| A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS sheet) is a | | | | not stable with water (as water may be the first |
| required document that is produced for a specific | | | | instinct of what to use to clean up or put out a fire). |
| product. It is a reference document for people who | | | | Section seven has details on handling and storage. |
| will be using and working with the product it | | | | These include statements on what to avoid when |
| corresponds to. Before using a product, or in the | | | | working with the product, as well as how to store it |
| case of a spill or emergency, the data on a MSDS | | | | when not in use to keep others safe. |
| sheet can give directions on how to properly handle | | | | Section eight lists exposure limits and how to keep |
| the product or the situation. An ANSI MSDS sheet is | | | | exposure at a safe level. Any personal protective |
| divided into 16 sections to give quick and easy | | | | equipment (PPE) required when using the product |
| access to various aspects of the product in question. | | | | would also be listed here. |
| Section one contains product and company | | | | Section nine contains various physical and chemical |
| information. This would include the product name and | | | | properties of the product, including physical state and |
| use, as well as the manufacturer's contact | | | | appearance, as well as boiling and freezing points. |
| information. The date that the MSDS was prepared | | | | Section ten regards the stability and reactivity of the |
| on will also be located here. | | | | product, including any incompatibility it may have with |
| Section two gives a list of the hazardous ingredients | | | | other substances. |
| and their concentration in terms of percentage of the | | | | Section eleven describes any toxicological information |
| whole product mixture. | | | | about the product. If the product is found to cause |
| Section three is the hazards identification division of | | | | toxic effects in acute or chronic exposure, these |
| the MSDS. Under this heading, routes of entry | | | | effects would be stated here. |
| exposure would be listed as well as what potential | | | | Section twelve explains any adverse effects the |
| health effects may be caused by exposure. | | | | product may have to the aquatic environment. |
| Section four is where first aid measures are located, | | | | Section thirteen gives considerations on how to |
| corresponding to each type of exposure listed in | | | | dispose of leftover product waste. |
| section three. | | | | Section fourteen states any transport information if |
| Section five lists fire fighting measures in case of a | | | | there are special shipping requirements that must be |
| fire of or near the product. This section also lists | | | | followed. |
| physical properties of the product concerning | | | | Section fifteen describes regulatory information |
| flammability (e.g., flashpoint and auto-ignition | | | | regarding the product and its ingredients. |
| temperature). | | | | Section sixteen is any other information that the |
| Section six contains accidental release measures. This | | | | supplier or manufacturer may want to include. It may |
| section is where you would find the appropriate | | | | also include the information of the party who |
| procedures to contain and clean a leak or spill. These | | | | prepared the MSDS, as well as its expiry date. |
| sections can be particularly important if the product is | | | | |