You have the right to know about the hazards you may encounter on the job and ways to protect yourself.  The material safety data sheet is a detailed bulletin prepared by the chemical manufacturer and the number one source of information regarding chemicals.  OSHA has developed a basic MSDS form to provide chemical manufacturers with a guideline in preparing MSDS’s.  The following information must be provided on each MSDS.  The information may vary from section to section depending on manufacturer, but it will be shown.

Chemical Identity.  This uses the name that’s on the label.  This section also tells you who makes or sells it and where they’re located.  It may also say when the MSDS was prepared.

Hazardous Ingredients/Identity.  This area lists all hazardous ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards and which comprise 1% or greater of the composition.  Any carcinogenic ingredients which comprise 0.1% of the composition will also be listed.

Physical Data.  This section explains the chemical’s normal appearance and odor.  Anything different should alert you to possible danger.  This also lists all other physical properties of the product:  boiling point, melting point, vapor pressure and density to name a few.

Fire and Explosion Data.  This section gives you the fire hazard risk.  Flash point is the minimum temperature at which a flammable liquid’s vapors could catch fire if they contact a spark or other ignition source.  The lower the number, the higher the risk.  Flammable limits are the minimum and maximum amounts of vapor in the air (%) that can catch fire.  It also gives you information on how to put out the fire.

Reactivity Data.  This tells you what could happen if this particular chemical is combined with other specific chemicals or air or water.  This section also tells if the chemical is stable or unstable and/or if it is incompatible with any other chemicals.

Health Hazard Data.  Tells how this chemical could affect your health—acute or chronic.  Acute happens immediately, for example, if you spill acid on your skin, it burns.  A chronic injury occurs over time—usually years.  For example, inhalation of a chemical day after day, year after year may lead to respiratory problems.  Also shown in this section are:  signs and symptoms of exposure and medical conditions aggravated by exposure.  Chemicals can only enter your body one of three ways:  inhaling, swallowing and through the skin.

Precautions for Safe Handling and Use.  Tells you what to do if there is a spill.

Control Measures.  This section tells you how to protect yourself when you work with the chemical.  What personal protective equipment is required and when to wear it.  This includes:  type of respirator, type of protective gloves, eye protection, and other protective clothing or equipment.  This section also tells what hygienic practices to follow, such as washing after handling or decontamination.