Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide in-depth information on potentially dangerous chemicals or components in a substance or product, including physical data, storage, handling, and disposal. MSDS forms vary by country and are enforced by specific organizations. Any workplace that uses a chemical-based product must have MSDS information accessible to its workers. Consumers can request an MSDS for any chemical they buy.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is an official record of the properties of a particular substance recorded on a form for easy viewing. Its purpose is to provide workers, consumers and safety personnel with in-depth information on potentially dangerous chemicals or components in a particular substance or product. The information contained in the sheet includes physical data, storage, handling and disposal.
Variations of the MSDS forms can be found in different countries. While the factsheet can provide consumers with specific information about a product’s effects or potentially harmful contents, it is primarily designed to be useful to those who work with a substance or treat those who have been injured by accidental exposure or misuse of a product.
Material Safety Data Sheets are widely used and make cataloging information about chemicals easier and more efficient. Any workplace that uses a chemical-based product must have MSDS information accessible to its workers. Likewise, any product that contains potentially hazardous chemicals must be labeled with an appropriate warning symbol, and the product must be able to be referenced on the MSDS for specific handling and exposure information.
Each country that uses these forms has a specific organization in charge of enforcing MSDS formats and content, as well as the regulations imposed on manufacturers and employers. In the United States, the mandate organization is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In Canada, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) sets the regulations.
Although the formats of the sheets vary, the information contained in them is quite consistent. While industrial and commercial companies use MSDS forms the most, consumers can request one for any chemical they buy. Information can be obtained from the dealer or the manufacturer. Likewise, anyone who does work on a home that requires the use of chemicals, whether it’s landscaping or extermination, can provide the owner with an MSDS for any product he may use.
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