Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Commonly, MSDS consist of specific sections (identity of the product, a name, address and telephone number [including an emergency telephone number] for the manufacturer and distributor of that material/product, composition information on the identities and amounts of hazardous substances in the material/product, emergency overview information, first-aid procedures, fire fighting procedures, accidental release, handling and storage, exposure controls and personnel protection, stability reactivity, physical chemical characteristics, toxicological/environmental issues, disposal considerations, transportation and regulatory issues). Depending on the nature and location of the material addressed (U.S., Canada and European Union), the content and format of a specific MSDS may be quite variable and include symbols and phrases to identify potential hazards to exposed humans and the environment. Managing MSDS may include, but not necessarily limited to, maintaining inventories, updating documents, correcting errors, tracking documents and if appropriate preparing MSDSs and associated Safe Use Instructions for products that need them.