information
Date of preparation/revision, additional notes.
🔹 When is MSDS Required?
For all hazardous chemicals in workplaces (manufacturing, construction, labs, etc.).
Must be readily accessible to all employees working with or around hazardous materials.