Logistics Engineering & Management Course

CHEMICAL LOGISTICS MODULE

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

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
ƒ Know how to compile Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
ƒ Explain the content of MSDS
ƒ 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 instructions
for 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.

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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 information
12. 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 information
based 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 Programme
on 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 in
paint 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 of
standard 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 the
substance 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 the
recipient 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 the
same 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 compared
with 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 in
addition 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 European
Inventory 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) and
symptoms 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

• explosive
This information should be compatible with that shown on the product label but need not
repeat 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 to
provide 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 first
aid 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 that
must 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 as
combustion 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 substance
or the preparation. Precautions include the removal of ignition sources, control of dust,
and prevention of skin or eye contact. Also should be included environmental
precautions, such as keeping run-off away from drains, and the possible need to alert the
neighborhood. 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 technical
measures, 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; and
d) 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 chemicals
with 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 minimize
worker 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 measures
suitable 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; and
f) safe work practices and other engineering controls
If 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 when
handling the substance or preparation.

• for skin protection specify the type and quality of equipment required, such as an
apron, 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 no
odour'.
2. Odour: if odour is perceptible, give a brief description
3. 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 material
changes from liquid to gas. If it decomposes without boiling, the temperature at
which it decomposes may be given at normal pressure (101.3 kP).
5. Melting point/melting range: indicate the temperature at which the solid
material 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 enough
vapour 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. A
liquid or solid with a flash point above 21oC but less than 55oC is flammable.
Highly flammable relates to substances or preparations with a flash point above
0oC but below 21oC, 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 feature
of 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 ignite
without application of any external ignition source.
9. Explosive properties: specify, if appropriate, the concentrations for the lower
and 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 and
maintain 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 is
used 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 the
density 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 accurately
known describe with words such as: poor, moderate, miscible.
14. Partition coefficient: means the ratio of the solubility of a substance or
preparation in n-octanol to that in water. This is given at 20oC 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 hazardous
reactions 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 into
contact 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 and
eye 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 environmental
fate 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 the
substance 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 regulation
which 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 on
Transport 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 be
working?

• 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 of
overexposure?
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 Cards by CAS Number, in alphabetical order or by risk
phrases.

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