In
almost every industry, a chemical product is required to have a Material Safety
Data Sheet. This sheet presents much of what needs to be under- stood before using
the product. As the layout of all MSDS's follow the same general form, the problem
is to understand what they are saying. The following will try to explain what
they say.
The following sections have been edited to fit, for the full
version of each individual section contact us via email, fax, or phone.
SECTION 2 Lists any hazardous ingredients as required by OSHA "Hazard Communic-
ation Rule" (29 CFR Part 1910).
SECTION 3 Physical Data Boiling point,
specific gravity, solubility in water, freezing point, evaporation rate, vapor
pressure at 20 degrees C, % volatilizes by volume, vapor dens- ity, appearance
and odor.
SECTION 4 Fire and Explosion Flash Point (Test Method), Flammable
LIMITS IN air. % by volume. Extinguishing media, unusual fire and explosion hazards,
special fire fighting procedures.
SECTION 5 Health and First Aid Data
Acute effects of overexposure, chroni
c effects of overexposure, other health
hazards, emergency and first aid procedures, tlv or pel and source.
SECTION 6 Reactivity Data Stability, Conditions to avoid unstable, incompatibility
with other materials, hazardous decomposition products, hazardous poly- merization,
conditions to avoid.
SECTION 7 Spill and Disposal Procedures Steps to
be taken if material is released or spilled, waste disposal methods.
SECTION 8 Special Protection Information Respiratory protection, ventilation,
protective gloves, eye protect ion.
SECTION 9 Special Precautions: Precautions
to be taken in handling and storage.
