What is a MSDS?

Material Safety Data Sheets are a summary of the health hazards of the material and associated recommended safe work practices. MSDS are required by OSHA to be sent by chemical manufacturers to the purchasers of their chemicals.

If you work in a lab, then OSHA says you should:

• be aware of what an MSDS is and it’s relevance to your health and safety
• be aware of how to access MSDSs for your work area
• maintain any MSDSs that are received with incoming chemical shipments and ensure that they are readily accessible to lab employees during each work shift when they are in their work area(s). Electronic access is acceptable with a printer.

If you work with chemicals, but not in a lab you fall under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

 

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