Using the information on MSDS

[togwt]

Material Data Sheet (MSDS) Information



A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Product Safety Data Sheet (PSDS) [: is an important component of product stewardship and workplace safety. It is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures]

Why a chemical analysis of a product from the information on an MSDS isn’t viable

An MSDS is a fact sheet developed by manufacturers and is required to state the chemical`s risks, safety and impact on the environment and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations by describing the hazardous chemical properties of a product. Includes names of substances in the chemical that might be dangerous, and safe exposure limits such as Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), set by OSHA or the Threshold Limit Value (TLV).The target audience for information in a MSDS is the occupation worker who may be exposed to the listed chemicals for prolonged periods. This information is also required for the safe storage, handling and spill protection procedures and safe disposal of the material.



Be cognizant that it is only hazardous chemicals that need to be listed; there are many other chemicals and perhaps even buffering agents or neutralizers that are non-hazardous and therefore are not required to be included.



This protects the company that formulated and sells the product. It is important to realize that all companies must keep secure their proprietary information and agreements. Without this, no business would have the incentive to develop new products, expand their market, stay competitive, and ultimately - exist.

When you see something stated in the MSDS or written on a label, it doesn’t state the exact quantity or percentage used, only a range. Don`t be steered or mislead by stated ingredients, just use them as a point of research.



Material data sheets (MSDS)



Be aware of dangerous ingredients and request Materials Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS) from the manufacturer if there is any question. An (MSDS) is required under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. The MSDS is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product. MSDS’s contain useful information such as flash point, toxicity, procedures for spills and leaks, and storage guidelines.



Chemicals or other ingredients that are include in a products formula that are considered non-hazardous are not required to be listed on an MSDS



The information given is designed only as guidance for safe handling, use, processing, storage, transportation, disposal and release and is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification.



It relates only to the specific hazardous material designated and may not be valid for such material used in combination with any other materials or in any process, unless specified in the text.



Information included in a Material Safety Data Sheet aids in the selection of safe products, helps you understand the potential health and physical hazards of a chemical and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations. Although there is an effort currently underway to standardize MSDS’s the quality of individual MSDS’s vary. It may be useful but it cannot substitute for prudent practices and comprehensive risk management.



An MSDS should be available for every chemical you use. Read these and follow the recommendations for safe use and disposal of the material. The target audience for information in a MSDS is the occupation worker who may be exposed to chemicals at work. However, much of the information is also relevant to consumers.



An MSDS is a fact sheet developed by manufacturers and is required to state the chemical`s risks, safety and impact on the environment and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations by describing the hazardous chemical properties of a product. This information is required for the safe storage, handling and spill protection procedures and safe disposal of the material.



Read the manufacturers application instructions and then obtain and read the MSDS sheet to ascertain the chemicals used. Although it should be said that an MSDS is a document that only contains details of the hazards associated with a particular chemical and provides information regarding its safe use.



California law that states companies are required to give MSDS sheets to each distributor of their products if there is anything considered by NFPA or OSHA to be hazardous or contain anything that is considered carcinogenic. MSDS Sheets must be accessible to all employees who come into contact with the products as well as State Fire and Safety departments. Chemical Distributors are also required to give it to their customers upon request.



• TLV-TWA: ACGIH Threshold Limit Value - Time Weighted Average

• PEL: OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit - Time Weighted Average

• TLV-STEL: ACGIH Threshold Limit Value - Short Term Exposure Limit

• ACGIH: American Conference of Industrial Hygienists - OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration



How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) http://www.ringling.edu/fileadmin/co...ata_Sheets.pdf



Definitions of Terms Used in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - Definition of Terms Used in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS`s)



Chemical Information (MSDS) A-Z- The Most Complete Free Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) list of chemical information on the Internet



Resources



1. The National MSDS Repository - MSDS - Google Search





[Edit: General update - 07.28.12]

[Lonnie]

The Material Safey Data Sheet is just that~ it informs the end-user of chemicals/compounds within the product that they are using and how to handle it SAFETY. It`s not intended to define the chemical make-up of a product. Unfortunately, most "end-users" have no clue on possible safety-related issues because they do not read the directions or follow them. Product manufacturer`s make every attempt to legally inform the "end-user" what the harmful ingredients are as required by law, but it`s up to the "end-user" to determine how to take the necessary precautions, including safety-ware like gloves and goggles, when using them. Splash Meg`s Wheel Brightener undiluted on your hands or arms, and see what happens; it`s not pretty and it`s painful! There`s a reason why common-sense safety even in using detailing products is important. (Or as has been said, "Common sense is not so common!")



By the way, MSDS labeling will be changing next year to be more like the European system. Why? Think increasing international sales and abiding by their rules.

[David Fermani]

Isn`t there a certain quantity of product that has to be sold in order to be required to produce an MSDS info upon demand? I know of 1 retailer that won`t produce one due to this reason. Anyone know??

[Ron Ketcham]

Tim could provide that input, he always handled the lables, requirements, etc.



I do know this, what we had to put on a "consumer" label was much less "strict" than what we had to place on a "non-consumer-professional" container back when the earth was dark and such.



You have no idea of what some countries or companies,when private labeling products, require to be on the label.



Grumpy

[David Fermani]

I`d definately like to know what the law is in regards to the requirements that a manufacturer/reseller has to abide by with their products.

[Ron Ketcham]

Give Tim a call at AI, however he is traveling a lot, but if you talk nice, (he can be grumpier than me) sure he will provide an overview of what it is all about.

Tell him when you call that I told you to do so, then I will get a complaining call from him, but that`s life!

Grumpy

[David Fermani]

I`ll do that. I`ve actually spoke to Mr. Brune before and also e-mailed him for info about sealing fresh paint a little while back. I`ll definately tell him you referred me. Tnks.

[togwt]

[Isn`t there a certain quantity of product that has to be sold in order to be required to produce an MSDS info upon demand? I know of 1 retailer that won`t produce one due to this reason. Anyone know??]



I know laws and / or regulations don’t have to make sense, but if a chemical is considered hazardous by the NFPA / OSHA is it any less ‘safe’ because they don’t sell it in large quantities.



It is my understanding that if you carry or store hazardous chemicals you must have the relevant MSDS available.



I would be interested in the outcome of your conversation with ValuGuard

[careboy]

You have no idea of what some countries or companies,when private labeling products, require to be on the label.

[togwt]

I`m still not convinced there are different rules for product disclosure on chemicals imported into the USA, although this could be the reason some nano products are not being allowed import permits (along with some suspected health issues).



When I worked for a Chemical company any products we imported to the USA or EU had to have an MSDS included with the relevant import documentaion

[C. Charles Hahn]

although this could be the reason some nano products are not being allowed import permits (along with some suspected health issues).

Suspected health issues such as what? Are some of these nano products you are speaking of isocyanate based or something?

[Ron Ketcham]

Inhalation of the particles, much as crystiline silica is gone from many compounds.

This may be the issue with nano particle products.

Mequiar`s got in a big tussle with Ford over the way they labeled compounds a few years back, didn`t want to let it be known.

If a compound has this in it`s formula at strong warning has to be on the label.

The inhalation of particles and it`s lung damage is often referred to in the mining industry.

Grumpy

[Ben@3D]

Isn`t there a certain quantity of product that has to be sold in order to be required to produce an MSDS info upon demand? I know of 1 retailer that won`t produce one due to this reason. Anyone know??

There is a California law that states companies are required to give MSDS sheets to each distributor of their products if there is anything considered to be hazardous or carcinogen in them. In addition, the MSDS Sheets are required to be accessible to all employees who come into contact with the products and fire and safety departments. Distributors in return are required to give it to their customers and so on.



Another requirement of the law is to have the MSDS available as the manufacture in case the downstream of the MSDS sheet to distributors does not reach end users. We put our MSDS sheet on our website for easy access.



So in California, as an end users, you must be given access to the MSDS sheet even if you buy the product just once or you work for a company that uses that product.



Don`t know if there is any federal laws about this though.

[Ch96067]

Though I am not versed on the specifics of MSDS in US, I come across MSDS often in my line of work (raw materials buyer) and though they may not reveal the exact make up of the product or material, they can be useful to compare products through the chemical/physical properties section.



Case in point the 303 protectant vs the 303 wiper treatment vs the 303 spot remover. First 2 show identical properties last one different.



http://www.303products.com/shop303/i...lay&page_id=44

[Ben@3D]

Even though they are the same MSDS Sheet wise, it does not mean they are exactly the same product with a different label. Maybe this is a fault of the vagueness of the MSDS Sheet.



Case in point. If you were to create an MSDS of Barry`s favorite food :madgrin:, the burger, from In-n-Out and Burger King, you would see listed:

Beef

Seasoning

Bread

lettuce

tomato

onion



These products are obviously very different though.