What is MSDS?
MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. It is a safety document provided by chemical manufacturers for their products. It contains information related to the safe handling of the chemical products.
 
A typical MSDS has the following information, though some data may vary across companies:

1. Product Information – Product information includes the name of the product, other names of the product, chemical formula, molecular weight, name of the manufacturer / supplier.
2. Hazardous Identification – Safety ratings, potential health effects
3. Fire or Explosion Data – Information relating to what may cause fire when reacting with the product and measures to be taken to prevent spread of fire.
4. Reactivity Data – Data relating to what causes reactions with the product and under what conditions the product is stable.
5. Toxicological Properties - Health Effects that the product might have.
6. Handling and Storage – The conditions in which the product should be stored and the ideal way to store the product.
7. Physical and Chemical Properties – The appearance of the product, odour, solubility, pH, melting point, boiling point.
8. Preventive measures – Measures to be taken in case of accidental spill.
9. First Aid Measures – Measures to be taken in case of inhalation, ingestion, skin contact and eye contact.
10. Preparation Information – Preparation Date and person responsible
11. Transport Information – The product is hazardous or non-hazardous for air, sea and road freight
12. Regulatory Information – The various regulations which govern the product.

 
 
Who prepares MSDS?
A MSDS is prepared by the manufacturer. You can obtain MSDS along with the invoices of the order placed or you can check the manufacturer’s website and if available you can download it from there.
 
When should you use MSDS?
You should always be familiar with the hazards of a product before you start using it. Always start working with a new product by first looking at the MSDS to thoroughly understand its safe handling, storage instructions, hazards, as well emergency measures.
  
Conclusion – A MSDS is an important document which should be read thoroughly before starting work with a new product. All the workers should be familiar with the safety aspects of the product. It should be the responsibility of the supplier to provide MSDS for their products. If there is any need of new information to be added to the MSDS it should be updated when needed.