Chapter 4 MSDS

8/14/2019 Chapter 4 MSDS

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Part 4 - MSDS Page 1 of 12

CHEMICAL LOGISTICS MODULE

Chapter 4: (CHEMICAL) MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET - MSDS

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:

Know how to compile Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Explain the content of MSDS Identify important information in the MSDS

4.0 Introduction

Each person involved in handling dangerous substances or preparations should be provided with

written instructions on the properties of the chemicals, including illustrations and pictograms.These safety instructions and information should be collected and stored in a place easily

accessible at the workplace.

Every chemical container and package in the workplace, no matter how small or big, should have

an appropriate, clearly understandable label.

Due to the lack of space, the information on the label on each container or package is often

incomplete. It is, therefore, necessary to have access to more detailed information or instructionsfor the safe use of chemicals.

However, unless the information supplied in the MSDS is adequately and accurately prepared,effectively disseminated and correctly used, the MSDS would not be able to meet its main

objective of safeguarding and protecting the lives and health of those handling the substance.

Hence, there is a need to ensure that the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that are produced

meet certain standards of acceptability.

Logistics Engineering & Management Course


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A material safety data sheet provides the following basic information about the chemical:

1. Identification :

Name of the substance or preparation Name, address and telephone number of the company / supplier / undertaking

2. Composition and information on ingredients

3. Hazards identification

4. First-aid measures

5. Fire-fighting measures

6. Spillage, accidental release measures

7. Handling and storage

8. Exposure controls and personal protection

9. Physical and chemical properties

10. Stability and reactivity

11. Toxicological information12. Ecological information

13. Disposal considerations

14. Transport information

15. National regulations and references

16. Other information

Material safety data sheets should be available within the enterprise for every chemical substance

that has been classified as hazardous. They should also be available for preparations (products)

containing any of the hazardous substances as components.

Material safety data sheets are published under several names, such as:

international chemical safety card, ICSC chemical safety card chemical info-sheet chemical safety data sheet, CSDS product safety data sheet health and safety data safety data sheet. Chemical hazard data sheet, CHDS


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There are two different types of material safety data sheets:

material safety data sheets prepared by working groups of experts containing informationbased on laboratory tests and checked knowledge;

material safety data sheets prepared by the manufacturer or retailer.Validated data sheets on pure substances are available, e.g., from the International Programmeon Chemical Safety (IPCS) or from national institutions such as the Canadian Centre for

Occupational Safety and Health. These can be used by manufacturers as basic information

sources when they create chemical safety data sheets for their own products. They can also be

used on the shopfloor by workers handling the dangerous substances, for example solvents inpaint factories, in metal workshops to deal with degreasing baths and in laundries for washing

solvents, detergents, etc.

In several countries the manufacturer or importer has an obligation to provide chemical safety

data sheets on dangerous, classified substances and preparations for industrial users: this includes

all products containing components dangerous to human health, the environment or property.

4.1 How to compile a Material Safety Data Sheet

The sheet should provide information in a clear and concise manner, preferably in the form ofstandard phrases. Additional information may be necessary in some cases in view of the wide

range of properties of the substances and preparations. If information on certain properties of thesubstance or preparation is of no significance or is technically impossible to provide, the reasons

for this should be clearly stated.

When a safety data sheet is revised, the changes should be brought to the attention of therecipient of the substance or preparation. For example, when a dangerous solvent in paint is

changed to a less hazardous one without changing other qualities or the name of the paint, a new

safety data sheet should be prepared to go with the revised formula of the paint to the user.

The following notes related to the 16 areas of information are intended as a guide to the

compilation of a chemical safety data sheet when choosing the information to be included.

1. Identification of the substance/preparation and the company/undertaker

The names and terms used for identification must be the same as those used on the actual

label. The serial numbers and other specific identifier, for preparations which have thesame name, should be included. This is to distinguish, for example, paints of different

colours.

The name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer, importer or distributor are

important for further information inquiries and are in many countries required by law.


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2. Composition/information on ingredients

The information on the ingredients enables the user to identify readily the relevant risks.For preparations it is not necessary to reveal the full composition. However, if the

ingredient substance is classified dangerous and known to present a health hazard, and if

substance has been given an exposure limit value, these substances should be included in

the safety data sheet with indication of the concentration range.

To identify the possible hazards of a substance, its chemical name should be comparedwith names of dangerous substances from existing lists or data bases. The data can be

found in lists such as International Agency for Research of Cancer for carcinogenic

effects, United Nations Recommendation for Transport of Dangerous Goods, European

Union Classification of Dangerous Substances, Threshold Limit Values of ACGIH.

To specify the ingredient substances of a preparation it may be relevant to include inaddition to the name of the substance other identification, such as the Chemical Abstract

Service number (CAS No) and/or the number given in the Register of Toxic Effects of

Chemical Substances (RTECS) number and/or the number given in the EuropeanInventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS).

Even if certain substances are to be kept confidential, their chemical nature and the potential hazards should be described. They should also have an unambiguous generic

name. For example, 1,1,1-trichloroethane belong to the group of halogenated aliphatic

hydrocarbons.

3. Hazard identification

Under this heading should be given brief and clear descriptions of the most important

hazards the substance or the preparation creates for man, the environment or property.

Also the most important adverse human health effects (both acute and long term) andsymptoms should be listed here. Furthermore, these should all be related to the use and

possible misuse that can reasonably be foreseen.

Examples of the type of hazards to be stated includes the following:

corrosive flammable reactive toxic explosiveThis information should be compatible with that shown on the product label but need notrepeat it. In addition, hazard classifications such as UN classification numbers and NFPA


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( National Fire Protection Agency) rating may be included where available.

4. First aid measures

The first aid measures, i.e. the actions to be taken immediately in case of overexposure to

the chemical are described here.

If immediate medical attention is required, it should be specified here.

Subdivide the information according to the different routes of exposure under different

subheadings:

exposure by inhalation exposure by skin and eye contact ingestion

For some substances or preparations, special means need be available at the workplace toprovide specific and immediate treatment. This should be mentioned under this heading.

For example, workplaces handling hydrogen sulphide should have protective equipment

for an emergency situation. Personnel should be training to use this equipment for firstaid treatment. Note to physician can be added if a specific antidote is known. This can be

administered only by a medical doctor.

5. Firefighting

The information provided here can be used to plan appropriate fire and emergency

procedures.

Indicate suitable extinguishing media, as well as incompatible extinguishing media thatmust not be used. For example, foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical, but not water,

should be used in fires of organic solvents, such as toluene.

Mention special exposure hazards caused by the substance or preparation, such ascombustion products or released gases. Specify appropriate instructions; for example,

"Burning molten polymer may propagate flames".

6. Spillage, accidental release

Describe here the relevant personal precautions based on the properties of the substanceor the preparation. Precautions include the removal of ignition sources, control of dust,

and prevention of skin or eye contact. Also should be included environmentalprecautions, such as keeping run-off away from drains, and the possible need to alert theneighborhood. Methods for clean-up, such as spraying of gases/fumes with water,

dilution or use of absorbent material (sand, acid binder, sawdust...), should be placed

here.

Consider the need for indications such as `never use', `neutralize with ...'.


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7. Handling and storage

Consider precautions to ensure safe handling and to advise the reader on technicalmeasures, such as local and general ventilation, measures to prevent aerosol and dust

formation, procedures or equipment which are prohibited or recommended. If possible,

give a brief description of such procedures and/or equipment, such as electrical

grounding of containers for flammable liquids.

Give information of the conditions for safe storage: It should include:

a) type of storage container;b) siting or location of store;c) construction of the storage areas; andd) condition of storage for eg, incompatible materials, storage temperature and humidity

limit/range, and effects of light.

Pay attention to the need of specific design for storage rooms or vessels, special electrical

equipment and prevention of static electricity.

Give advice if needed on quantity limits for storage (compare with the list of chemicalswith the potential to cause major hazards and the threshold quantities suggested there). In

particular, indicate relevant special requirements including the type of material to be used

for the packing/container.

8. Exposure controls/personal protection

Exposure control means here the full range of precautionary measures to be taken during

the use of dangerous, classified substances and preparations needed in order to minimizeworker exposure. It consists of two sections :

(i) Engineering measures or Controls(ii) Personal Protection

8.1 Engineering measures or Controls

Engineering measures should always precede personal protection. It should include

information that would aid the user to select and utilise engineering control measuressuitable for the hazardous product. These are measures which are use to control exposure

to chemical hazards. Engineering controls include:a) elimination or substitution of hazardous substances;b) modification, isolation or segregation of process;c) containment controls, enclosure of sources or mechanical handling;


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d) local exhaust ventilation with scrubbing unit if necessary;e) dilution ventilation; andf) safe work practices and other engineering controlsIf a particular application requires special precautionary measures, these should be stated.A cautionary warning should be given where it is anticipated that a misuse or wrong use

of substance could result in a hazard to the user.

Information on recommended monitoring procedures should also be provided here (with

the reference).

8.2 Personal Protection

Where personal protection is needed, specify the type of equipment that provides

adequate and suitable protection:

for respiratory protection specify adequate masks and the filter type for eye protection specify the type of protective equipment, such as safety glasses,

safety goggles, face shield

for hand protection specify the type and material of gloves to be worn whenhandling the substance or preparation.

for skin protection specify the type and quality of equipment required, such as anapron, boots or full protective suit.

Indicate also the specific hygiene measures, such as eating or smoking prohibition during

handling, or washing methods.

9. Physical and chemical properties

The physical and chemical properties are useful for estimating the potential exposure,

hand spills, designing ventilation systems and helping in the design, planning and

checking of safety controls and procedures.

The following information is important regarding the description of the properties of the

substance or preparation. Add this whenever applicable.

1. Appearance: indicate physical state (solid, liquid, gas), and colour.Eg , 'yellow viscous liquid with sweet odour' or 'white crystalline powder with noodour'.

2. Odour: if odour is perceptible, give a brief description3. pH: to provide an indication of acidic or alkaline (basic) properties, give the pH


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of the substance or preparation as supplied or that of an aqueous solution (in the

latter case indicate the concentration). pH is expressed on a scale from 0 to 14,

which can be divided into the following ranges:

pH 0-2 Strongly acidic pH 3-5 Weakly acidic pH 6-8 Neutral pH 9-11 Weakly basic pH 12-14 Strongly basic

Substances or preparations with pH values 0-2 or 11.5-14 may be classified as

corrosive.

4. Boiling point/boiling range: specify here the temperature at which the materialchanges from liquid to gas. If it decomposes without boiling, the temperature atwhich it decomposes may be given at normal pressure (101.3 kP).

5. Melting point/melting range: indicate the temperature at which the solidmaterial changes to a liquid. For some polymers the softening range can be added.

6. Flash point: the lowest temperature at which a liquid or solid produces enoughvapour to form a flammable air-vapour mixture near its surface so that it can be

ignited by a spark or flame at atmospheric pressure.

7. Flammability: describes the ability of the material to ignite and burn readily. Aliquid or solid with a flash point above 21

oC but less than 55

oC is flammable.

Highly flammable relates to substances or preparations with a flash point above

0oC but below 21

oC, as well as to solids spontaneously flammable in air or which

may readily ignite after brief contact with source of ignition and which continue

to burn after removal of the source of ignition.

Extremely flammable relates to liquids which have a flash point below 0oC and a

boiling point below 35oC, and to flammable liquefied gases. LPG is an example

of these.

8. Autoflammability (Autoignition temperature): some materials have the featureof igniting in air in the absence of a spark or flame. The auto-ignition temperature

is the minimum temperature at which the material will spontaneously ignitewithout application of any external ignition source.

9. Explosive properties: specify, if appropriate, the concentrations for the lowerand upper explosion limits. These are usually expressed as volume percentage in

air, for example, for xylene 1.1-7.0%, and for benzene 1.2-8.0%.


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10.Oxidizing properties: substances and preparations which can generate andmaintain heat producing chemical reaction with other materials, especially with

flammable material.

11.Vapour pressure: describes the tendency of a material to form a vapour. It isused e.g. for estimation of the inhalation or fire hazards. Vapour pressure is

usually expressed at the temperature of 20oC.

12.Relative density: the density of the substance or preparation compared to thedensity of water (= 1). This figure indicates whether the substance floats in water

(when the relative density is less than 1) or sinks (when the relative density is

more than 1).

13.Solubility: indicate here the solubility in water. If the solubility is not accuratelyknown describe with words such as: poor, moderate, miscible.

14.Partition coefficient: means the ratio of the solubility of a substance orpreparation in n-octanol to that in water. This is given at 20

oC if not otherwise

specified.

15.Other data: provide here data relevant for safety aspects, such as vapour density,evaporation rate, conductivity, viscosity, etc.

10. Stability and reactivity

State the stability of the substance or preparation and the possibility of hazardousreactions occurring under certain conditions. List the conditions which should be

avoided, such as high or low temperatures, pressure, light and shock effects, which may

cause a dangerous reaction and if possible include a brief description of these.

List incompatible materials which may cause a dangerous reaction if they come intocontact with the substance or preparation concerned, such can be water, air, acids, bases,

oxidizing agents, etc. For example, sodium hypoclorite is incompatible with strong acids.

When mixed, it gives off noxious chlorine gas.

List here the hazardous decomposition products. Also state the hazardous decomposition

products, if any, formed upon contact with water, and the possibility of degradation to

unstable products.

Indicate specifically the need for stabilizers or the possibility of a hazardous heat-

producing reaction. Specify also the safety significance, if relevant, of a change in the

physical appearance, e.g., colour.

11. Toxicological information


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This section contains concise but complete and comprehensible description of the various

health effects which may arise.

Use data on health effects based on both experiences and conclusions from scientific

studies and on validated existing data sheets.

Include information on the possible routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin andeye contact), and describe the symptoms related to the physical, chemical and

toxicological properties.

Include known immediate and delayed effects and also chronic effects from both short-

and long-term exposure: allergy or cancer, potential mutagenic and reproductive health

hazards, and narcotic effects.

Refer, if relevant, to the information under heading `2. Composition/information on

ingredients' and to specific health effects of certain components in the preparation.

12. Ecological information

This section contains an assessment of the possible effects, behaviour and environmentalfate of the substance or preparation.

Describe the most important features that may have an impact on the environment:

mobility, division into different environmental compartments persistence and degradability

bioaccumulative potential

acute and long-term aquatic toxicity and other data, such as behaviour of thesubstance or preparation in sewage works.

toxicity to the plants, animals and soil organism contribution to the depletion of ozone layer, forming of smog

Pay special attention to the properties of substances classified as being dangerous to the

environment and which are present in the preparation. Such are, for example, aerosols

that contain halogenated hydrocarbons hazardous to the ozone layer.

13. Disposal considerations


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Provide descriptions of safe methods of disposal of surplus or waste resulting from

foreseeable use. The dangers involved in their disposal should also be considered.

Indicate appropriate methods of disposal, e.g., incineration, recycling, landfill, both for

the substance or preparation and for any contaminated packing.

Refer to the provisions related to waste, and the national or regional laws or regulationwhich may be in force.

14. Transport information

Indicate any special precautions with which the user might need to comply if the

substance or preparation is transported within or outside his premises.

Refer to additional information provided by the United Nations Recommendations onTransport of Dangerous Goods and other international agreements on the transport and

packing requirements of dangerous goods.

Give the appropriate UN transport number, hazard class and packing group.

15. Regulatory information

Local recommendations and national laws can be referred to under this section.

16. Other information

Indicate any other information which may be of importance for safety and health; such as

training advice, recommended uses, restrictions and sources of key data used to compile

the data sheet in question.

Give the date when the data sheet was issued, if this is not stated elsewhere.

4.2 QUESTIONS WHEN READING A CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD OR MSDS


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IDENTIFICATION

Do you have the right card for the chemical with which you are working or will beworking?

Do you have an up-to-date card?POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Can this chemical explode? Is this chemical unstable? If so, under which conditions? Can this material react with other chemicals? If so, which ones? Is there a possibility of

mixing during storage?

Can this chemical harm your health? Do you know the symptoms which may warn you ofoverexposure?

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Does your place of work need engineering controls? Does the chemical require special handling precautions? Do you need personnel protective equipment? Do you need to be especially careful when mixing this chemical with any other

chemicals?

Does this material require special storage conditions?

EMERGENCY MEASURES

Do you know what to do in case of a fire or explosion? Do you know the fire extinguishing method for this chemical? Do you know the first aid measures needed in case of an overexposure? Do you know what to do in case of a spill or leak? Do you know where the emergency response equipment is and how to use it?

FURTHER QUESTIONS

Search the International Chemical Safety Cardsby CAS Number, in alphabetical orderor by riskphrases.

Chapter 4 MSDS

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