Purpose of materials safety data sheets
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?
A MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. MSDS is a document that contains information on the chemical make-up, use, storage, handling, emergency procedures and potential health effects related to a hazardous material. The MSDS contains much more information about the material than the label on the container. MSDSs are prepared and written by the manufacturer of the material.
What is the purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet?
The purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet is to inform you of:
- The material’s chemical make-up.
- The material’s physical properties or fast acting health effects that make it dangerous to handle.
- The level of protective gear you need to wear to work safely with the material.
- The first aid treatment to be provided when someone is exposed to the material.
- The preplanning needed for safely handling spills, fires, and day-to-day operations.
- How to respond to accidents.