A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document with information on hazardous materials that outlines their dangers (including fire, reactivity, environmental and health hazards), composition, safe handling, and disposal. An MSDS is required by governing bodies to accompany chemicals and substances to guide workers who are handling these potential hazards to develop a safe working environment.

How Is an MSDS helpful?

The MSDS gives workers who are handling hazardous chemicals or substances information on the properties of each. This allows employees to familiarize themselves with what the potential dangers of the hazards are and how to best avoid or contain any accident or exposure that occur. 

The information on the MSDS identifies the substance and any hazards (for example, a flammable liquid), gives the composition information on all the ingredients, provides first aid measures, accidental release measures, and fire-fighting measures. This may include which type of fire extinguisher to use or which type of industrial fire equipment firefighters might need to use. The MSDS also includes the storage and handling measures, exposure controls and how to limit worker exposure, as well the physical and chemical properties, reactivity, and toxicology.

Workers have all the information in one place that is needed to use, transport, and handle the hazards properly. Safety procedures and processes can then be developed to ensure a safe work environment and the safety of the workers.

If you’re in the Olive Branch, MS, area, learn more about how an MSDS can establish safe handling practices of hazardous substances or learn about creating a safer work environment. Visit A-1 Fire Protection online or call the office at (662) 895-2177.